Chattanooga

Thursday, November 1, 2012

 
Chattanooga… You have to check it out! The city planners have done an amazing job with their riverfront. A foot bridge links both sides of the city. It’s a great city for walking. If you tire of walking, there are bikes to rent. Many attractions close by. First on our list was the Tennessee River Aquarium housed in 2 buildings. One explores river life and the second, the ocean. Two museums are downtown along with many unique restaurants. The pictures speak for themselves!

Tennessee Aquarium

Stingrays you can touch!

Penguins, one just as curious about us



A pair of (fast) otters

A Glass Foot Bridge



 Driftwood Sculpture by Heather Jansch
 

Windy path leads to river walk
 





A waterfall of stairs set off these 'medallions' of Native American art. An explanation of each symbol is etched in a bronze plaque that runs on a parallel path. The water is then release back to the river.

 

The Walnut Street foot bridge crosses the Tennessee River. The shops were filled with handmade items from soaps to jewelery.

A carousel, made even more special after hurricane Sandy distroyed the one on Atlantic City boardwalk

 

The Delta Queen Riverboat

We were lucky to get a slip at Marina Max and luckier still that we were permitted to stay an extra few days. It was a big weekend. Chattanooga was hosting the 2nd largest rowing 'head' or event in the nation. Head of the Hooch originally was held on the Chattahoochee River (hence the name) but out grew that area and was moved to Chattanooga. Ten thousand boats were expected. Multiply that by the crews and a coxswain (that is responsible for navigation) and you have a crowd. Competitors range from junior high to college with an open class for all ages up to 70+ with both male and female teams. The sculls or boats can run upwards of $25 thousand depending on the size! (With no engine!!) 

Oars Line the Hill Side

Teams size vary from solo to 8 man w/ a coxswain

Taken from the foot bridge!

Saturday, November 3rd, we are taking off early, before they close the river for the races. Mike and I had passed through Chattanooga many times over the years but never stopped. See what we were missing. Next time... it's the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Incline Railway!