Day 10 - Pardon me boys, is that the Chattanooga "Quack Quack"?

Thursday, 01 September (sitting in Dunlap, TN)

As we left Alabama this morning, Deb noticed this evidence that we are truly in the South... as if the Coon Dog Cemeteries that we passed last night were not enough proof.  This was a sign at "Hardee's"... (Carl's Jr. back home).

We passed "Redstone" in Huntsville, AL... Home of Space Camp... (We might have to go back there with three future astronauts... or what ever they are called now that we have no way to fly into space... Don't get me going!)

From Alabama, we passed briefly through Georgia's Dade County...

... on our way back into Tennessee.  Next stop - Chattanooga to meet Brandyn, Jen, and the boys for a special treat...











Brandyn bought tickets for all of to take a tour on one of the Chattanooga "Ducks"... 1943 amphibious vehicles used during WWII.

Part of the tour takes you down Broadway Street, where you can see many examples of art along the sidewalks... this is a very hard sofa...











Next, it was into the river... it was a very steep entry ramp and we made quite a splash.  Our tour guide was very good at what he did... and was exellent with the boys.  Each of our grandsons got to drive the "boat"...

First up was the Birthday Boy, Kaleb.













He drove us up the river past the Chattanooga Aquarium, which is one of the best in the world...

Then under the "Market Street" bridge, which is really the John Ross Bridge... a long story...

Kaleb did a great job... driving a WWII vehicle is not something many 8 year old kids get to say they have done...

Next it was Ammon's turn...













Brandyn enjoyed watching the boys have fun...













This is the new improved waterfront park that was put in to clean up the area after the Aquarium was built... I guess it used to smell pretty bad and the patrons of the parks above demanded the change...










Finally, it was Hyrum's turn at the wheel... of course, big brother had to offer unsolicited advice.












After a few "cookies" hard to the starboard side, we eventually got the duck into six-wheel drive and back up the steep ramp.











Everyone had a great time...  Thanks Brandyn!













After the ride, we enjoyed some mini-cupcakes and a cold drink at a loocal bake shop...












Then we all went to "Sticky Fingers BBQ" for a very good dinner of smoked wings and ribs, and a special birthday treat of bread pudding for the Birthday Boy!

Now we are enjoying the first of many days that we will spend here in Dunlap taking care of the boys while Brandyn and Jen go on a cruise.

Scott.