Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
Waterfalls, kayaks, and Alabama history — and a goodbye to the best dog ever. In Laura’s words.
I don’t know if this is true but I was JUST telling my mom and Stephen it wouldn’t surprise me if they changed this. This inclusive movement thing has me 🤯. I tell you what, if Stephen got some chest milk after I (yes I. I carried and delivered our children. He just had fun making them.) had our children he would have been getting up in the middle of the night feeding them too. But his chest still looks exactly the same after I had our children. I just can’t.
🙄
15 years 2 months and 2 days. Toby was the BEST. DOG. EVER. Crossed the 🌈 bridge this morning with his mommy holding and loving on him.
Today was such a sad day for our family and our sweet boy. The staff at Aloha were so incredibly patient, kind, and understanding. There was one in particular and I wish I could remember her name but she went above and beyond today. We are so thankful Aloha.
#Avis #aviscarrental #avisrentalcars Avis is the most horrible place to rent a car from. The absolute worst. Every single time it’s some piss poor excuse. It’s never ready. It’s always filthy. Today they don’t even have my car. Do you think anyone could call. This was booked months in advance. Avis is worthless #avissucks
Sometimes the stars align and all is right in the world…even if it’s only for a moment. 😍
Kids started off the morning exploring on their own. Feeling thankful for their ages right now and their ability to have some freedom. Hiked Shangri-La Falls. Fished. Kayaked. Made s’mores. It was a good day. In case anyone is wondering Karen Good Hamilton is fine. I did help her up but had to take a picture first.
Another day. Another waterfall.
We picked the week that Alabama is going to flood. Go figure.
Did some Florida touristy stuff this morning with the kids. It was fun but a little chilly. I haven’t been to Camp Holly in years. My dad used to take me fishing here on the weekends.
🌤️ Weather we had: Highs around 62°F, lows around 41°F, with 1 rainy day (0.2”).
🥾 Trails we hiked
- Walls of Jericho (6.8 mi) — “honestly a little overrated. The trail is not even close to what is marked — we clocked 9.2 miles. So be aware.”
- Shangri-La Falls — “little and tough down to the falls but beautiful and cool.”
- Point Rock to Jim Lynn Overlook (2.3 mi) — “fun hike, some challenging spots but not impossible. 70-year-old mother-in-law did it just fine.”
- Hebron Falls (Old John’s Road) — “great hike. A few irresponsible dog owners leaving poop behind.”
- Tabor Falls — “loggers ruined the first half; the last half is nice and the waterfall is beautiful. Use the ropes going down.”
- Cabin Creek — “loved this hike! Lots of animal prints.”
🏛️ Stops & places
From our Google Maps “Springing into Bama 2021” list — history and waterfalls across Alabama.
- Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument & Freedom Riders National Monument (Anniston) — the 16th Street Baptist Church district and the Freedom Riders bus-burning site.
- Tuskegee Institute NHS — Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver’s campus.
- Russell Cave National Monument — 10,000 years of human history under a limestone shelter.
- Little River Canyon National Preserve — the “Grand Canyon of the East,” a river that runs along the top of a mountain.
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park — the 1814 battlefield on the Tallapoosa.
- Caney Creek Falls — the double waterfall everyone swims behind in Bankhead.
