Exploring Historic Places Columbus, GA Rally
March 30-April 4, 2025

	Dates:	March 30-April 4, 2025
	Location:	Lake Pines RV Campground 6404 Garrett Rd Midland, GA 31820
	Hosts:	Martha and Gregg Bindshedler

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Thirteen Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club members in seven coaches traveled from six states to the Lake Pines RV Park and Campground in Midland, GA (just outside Columbus, GA). Days were spent touring and exploring the region after which we'd return to the campground for a potluck dinner. After dinners, most gathered around the propane fire pit of the rally hosts for more socializing.

For two days we explored Columbus. We had a very interesting guided tour of the National Civil War Museum where we learned the naval history of the Civil War. The Coca Cola Space Science Center gave us a simulated space flight from take-off to landing. The National Infantry Museum took us through 250 years of infantry history and the Columbus Museum gave us an insight to the famous people, inventions, and more, that came from Columbus. Visiting Warm Springs, GA, we toured FDR's Little White House and his favorite picnic spot in the FDR State Park.

Our farthest exploration took us on a guided tour of Booker T. Washington's home, "The Oaks", and to the Tuskegee Airmen Museum in Alabama where the historic "Red Tails" of WWII learned to fly.

A drawing was held the final night with the winner receiving a paranda, which is a string of pom-poms hung from a vehicle's outside mirrors. It is believed that a paranda will bring good luck and ward off bad luck or negative energies. (Parandas are part of Indian culture which we saw on our recent trip to India.)

After goodbyes were said Friday morning, two coaches followed us to explore the home of the late President Jimmy Carter and the town of Plains, GA.

Submitted by Martha Bindshedler.