A Civil War Cemetery & a Peanut Farmer who became President

Oct19/15 Weather sunny but cool high 65 low 45.  Within 65 miles of our Twin Oaks RV Park in Elko, Georgia are two National Historic Sites run by the NPS.  It will be an easy ride with our leathers on today; our first stop is about 30 miles to  Andersonville then on to Plains for our second stop.

150 years ago the Civil War claimed 750,000 lives in America when it ended in 1865.  We are at the Camp Sumter Military prison site, also known as Andersonville.  A mere 26 1/2 acres that was intended to hold a maximum of 10,000 prisoners. Hastily built it started taking prisoners in February, 1864 and by August over 32,000 soldiers struggled to survive in what men called 'hell on earth'.  The museum highlights the difficulties a POW endured.   Death was rampant averaging 130 men per day from disease, starvation or exposure.   

Next to the prison is the hallowed ground of the Andersonville National Cemetery.  Mass grave rows were dug where bodies were laid beside each other then buried.  Monument markers are inches of each other.   Rows and rows and rows.  Over 13,000 prisoners buried.  Monuments from the Union States representing the soldiers are scattered throughout the cemetery.  The footprint of the prison and cemetery is small, but Andersonville left a large mark on American history.  Lest we never forget this very sad time. 

We left with a shadow hanging over us.  Riding on another half hour we were both deep in thought and reverence for the soldiers.  

We pulled into a little crossroads of a town called Plains, Georgia where the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site showcases the 39th President of the United States. 

Few Presidents have kept such close ties with where they were born and raised, and come full circle back to live out their lives.  You can tour the Plains depot which was Jimmy's headquarters, the Carter Boyhood farm, the Plains high school and drive by where Jimmy and Rosalind still live today.   In the nearby Marantha baptist church Jimmy still teaches Sunday school.  In 2002 he won the Nobel Peace prize for his work for peace and humanity.  

The simplicity of what Jimmy Carter did was pretty incredible.  Running for President now seems light years away from 1977.  

Surprises in Perry, Georgia & stripes make your butt look big

Oct 17 to 19/2015 Weather is sunny low 70's, nights low 45.  Really nice. 
Driving thru Atlanta was ok, then we hit a 1 hour delay for 9 miles. Construction brings I75 to its knees.  And we thought we were so smart taking the bypass thinking it was a breeze!
 Once we got moving again we decided that stopping around Perry Georgia would be a good enough day.  This time we called ahead to Twin Oaks RV Park to reserve a site.  The fellow said he had a site since the National Fair was ending soon..... Oh oh what fair?  Well it runs for 11 days and there will be about 500,000 visitors, 1800 rabbits, 75 lamas, and every year since 1999 Alabama plays to a sold out crowd!!!  They even had a Scarecrow competition.

 Couple miles away from our exit at Perry the traffic came to a grinding jam again today.  About 45 minutes later we pulled into the park.

  The Fair sounded interesting, so maybe we should stay a couple of days and check it out.  The owner was so great when he was telling us about things to do around here; and he gave me his last day pass to get in free!  Also nearby is Andersonville National Historic Site & Civil War Cemetary and in Plains is Jimmy Carter National Historic Site.  

The Perry Fairgrounds are huge and the facilities for livestock and exhibitions was very impressive.  Much like our Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Only much warmer climate!!  

They had rides and fair food (more BBQ pork than we've ever seen on a grill) and big name entertainment and livestock and arts and crafts and flower competitions.  

It kept us walking around all day, till our feet said to go home.   Such a great surprise to us.  Now we know all about The Georgia National Fair! 

Love this quilt that won the people's choice award.  The quilter has a great sense of humour.  She called it ...............hahahaha.  "Actually yes I think they do make your butt look big"