It started off with an early run and included the new addition to my cardio days, ten minutes of yoga. Shortly after 6:00 am Shannan and I took off toward northwest Georgia to pick up Joel. The two of us did stop for a coffee and fast food breakfast sandwich, a guilty pleasure. Once we picked up our partner for interesting excursions, we crossed into Alabama for a visit to Ave Maria Grotto.
The "Grotto" is a curious collection within St. Bernard's, a Benedictine Monastery and Catholic School. Nearly a hundred years ago, Brother Joseph Zoettl began a bizarre hobby to occupy his time as he worked in the coal furnace room. As he waited to work the coals he built miniatures of important religious structures. His collection grew and skill increased as did his fame. People began sending him scraps, treasures from all over the world. He used the particles to create little dioramas within canvasses, commonly known as grottos. The collection is astounding, it includes the mountain monastery of Montserrat, the Vatican, an incredible representation of the Virgin Mary and much more. It's well worth the trip to see.
While in this region of Alabama we made a quick to stop at Noccalula Falls to tour pioneer homes and buildings from late 1800, view an eclectic collection of animals and snap a few photos of the scenic water falls. Along the way we saw a sign for The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Since it was on the way home or possibly to get me to stop begging, Joel and Shannan consented to a slight change of the planned agenda and to make an impromptu addition to the itinerary. This massive church complex is unbelievable and must be seen to be appreciated.
We lunched at Jefferson's in downtown Gadsden and wrapped up the day. Next time we'll drive south toward Elberton to get a close up view of Georgia's Guide Stones, often referred to as the Stonehenge of the South. Who knew?
Life is grand. Experience it. Share it with a friend.
Tom
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