Day 2 (July 23nd)

Well, it's a rainy Sunday morning. We are going to drive from Kannapolis to Asheville, NC. First we will spend a little time the "Dale Trail". This is a self-guided tour of sorts that takes you by things relative to the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Above is the grave site of Ralph Earnhardt, Dale's father. Ralph was one of the best dirt track racers ever. (Photo - Nancy Colyar)

This little park is dedicated to Dale. The bronze statue is supposed to depict the Dale that the local folks knew. Jeans, boots, and short sleeve shirt. He is standing on 7 granite pieces (one for each NASCAR Winston Cup championship) which are lined with 76 granite face blocks (one for each NASCAR Winston Cup win), flowers planted in groups of 3 or in the shape of a 3 (his car number) and there a bunch of other numerology things that that I don't remember. (Photo - Nancy Colyar)

These are just some of the hundreds of bricks from fans that pave the walk up to the statue. It will make you tear up if you are not careful. (Photos- Nancy Colyar)

I don't know how she does it, but Nancy has a knack for finding animals that you wouldn't expect to find. She shot this picture of some camels somewhere between Kannapolis and Mooresville, NC. Not a zoo. Just camels in the middle of nowhere at the "Lazy S Ranch". (Photo - Nancy Colyar)

Finally, the railroads. This is Alexander Railroad engine #3. Coincidence that it is the same number as Dale Earnhardt's car? We found this sitting in Statesville, NC where it is used for local switching service. We didn't have time today to travel to Taylorsville, NC to try and catch the more of their roster of engines. (Photo - Mike Colyar)

This is Caldwell County Railroad #1811. We found this and sister engine #1747 in Hickory, NC. Since this is their whole roster, we won't be making the trip to Lenoir, NC where their home office is. Nancy loves to see the old SCL and Family Lines paint schemes she remembers from her youth. (Photo - Nancy Colyar)