Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited The Lady in the Lake , often called The Lady in the Bay, in Elberta, Alabama — one of the strangest and most unforgettable roadside attractions along the Gulf Coast. The moment you see it, you can’t help but stare. 👀 A Giant Woman Floating in the Water Located at Barber Marina near Bayou La Launch , the sculpture depicts a massive woman appearing to relax in the bay like it’s a giant bathtub. Only parts of her are visible above the water: - Her enormous head - Her bent knees rising from the surface - The illusion that the rest of her body is underwater The floating effect makes the entire scene feel surreal — especially when you first spot it from a distance. 🎨 Created by Roadside Artist Mark Cline The sculpture was created by Mark Cline , the same artist behind nearby roadside attractions like Bamahenge . Together, these attractions have turned the marina area into a bizarre and entertaining roadside wonderland filled with oversized art and hidden surprises. ...

Simba and I visited Bamahenge in Elberta, Alabama — one of the Gulf Coast’s strangest and most entertaining roadside attractions. Hidden among the trees near Barber Marina , this full-size replica of Stonehenge is the kind of place that makes you stop and say, “Wait… what?” 🪨 A Full-Size Stonehenge in Alabama Bamahenge was created by artist Mark Cline , who built the structure as a fiberglass recreation of the famous prehistoric monument in England. And it’s not a miniature version — it’s full size. Walking among the towering “stones,” you get a real sense of scale: - Massive standing stones arranged in a circular layout - Detailed textures designed to resemble weathered rock - A surprisingly accurate recreation of the original monument - An atmosphere that feels both strange and impressive Exploring with Simba, it honestly felt surreal seeing something so unexpected tucked away in coastal Alabama. 🌲 Hidden in the Woods Part of what makes Bamahenge so memorable is the setting. I...

Simba and I visited Gulf Islands National Seashore – Davis Bayou Area in Ocean Springs, Mississippi — a beautiful coastal preserve where marshes, forests, and Gulf Coast scenery come together. This area offers a completely different side of the Mississippi Gulf Coast — quieter, more natural, and full of peaceful outdoor beauty. 🏞️ A Protected Gulf Coast Landscape As part of the larger Gulf Islands National Seashore , the Davis Bayou area protects important coastal ecosystems and provides visitors with an easy way to experience nature along the Gulf. The landscape here is incredibly diverse, featuring: - Coastal marshes and wetlands - Pine forests and shaded woodland trails - Calm waterfront areas and bayou scenery - Natural habitats supporting birds and wildlife Exploring with Simba, it felt like stepping away from the busy coastal tourist areas and into a quieter world. 🚶 Scenic Trails and Waterfront Views One of the best parts of Davis Bayou is how accessible it is....

Simba and I visited Fort Mims in Stockton, Alabama — a major historic site connected to one of the most significant and tragic events of the early American frontier period. Walking through the reconstructed fort today, it’s hard not to reflect on the intense conflict and human loss that unfolded here over 200 years ago. ⚔️ A Frontier Fort During a Time of Conflict Originally built as a fortified settlement during the Creek War , Fort Mims became a refuge for settlers, militia members, and others living in the region during a period of rising tension. In 1813, the site became the location of the Fort Mims Massacre , when Red Stick Creek warriors attacked the fort. The event resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and dramatically escalated the conflict across the southeastern frontier. 🕰️ A Turning Point in Early American History The attack on Fort Mims had far-reaching consequences. It intensified military campaigns during the Creek War and influenced the broader War...

Simba and I visited Ellicott’s Stone in Axis, Alabama — one of the oldest and most historically significant boundary markers in the southeastern United States. Hidden deep within the woods near the Alabama-Mississippi border, this remote landmark feels like a forgotten piece of early American history waiting to be rediscovered. 🗺️ Marking the Edge of a Young Nation Ellicott’s Stone was placed in 1799 by surveyor Andrew Ellicott following the Treaty of San Lorenzo . At the time, the monument marked the boundary between the United States and Spanish West Florida — an important line during a period when territories and borders across North America were still being defined. The sandstone marker became a key reference point in early American surveying and expansion. 🌲 Hidden Deep in the Forest Part of what makes Ellicott’s Stone so fascinating is its location. Getting there feels like stepping away from the modern world: - Forest trails leading through quiet woods - A remote setting fa...

Simba and I visited Tolstoy Park in Fairhope, Alabama — a fascinating historic site best known for its tiny hand-built concrete hut created by a man known as the “Hermit of Montrose.” This unusual roadside stop feels like stepping into a storybook hidden in the woods. 🧱 The Incredible Story of Henry Stuart In the 1920s, Henry Stuart began building the small round structure entirely by hand after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. Inspired by the writings of Leo Tolstoy , Stuart chose a simple and isolated lifestyle, dedicating himself to creating a peaceful retreat deep in the woods. Using concrete, bottles, and found materials, he slowly constructed the unusual dome-shaped hut himself. What makes the story even more remarkable is that Stuart believed he had very little time left to live — yet he ultimately outlived the diagnosis by many years. 🛖 A Tiny Home Unlike Anything Else The structure itself is one of the most unique parts of the experience. As you walk around the hut, you’...