While I don't currently live in Alabama, I was born and raised there, so trips back home happen once or twice a year. Even though it's a long drive to Alabama from Ohio, the kids manage the trip well and are always excited to see their grandparents.
On our last visit we spent time with my family at Clear Creek Harbor, a small marina and camp area near Birmingham. Unfortunately, this was during November so we couldn't enjoy the swimming, but it was still fun. Most people at Clear Creek Harbor live in permanent trailers and campers at the site, and obviously fishing is a big deal there. In fact, the picture on the harbor's home page is of my father fishing.
Not sure why this would be of interest to anyone outside my family, but figured I'd still put it out there.
You totally just blew my mind. I always thought you were in the UK...what the heck.
Posted by: SMD | January 05, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Very cool. I was unaware of this place (and I thought I knew most of the nature-oriented places around here). I may have to take my boys there for a day trip sometime when it gets a little warmer.
Next time you're in 'Bama feel free to contact me if you need someone to talk shop with while you fish. I'd be happy to oblige.
Posted by: T.J. | January 05, 2010 at 06:44 PM
Nope. Born and raised in Alabama, now living in Ohio.
And Clear Creek Harbor is a great place, but it's not a nature park. It's a place to park your camper or pitch a tent and then explore Logan Martin Lake, a massive man-made lake 48 miles long. Definitely need a boat to explore all that.
Posted by: Jason Sanford | January 05, 2010 at 07:10 PM
Okay. I know about Logan-Martin, just didn't know about this particular Harbor. I grew up on the Coosa in Rainbow City (a suburb of Gadsden) and my grandparents had a cabin on Logan-Martin.
Another weird coincidence: I used to live in Ohio and moved to B'ham (I'm now in Alabaster). It seems we're living inverse lives in some ways :)
Been reading your blog for a while, BTW. It's well done.
Posted by: T.J. | January 05, 2010 at 08:10 PM
Glad you like the blog. I actually grew up in Wetumpka, a small town outside Montgomery. But I moved to Ohio b/c my wife was born and raised here. Of course I reached Ohio by way of Thailand and Minnesota, but that's another story.
Posted by: Jason Sanford | January 05, 2010 at 08:32 PM