Lost luggage, Dino & two rocks

Have you ever wondered what happens to your lost luggage?  The answer is in Alabama!  A huge, overcrowded warehouse showcases my items, your items, all items lost or unclaimed to sell to the public.  

Fifty years ago, Doyle Owens borrowed a pick-up truck to pick up his first purchase of lost luggage from the Trailways Bus Line in Washington D.C. The people came from miles to see, buy and leave with arms full of our stuff. It is claimed to have over 70,000 items at one time.  Scottsboro, Alabama

About 45 miles later, I screech my tires to an abrupt stop as I am in shock.  A 21-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus stands nearby.  I cautiously exit my vehicle to get a closer look.  I encircle its massive body examining the "junk' used to construct such a creature.

I notice across the street is an old corner convenience store. The smiling clerk says, "Oh yea, Mike built that. He moved and had no idea on how to move 'Junkosaurus' to his new home." "Junkosaurus?" I repeat. She laughs, "Mike collected everything from heater vents to old plastic remote controls for almost 10 years to build that." I cross the street again, wanting to scavenger hunt through all the "junk" Mike used to create “Junkosaurus.”

Within a couple of miles, entering downtown Fort Payne, is a beautiful tribute to the country music band Alabama.   These four Fort Payne guys joined together and changed country music forever.  Down the road is a large souvenir store filled with happy and energetic fans.

In the nearby town of Mentone, I find a most beautiful and unique church nestled in the woods. This church is actually wedged into a huge sandstone boulder. It was built in 1937 by Colonel Milford Howard, a candidate for U.S. President, as a memorial for his wife. It still offers services to this day. Well, that is a full day. I am exhausted and ready to rest for another day tomorrow full of more adventures and surprises.