Marriott Shoals Hotel And Spa Florence

(20) TRIP TAKEN DECEMBER 31, 2004 FRIDAY HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2005!! WE BOOKED FOR THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PACKAGE OFFERED BY THE LODGE. WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME WE HAD! EXCITEMENT WAS IN THE AIR. WE CHECKED IN: WENT TO THE LOBBY, DECIDED TO WALK THE TRAIL FIRST, THEN WE WENT TO DINNER. THE WEATHER WAS JUST COOL ENOUGH TO TAKE THE TRAIL AND REMAIN COOL. WE DID NOT EVEN NEED JACKETS JUST WORE LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS. WE DID NOT WORRY ABOUT SNAKES THIS TIME OF THE YEAR ...

... which would be fantastic to ride the 'Wing on. As we approached Lynchberg we saw more and more bikes and were chuffed to see that there was a big motorcycle rally being held in the town. We parked up and wandered the streets amongst a couple of thousand bikers. It was a ...

... walked, swam, played games, drank, and rested. The boys used the time to catch up on their normal 12 hour a day computer habit. Toni made a lemon pie for Austin's birthday and we all had a grand time. I should quote Karla when she said, "...it was perfect. I could have really used a couple of more days." But, alas, it was not to be. We had another stop and more friends to see:0)

... cos all other bourbons bar one are made differently. Then it was onto the spring, was a cave where all the water for all the JD ever came from. After that a brief look at the old office buildings including the safe that had killed Jack himself. we then got taken around the actually distillery.... spelt the fumes of the liquer bubbling with its newly added yeast and then got wafts of the pure 140 proof spirit. It so wouldnt be allowed in the UK. Turned ...

... THEN we will be celebrity and go to channel 5 for "Talk of the Town" and get a tour of the station and see the live to air of the show. Can't wait for this. So I wonder if we get on TV. One last interesting fact is that this is truly the Bible belt. I have never seen so many churches and I have never prayed and said Grace so many times before. It is done at each lunch and dinner meal we have. Will write more when I can next access. You take care now ya all Jules x x

... am surprised people aren't as fat here as I thought. They look great and no fatter than Australians. Our presentations are a hit and we have done 4 so far. They love it. We are being shared around 9 clubs and are on the move all the time. I am in my third host family today. It has been very full on but it is totally true about Southern Hospitality. They are just wonderful and will go out of their way to help and very laid back. The town of Franklyn is famous for a huge battle in ...

... between the bottom of the stove and the floor. It filled up the whole dustpan! Gross, I know I am going to be cleaning the floor more often in the future. We're going to a Christmas party tonight, school tomorrow, and then... oh God... getting on a plane!! What if I forget my passport?! What if I get so nervous I slip and say something stupid to airport ...

... also have a distillery. Now Jack Daniel was a very dapper ladies' man and eligible bachelor. It must have been a source of moral consternation to all those good mamas with marriageable daughters and scruples about the demon drink to see such a fine man wasted in the liquor. Also, he was a midget, well, 5'1" anyway. He never married, never had children, but you might have a taste for his legacy. The Jack Daniel's Distillery is built at the site of the ...

... in concert halls, libraries, galleries, businesses, restaurants, churches, athletic fields, nursing homes and street corners all over the place. There is a headliner event Saturday night on the campus of the University of North Alabama. Get your $15 ticket in advance or at the door for an evening with the legendary Hank Crawford and the fabulous Jimmy McGriff. But look at the variety of other things going on ...