07-Aug-2004 -- Diane and I had enjoyed a pleasant week in Alabama with our son. Today, 7 August 2004, was a travel day on our way back home. We drove to Birmingham, Alabama and then east to Gadsden. We found Alabama State Highway 287 and approached the confleunce. The highway is a busy, four-lane divided highway with heavy traffic, many traffic lights and a lot of commercial development - fast-food restaurants, Home Deport-type stores, car dealers, etc.

I remembered reading about a funeral home in one of the prior reports. Soon it appeared. We pulled in and parked around back. I got out and walked toward the Cossa River. Soon the GPS read 34.00000 North, but I was still a bit too far west. I kept walking east, but was soon met by the river bank. Rats - not close enough to the point.

Back to the car, find a bridge and get to the other side of the river. There was a Wal-Mart with a large parking lot. Nope, couldn't get close enough. Need to go a little farther south. Ah, here is the Forest River apartment complex with many separate buildings. We pulled in and drove past several of the buildings. At the closest approach we parked and I got out and walked.

I walked past an apartment building and emerged onto a large grassy area on the shores of the river. There were a few children playing and a small group around a portable barbecue grill. My closest approach was 55 meters. It was mid-afternoon on a lazy Saturday. A small power-boat passed by, then a family of ducks. It was a calm and picturesque spot in the midst of a sea of commerical activity.

Thanks for getting me out!