Mark up one more for the road in a Vanagon.

Made a nice little trip on a three day weekend just past. Drove up to
Mentone, AL, Elev. 1870 feet,  a quaint little town in the foothills of
the Appalachian Mtns, up in the northeast corner of Alabama, where there
was a Rhododendron festival this weekend. Had in tow Sweet Thang and her
Mother. Made for an interesting weekend, visiting craft shows, lunch at
the unique restaurants, viewing the rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and
other wildflowers. For Alabama there were spectacular views across the
valleys. Made it over to DeSoto Falls at the head of Little River
Canyon. So far as I know, the Little River is the only river on top of a
mountain in the US - a wonderfully scenic place. We stopped in at a
place called Miracle Pottery - a very nice pottery shop with locally
made had thrown pottery of every description. I collect coffee mugs so
just had to  one. Having my morning coffee in it now as I type.

The Red Brick ran flawlessly for the whole trip. I lost track of the
mileage, but we used 21 gallons on the trip at a cost of approx. $55. @
$2.69/$2.75 per gal.

Alabama has it's fair share of idiot drivers. Some fool ran a stop sign
and I near T-boned him. There was tire squalling and black-mark
skidding, and travel goods all over the inside of the van but I managed
to get stopped - with 24 inches to spare. The ladies were slung against
the seat belts but no one was hurt.  I'd just as soon not repeat the
event - EVER! It's gong to take me all day today and several cans of
cone remover to  get the cone out of the driver seat!

But a great trip. Mentone is a place to visit! Wonderful Fall Colors
Festival in the fall time.

John

--
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com