Ambling in Georgia

The countryside in GA is truly lovely.  Two lane hilly roads crisscross the east and west sides, spreading out from I75.  Rusty satin dirt peeks out of the mountains that have been cut open to allow access.  A palate of green grasses and trees merges with the sky.  Norwegian pine, scrub trees and a few live oak stand together, swaying.  And suddenly, there's a burst of flowers.  Dogwood!  I thought I'd have to wait till I got to the Carolinas to see it!  Glorious, glorious.

In some places, prefab (read mobile) homes are tucked back in the forest.  But east of Macon, log and brick abound.  Each little town has a gas station, a cafe and a church.  Yes, your soul is truly safe in Georgia.  Maranatha, Missionary Baptist, True Pentecostal:  all are waiting in the woods for you.  This is fishing country.  Many sparkling  ponds abut the road.  People pull their boats up and down the hills, seeming to know of special secret spots to visit.
Yesterday was in Thomasville.  It's a small place, just over the border from Tallahassee.  It began as a winter haven for the Yankee rich.  Like Newport, people built "cottages" that have been preserved and renovated.  A drive down Dawson Street reminds me of New Orleans.  The history center tells you about tourist roots and about families that have been there for generations.  A model of southern grace and charm...

The camper is running well.  Another GA attraction is low gas prices.  After several nights in campgrounds, though, I've landed at the Budget Inn at Milledgeville.  Listened to A History of the Celts and am finishing reading Andrew Gross's mystery, The Dark Tide.  Tomorrow brings a trip to the old Georgia State Capitol and the home of Flannery O'Connor.  I wonder if there is an Indian restaurant in Millidgeville....