Ellen asked whether we had broken a mirror recently. No, but we just got skunked again. We planned to visit the Pine Mountain Gold Museum near Douglasville, Georgia. It features an indoor and outdoor experience. Outside you’ll find a train ride, a panning shed, hiking trails, and outside exhibits. Inside there’s a museum.

Alas, we called them and learned that the museum was closed. It was raining, so we didn’t want to do anything outside. 

Next we drove to Birmingham, Alabama to take a day picture of Vulcan, the iron man. We have been to the Vulcan Park and Museum before but it was in the evening. Here we got his picture. There’s an elevator that takes tourists to the top for a great city view of Birmingham.

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama we found the Park at Manderson Landing by the Black Warrior River. It’s located across the street from the University of Alabama.

If you go you’ll find a 4.2 mile riverwalk and the statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom. In her right hand is an owl which could refer to the owl of Athena. You’ll see several pictures of this beautiful sculpture.

According to the park plaque: “This walkway honors 200 years of Tuscaloosa history from 1819 to 2019. A replica of the route of the Black Warrior River from Demopolis to Tuscaloosa, it traces milestones in our city's history. The river and Tuscaloosa are forever entwined. Not only was the river vital to our city's existence and survival, but its twists and turns, ebbs and flows have mirrored our city's storied past. Nestled near the river's banks is The University of Alabama, established soon after Tuscaloosa's founding. This walkway, and the sculpture at its end, are both gifts from the University in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of our beloved city's founding.”

In Meridian, Mississippi we attempted to enter the Soulé Steam Works Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum. The website declared that it would close at 4:00 and that the last tourist would be allowed in at 3:00.

We got there at 2:56. We parked next to the door. It was skunk time. It was closed! Did someone break a mirror on our  behalf? 

We did get to see Jimmie Rodgers birthplace and we took a picture of his museum. We have been there before. Besides, it was closed! Otherwise, the weather was great and we had another easy ride.