A shorter drive today, but two days of driving, and Sas wonders, "are we there?" when we stop to register. 
I discovered Clem had booked a lovely site on the water at Stone Mountain Park Campground, and am looking forward to spending several nights here, exploring not only the park, but Atlanta, and just kicking back and relaxing a bit. 
"Are we really here? I'm not getting up unless we are staying!"
A great view of the lake from our dining table in the coach.
We set up and I read a while down by the lake, while Clem took a little snooze, then we drove around the park to get our bearings.
Stone Mountain is billed as the largest exposed piece of granite in the world, though not actually granite, and holds the largest bas relief carving in the world, that of three Confederate figures, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. At over 1600 feet of elevation, some 800 feet above surrounding land, and 900 feet below the surface, it is a monolith of some significance, regardless of its true geological makeup. The now controversial carving is 90 feet tall, 11 feet deep, and spans 3 acres, which makes it larger than Mount Rushmore, though I would not have guessed that, having seen Mt. Rushmore. The park and laser light show on the mountain side attract visitors by the thousands. I think the campground is the best feature!
Since we were still exploring the park close to show time, we found a spot on the lawn by the rock and waited through the dribble of a silly pre show time killer for the laser show to begin. I was immediately attacked by a fire ant as reward, and suffered through pain and burning while listening to the dribble! Then, what started as a very nice welcome to the armed forces, and the flag and the various symbols projected agains the face of the rock, became a cartoon of lighted shapes, with star wars characters, and more. We exchanged glances several times, and finally decided to leave! Maybe the younger crowd would enjoy the show, but it sure is no Disney act! In retrospect, I have to wonder if in light of the controversy, the new light show avoids the subject matter, though having no knowledge of the old show, I could not say for sure.
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The gondola ride you can take to the top, but we decided to pass! I would be game to hike up, but Clem was having no part of that, either!  A little remembrance of my run in with the fire ant! |
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| It got much worse before it got better! |
Thanks, Carol. Always fun to travel with you folks.
ReplyDeleteAnd always great to have you along!
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