The Great Train Ride--September 4-5, 2009

We left Maxwell AFB pretty early Friday morning to travel to Georgia Veterans State Park. We had reservations, but knew the sites were open to all who have reservations--no specific site. The last time we were there, there was a new camping area with all pull through sites. That is where we found a site.

We relaxed for the evening and got up early Saturday morning to ride SAM Shortline RR from Cordele, GA to Archery, GA with stops in Americus and Plains.

The kids enjoyed watching automobiles stopping at the RR crossing for our train.

Leaving Cordele, the train went very slow. It finally picked up speed as we left the city limits.

Chris enjoyed the train ride with Grandpa.

DeAnna enjoyed it with Grandma.

When the train stopped in Americus, it was time for lunch. Some of the restaurants were closed for the long weekend. We finally found a restaurant/book store around the corner from the historic Windsor Hotel. We enjoyed some sandwiches and then headed back to the train.

Someone in this picture always has an afternoon nap after lunch and the other person is playing possum. Wonder who is who? Hmmmm.

From Americus the train traveled to Plains, GA. The only thing Bob wanted to see in Plains was Billy Carter's service station. We went into the Plain Peanut. As we entered the store, we sampled fried peanuts and homemade peanut butter ice cream. We purchased some ice cream and some boiled peanuts. Chris decided boiled peanuts were the best!

For kicks Bob took a picture of me and the kids in front of Carter's campaign headquarters.

From Plains we went to Archery where Jimmy Carter spent his boyhood years. We stayed on the train as everyone was beat! From Archery we returned to Cordele. Everyone rested on the return trip.

We had a great time riding the train!