I am from Dothan, Alabama. Most people know Dothan because it's the last big town before Florida. They pass through it on their way to Panama City Beach, a notorious beach 90 miles from Dothan. When people find out where I'm from, they usually react with “Oh. You must go to the beach all the time”. They are often surprised that the answer is no. My family favors mountains, lakes and creeks. Despite being an incredibly humid city, Dothan does not offer many water activities outside of a day trip to the beach. We have ponds to fish in, country club pools to swim in and a small water park that families enjoy. Yet, I still felt stifled.
In July 2012, when I transferred to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the thought of being close to the Black Warrior River excited me. The opportunities seemed endless. Without a job or school keeping me busy, I had to find something to do. I had ran on the trail by the river before. Now that I was a resident, I thought I should check it out with new eyes.
Since then, I have made several trips to the Riverwalk. I watched a friend complete the Tuscaloosa Half-Marathon. I have hammocked with friends, bought produce at the River Market and watched the sunset with my family. It remains one of my favorite places in Tuscaloosa and I will definitely miss it when I graduate.
In July 2012, when I transferred to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the thought of being close to the Black Warrior River excited me. The opportunities seemed endless. Without a job or school keeping me busy, I had to find something to do. I had ran on the trail by the river before. Now that I was a resident, I thought I should check it out with new eyes.
Since then, I have made several trips to the Riverwalk. I watched a friend complete the Tuscaloosa Half-Marathon. I have hammocked with friends, bought produce at the River Market and watched the sunset with my family. It remains one of my favorite places in Tuscaloosa and I will definitely miss it when I graduate.
All photos ©Ashton Varner unless otherwise specified.