Hittin' the Road with Nan & Pa

Redstone Arsenal - Huntsville AL

7/25 - 8/22/13

This rocket towers above The U.S. Space and Rocket Center and is seen from the Interstate as you enter Huntsville on I-565

Huntsville Alabama also known as the "Rocket City" is located in the central part of the far northern region of Alabama. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Huntsville to its "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010 List" Huntsville is the fourth largest city in Alabama. Population in the Huntsville Metropolitan area is 417,593. Huntsville is home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the United States Army Aviation and Missle Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal. We have visited Huntsville many times and decided to return and make it home for the month of August.

Situated in the Tennessee River Valley, several platueaus and large hills partially surround Huntsville. These plateaus are part of the Cumberland Plateau, and are locally called "mountains" ( of course they are not big mountains like the Rockies). Monte Sano Mountain ( Italian for "Healthy Mount" ) is the most notable and is East of the city. I will cover the surrounding area in another post. Today I want to share Redstone Arsenal with you.

We set up our home away from home at the Military RV Park on Redstone Arsenal. It is in a great location convenient to the Post Exchange and Commissary as well as a gym and Chapel and Medical Clinic. The park is also nestled at the base of a big hill surrounded by a wonderful hiking trail. Georgia and I try to hit the trail every morning about 6:15 AM and walk for 4 miles. Starting early is important here, any later and we will be melting in the heat and humidity. Following are some photos from our walks around Redstone Arsenal.

This plaque is located just in front of Centenial Chapel along the walking path

My favorite tree! Georgia and I walked past this daily. It was just across from our camp site

Site #28 our home for the month

Now for a stroll through the rockets and aircraft displays on the Arsenal

I grew up an Air Force Brat, and Space Travel has always facinated me. It is amazing to stand back and look at these rockets and the shuttle engines. Remembering, listening to a radio broadcast of the our astronauts taking the first step on the moon. Yes I am that old, it was a radio broadcast when we were living in Germany and we gathered around the radio to listen. Good Times, fond memories:)

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

Rocket Park

This park has seen better days, sad to see the display looking like this

The park was dedicated July 1, 1960 " This park stands as a living testament to the spirit of cooperation that continues between the U.S. Army and NASA.