Jasmin Hill Gardens

Today I went to the Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum in Wetumpka/Montgomery, AL. A little history stolen from their map:

"Jasmine Hill stands as "A Little Corner of Greece" atop the southernmost outcroppings of the Appalachians. It was conceived in the early 1930s by Benjamin and Mary Fitzpatrick and has grown into a virtual outdoor museum featuring reproductions of famous Greek and Roman works of art. The story of Jasmine Hill is one of the most romantic stories in Alabama. It is the story of an Alabama couple who spent their early married life busily establishing a chain of stores in the South and then retiring to their hilltop haven to create a living memorial to ancient Greece. Getting a jump on the depression, the Fitzpatricks sold their store holdings in 1927, just before the stock market crash. After the depression came, they were reluctant to venture into business again, so they came to Jasmine Hill to stay and make their home in the 1830-era cottage within the gardens. A garden of this magnitude did not develop overnight. In fact, the Fitzpatricks made over twenty trips to Greece to purchase their art objects, to study at the American Classical School in Athens and to simply enjoy Greek culture."

There are 42 statues throughout the property. I took a lot of pictures, but I don't think I took a picture of every statue. Click link below:

Jasmin Hill Gardens

Dragon Boat Races

In Montgomery, Alabama, the Dragon Boat Races are a yearly event. It was hotter en' hell. I went with a new friend, Ruth Ann Cone. We didn't stay more than three hours. The pictures above are the opening ceremonies and the headdress of the dragon.

Each boat had 20 rowers, a drummer at the front and someone with a megaphone at the back. The rowers row in rhythm to the beat of the drum.

These are schools of fish in the river. I don't think I've ever seen so many fish: