Alabama North

Our stop in northern Alabama was in the town of Gadsden, at Noccalula (no-ca-loola) Falls. Noccalula Falls is a county park next to the falls, with a train that goes around the park, a petting zoo, and the Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park.

Being an older park, some of the sites were tight... we were fortunate, once we got the trailer past the trees on either side of the site, it was a piece of cake. Unfortunately on our slide side, we were really close to our neighbor, but all was good, they were there just for a night, then it was open the rest of our stay.

Our first walk was to explore the falls and park on the other side of the falls. Did I mention the falls were within walking distance?

From Campground Side

Above the Falls

The Falls

Below the Falls

We will venture into the canyon a little later. There is a story behind the name of the falls. It all begins with the white settlers pushing the Cherokee Nation from their lands in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Cherokee eventually re-settled in the northern portion of Alabama, which was Creek Nation territory, and yes, there were sporadic battles, Black Creek Falls had been a long time trading station, and ceremonial ground. 

To create peace between the two Indian nations, a Cherokee chief promised his daughter, Noccalula, to a Creek sub-chief. In lies the problem... Noccalula loved a warrior from her own tribe. Distraught, Noccalula jumped to her death on her wedding day, instead of marrying the Creek sub-chief.

This sculpture is at the approximate location of where she jumped to her death. The falls were later renamed Noccalula Falls in her honor.

The story was confirmed by writing on the stones near the falls.

The locals told us the falls were running slow due to the lack of rain this year, but we still thought they were beautiful.

I mentioned the train that goes around the park... we chose the day it wasn't running... they were decorating for Christmas, but it was supposed to be running that weekend, and we never got back there.

Another day we took the trail the other direction, for about two miles, let me tell you, there are a lot of trails to enjoy. In the photo below, we hiked the one marked in black, approximately three miles round trip.

We actually hiked the trail off the map, turned around, and came back home. Even with the leaves falling, there was still greenery from the evergreens. Part of the trail ran along the Black Creek, which was accessible in some spots (bottom photos).

I threw in the fungi picture because there were several species of fungi, all beautiful and different. From the trail hikers can look down on the suspension bridge that crosses the creek, on another hike, I will cross it. We got back home just as it started to rain.

During our walk we ran into some folks headed out to fish. It appears we arrived a couple of days after they released about 1,200 trout into the creek, with an average size of 12 inches, and close to 2 pounds. The fishing here at the park is pretty much catch and release, with exception of a couple of months in spring.

What we enjoy the most when getting into a more natural environment, is the wildlife that pops by from time to time.

Eastern Bluebird

Goldfinch

Common Grey Squirrel

Black Squirrel

No, a grey squirrel was not rolling around in the coals. This guy is actually a grey squirrel in disguise, and a mutant. The genetic mutation causes excessive pigmentation. This species is known as melanistic, referring to melanin, a chemical of pigmentation. Now you know, you didn't have too many glasses of wine.

We may not have used the picnic table, but the squirrels did. They could be seen enjoying the varieties of acorns laying around.

The rain moved on, leaving clear sunny skies the next day, so we decided to take a walk to the another section of the park called Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park. 

This park is in honor of all those from Alabama who served in the various wars, from the WWI to Iraq/Afghanistan. There are a few military vehicles on display, as well as memorials.

Recognition of those that served in each war.

Etowah County Vietnam Monument.

For those out there that do not know, there is an organization known as The Order of the Purple Heart, and this is a dedication to all those wounded in action. The inscription reads: This story shall the good man teach his son, and the years shall ne'er go by. From this day to the ending of the world. But we in it shall be remembered - we few, we happy few, band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile. This day shall gentle his condition; and gentlemen in America now abed shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here. And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us for our country's honor. This was adapted from Shakespeare's Saint Crispin Days speech.

This rotunda contains the names of servicemembers from Alabama, who fought and died for our country. 

Each of the inner walls represent our wars from WWI through Vietnam; the spire in the middle represents Iraq/Afghanistan.

I was just telling Carol while I am writing this, it has been 30 years since I was in Desert Shield / Desert Storm.

I was on a nuclear powered vessel, and the Navy had directed us to be the command and control for the minesweepers operating in the Arabian Sea. As our ship did its one mile square pattern in the water, I was one of several chiefs responsible for "mine watch detail". We had sailors stationed at various points on the ship watching for mines that broke free from their mooring. I think the toughest part of the day was when the dust storms hit us. The sand was as fine as baby powder, and the color of women's foundation makeup, and it got into EVERYTHING. The most memorable moment was a time the minesweepers moored (tied up) along side of us. At that time minesweepers didn't get to go into port for liberty call. When the five little ships were moored next to us, the words "LIBERTY CALL, LIBERTY CALL TO THE USS TEXAS" was passed. That night we provided our fellow sailors the opportunity to do their laundry, get barber services, enjoy pizza night and a movie.

I'm back.

One morning I decided to take a hike on the Canyon Loop trail, which looped between the falls and the suspension bridge.

This trail was only a mile and a half long, but falls in the medium to hard level. This portion will be predominantly photos. I played with affects on the photos, it isn't your eyes.

Behind the falls.

Looked like a dead end, not so, trail went to the right between the rocks.

The turning point is in sight.

Like I said earlier, this trail was more of a medium to hard hike, because of grade and climbing over rocks occasionally. I made it home in about two hours, it was definitely enjoyable.

This was a nice little park, and both Carol and I would consider staying here again. From here it is into Tennessee for a couple of months.