Today I had the opportunity to go to Samson and Florala, Alabama. I had never been to either of these places and was not sure what to expect. What I did find was surprising, enlightening, and very relaxing. I did not have time to fully explore these towns, but I will return and see what other treasures I can find.
Unfortunately, Samson is the place were the killing spree took place in March. However, there are many good things about Samson that some people seem to have overlooked or forgotton. For instance, it is home to Survivor winner, JT Thomas, JR. It was also the birthplace to cartoonist, Bill Yates. Roy Brooks, a jazz drummer, lived in Samson for a few years.
The treasure I found in Samson during this trip was the Log Cabin Museum and although it was not open to tour the inside. I did get some great shots of the structures. I'm going to have to investigate not only the history, but events that may be planned surrounding these.
Florala was named such due to Florida and Alabama bisecting the town. This town is quaint and has some beautiful old buildings lining the main highway. I intend to return to just do a "walk through" of the actual stores.
What caught my attention this trip was stunning. I was traveling down the main highway through town and looked off to my left and found this....
This is Lake Jackson, named after Andrew Jackson, and is 500 acres. Surrounding the lake is a 40 acre park which offers a pleasant walkway, a playground, beautiful sitting areas, a wetland, animals, and scenery to enjoy. I intend to do some kayaking during my return trip too.
I had to laugh when three did prove to be a crowd.
All in all, it was a good day. I was able to explore new areas and enjoy the outdoors.
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Comments: 45
I wanted to stay longer in Florala, David. Maybe soon I'll go back to spend some time on that beautiful lake and explore the areas I did not get to. Pack up and head over :)
You're welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
Thank you. It was fun.
It was worthwhile. I'll have to go back soon.
Thank you, Phil. I use a Canon EOS 20D. I like the ability to be able to change lenses. It takes me back to the 35 mm days :).
Love the bird photos.
Those were may favorites. I had a great time just watching them.
An interesting photo essay ... but where are the hill billies with dueling banjoes?
Ha! It was too early for them to be out and about. If I go back to stay at the campground, I am sure I will bear witness to a duel or two. Won't that make for some interesting shots.
Between the two towns on a desolate highway, I did stop to buy a drink at an old service station (where they still pump your gas for you). When I walked it, one of the people said (this is my best southern accent), "Well, ya know...ya shore need to git ya some more help down yonder". I had to smile at that (took me back to where I grew up).
Just don't go canoeing down the Deliverance River, Renda!
Great photos and essay!
Thanks, Marianne!
Another great photo essay!
Thanks, Matthew.
That little spot you found at Lake Jackson sure seems like a treasure. Could you swim in the lake?
Frugal Mom, yes swimming is allowed. I did not test the waters out because it isn't warm enough for me yet :)
Excellant photo essay, Ren! You have always had a special gift for finding these quaint little places :) Glad you found you a place to get that kayak wet :)
Thanks Kay. I don't know how soon I will get the kayak wet, but maybe before too long. If not in Florala, then certainly somewhere :) I traveled over 200 miles today, but it has been wet and windy all day and I didn't get off the beaten trail much.....
What a pretty place. The log cabins add something different from the usual spots to tour. Back home I used to like going to Valley Forge Park to see a bit of history and tour the log cabins.
I like the log cabins too. Although I have yet to find out any real details on them. If I can't find some information soon, then I will just have to stop and ask some of the locals.
What a great photo essay!
Thanks, Susan.
A most excellect photo essay Renda...the log cabins are the most curious...are they original or reproductions after the fact, tho a few do look about ready to fall in...makes me wonder where they were originally.
Great find on the lake...hope you find the time to head back out with your kayak ...
Great capture on the ducks in motion...
AND
What's with naming every tom dick and harry on that park sign...talk about self important people patting themselves on the back...Dissssssgusting....
Anywho...thanks for taking the camera along and sharing your trip with me
Katherine, indeed the log cabins are curious. From the state of them, I would say they are original. Looking closely at them (in person), you could see them really sagging from sitting so long. I do not know anything about them though and when I "google" for more information....I come up with nothing. I have a feeling I am going to have to check with the locals the next time I'm there.
The lake is awesome and kayaking is definitely in the plans. It will be great exercise too. I liked the ducks :)
Hahaha. I have to laugh about the naming all the sponsors on the sign. Isn't that a hoot?
Alabama is a jewel that so few people know much of. Perhaps it's better that way, Maine was realtively unknown until the 1970s and a swarm of refugees from Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut came there fleeing taxes. They proceeded to make Maine a tax/big government cesspool just like the places they had fled....
Charles, I am finding great spots here in Alabama that do not seem overrun with tourists. I like the idea of some of the towns remaining as original as possible without resorting to highrises and condos, etc, etc.
I do still enjoy Apalachicola, Carrabelle, etc in Florida....but since I can not get there as often as I once could, then I have to explore new horizons.
Hopefully I will continue to find little treasures that are not "cesspools" yet. I have never been to Maine, but have been to Boston...years ago.
I will have to email you the little dot on the map I am from ....in Alabama.
Thanks for the email, Carol. Small world isn't it?
You do get some of the greatest pictures Renda, and love the descriptions, great photo essay
Thank you, Elsie. I do better photographing than "talking". I enjoy taking the pictures. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Wonderful photo essay Renda. Such a great place to explore.
Thank you, Kay. These two areas are great places to explore.
I remember the sad news not so long ago.
The historical rustic cabins are a treasure to see.
I see you took pictures of your lunch???
It was a tragedy, Bill.
I liked the cabins too and am working on getting more information on them.
It was just a quick snack :)
Very good photo essay. Good job my friend!
Thank you, Carol. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Aren't those ducks something else?
Let me know when the humidity drops below 70 and I'll come and vist the park. It looks beautiful there. I'd love to see it, but I'm a wimp when it comes to heat and humitiy!
I do not know if the humidity ever gets that low :) It is a wonderful place. We are just opposite as far as weather goes....I adore the heat because I can always find ways to cool off. However the cold is another story, it takes me FOREVER to warm up.
I guess it's all in what you get used to. I had a sister-in-law that lived on the west coast of Florida for a while and complained bitterly about the humidity. She said you could cut it with a knife. As seeing as how she came from Oklahoma where they know something about heat and humidity, I figured it really must be bad. Well, I guess I won't be visiting there any time soon, so I will be content to live vicariously through you and your wonderful photos. Thanks!
It can be rough, especially in the dead of summer. You're right...it's all in what you grow accustomed to. I'm glad you enjoy the photos. Come back anytime :) I will be patiently waiting for your next kayaking trip too.