Day 5 Northern Alabama

So much rich history and important lessons here in Alabama. I never thought I would be so profoundly touched by the civil rights movement and the individuals involved in the fight for freedom.

Our first stop today was Rickwood field in Birmingham. The oldest ballpark in America. This was definitely an off the map place. Its a self guided tour. The ballpark is completely open for you to walk around in. You can go on the field and in the dugouts. Not another person was there. It was however in an area hit very hard by poverty. Hard to see so many in the "projects" especially when it was 98 degrees outside today and those places do not have air.

We continued onto the Civil Rights Institute. AMAZING. I had no idea about some of the happenings in the 1950's and 60's there in Birmingham. Extremely cool museum and very touching. The people involved in the "freedom fight" were so strong and brave. Upon leaving the museum we went across the street to where the 16th street church was bombed and 4 young girls killed. As we were looking around we were approached by a man who began telling us the story of what happened in those times. He was present. He grew up there and was 6 when that happened. Very touching and amazing stories he had to tell. He even gave us a demonstration of what the protesters sang when they came. Priceless experience.

Leaving Birmingham we made a stop at the Noccalula Falls in Gadsen. They drop 90 feet. Very cool! We got to ride a little train through the park...we did not make the hike down to the bottom of the falls as it was 97 degrees and SUPER humid. Oh well...we saw them anyway.

Tonight we are in Huntsville almost to Tennessee. We are set to see the US Space Museum tomorrow morning. Almost all the rooms were booked...so we are in a suite in the Holiday Inn. Nice break from the smaller hotel rooms and a cool pool.

Signing off - Traveling Mama