[drron]

In contrast to Denver the airport at ATL has seen better times and is a shambles.Hertz were no better.Wouldnt allow us on Hertz shuttle as our booking did not appear on list.produced our email and let on.At least no long lines but told virtually no cars so was a midsize or nothing.so into our chevy malibu and off to gadsen Alabama.Another stay at a hampton and dinner at Logans Roadhouse where the waiters dont do no singing or dancing so if any special occasion it is a YEE HAA.After dinner to the local Walmart to get some water as at hamptons i now choose the extra points.Sat down as mrsdrron went to look at the makeup and a good ole boy sat down and started talking.Knew I was not from round those parts."Youre not a northerner are you." No mate I'm a real southerner from Australia."Well i'll be darned never met an australian in Walmart before."
Next day travelled up alongside the Tennessee river-a beautiful drive.To Scootsboro because mrsdrron had heard about the unclaimed baggage store on Oprh and Getaway.The BBC were there that day when we arrived.forget it.Just a big overpriced Op-shop.Then on the way through Georgia to commerce and another Hampton with dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse.The steaks were superb tender,juicy and great flavour.After another night at Concord Mills-you guessed it another outlet shopping mall.A good pair of Brooks Brothers jeans for $17.Now we are off to Charlottesville NC.A Hilton Garden Inn this time,on the way stopping at Appotamax to see where Robert E Lee called a temporary halt to the war.Started off the next day visiting Jefferson's home Monticello-very worthwhile.Will be back to visit Ash Lawn and Montpellier-Homes of the 4th and 5th Presidents.On the way into DC stopped off at Manassas(Bull Run to those damn Yankees).There is history all around here.
Staying in DC at the Doubletree Suites at Foggy Bottom.A little away from the action and my conference location but half the price of other hilton properties in DC.Was not too hard a walk to the Smithsonian complex and a short walk to historic Georgetown.Good meals at the Thai Coast on L street and Miss Saigon on M street in Georgetown-absolutely best soft shell crab i have had.
Tomorrow off to the Atlantic Coast for the slow trip back to Atlanta.