Atlanta - Day 2

On Sunday in Atlanta we slept in, did devotions (instead of church), ate breakfast at the hotel, relaxed and read, and then headed out for the day.

Our first stop was Atlanta Motor Speedway, which is located about 25 miles south of Atlanta in Hampton. It was a nice drive down there until it started raining. We had hoped to get a track tour, which they give on days they have don't have a race or anything else going on. Unfortunately, they had some Jaguar car driving experience underway so we didn't get a track tour. We drove around the outside of the track and took some pictures. We probably would have been more interested in getting out and walking around if it wasn't raining.

The speedway was utterly deserted, except for a few people in the gift shop and maybe 5 people who drove by, we assumed going to the Jaquar thing. It was an eerie feeling of "if we build it, they will come." I am sure on the weekends that the Speedway hosts a big car race the area is full of people.

Even though it was rainy and deserted, it was still a cool place to see.

Sign at the entrance

Sign on the grandstands


A broader view of the grandstands

The original plan for Sunday was to go next to a state park on the west side of Atlanta that had some nice hiking trails, including one to the ruins of an old building that was abandoned during the Civil War. The visitor center at the park is also the most environmentally sustainable building in Georgia (certified LEED platinum - if you know what that means).

Because of the weather we decided to scrap the plan of going to the state park and chose an indoor activity instead. We went to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. This was an interesting indoor activity, and by the time we were done with the museum it had stopped raining so we could walk the grounds. The museum gave an interesting overview of Carter's presidency and issues he dealt with while in office. However, it is sorely in need of updating, especially to note all the good work he has done since he left office, and to improve the lighting and layout. The museum is going to be closed from May-September to make some major renovations and updates and then it should be even better. I have a lot of respect for Jimmy Carter and the work he has done with The Carter Center and with Habitat for Humanity, so it was a treat for me to be able to go to this museum.

Entrance to the museum. The fountain was empty this time of year.

Pictures of the Carters in the museum

Me in the "Oval Office"

Denise in the "Oval Office"

The circle of flags, with a flag of each state. We tried to take a picture of the Indiana flag, but it wasn't cooperating. (not enough wind)

The view of the Atlanta skyline from the Carter grounds.

The beautiful Japanese-inspired landscaping.