At what age do we realise there is a whole world out there that doesn’t revolve around us? By that, I mean when do we realise there’s a theatre of world politics and events we have no control over? Certainly it’s still within our childhood and for me I guess it must have been when I was around 7, maybe 8 years old. I know this because I clearly remember being aware of the British Prime Minister Jim Callaghan. And the first US President I remember being fully aware of, is President Jimmy Carter.

For those of you who aren’t aware, ever since the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, through to the 44th, Barack Obama, there’s been an historical record keeping operation called the Presidential Library system. There’s currently 15 presidential libraries (I understand the 45th president is opening a Burger King instead, possibly in San Quentin…), and their purpose is to hold the official historical records of that presidency (As opposed to you know, just keeping them under your bed in your golf resort… sorry, sorry, this is too easy, I’ll stop now). The records, papers, footage and files of that presidency are eventually made available to research and study. Most of the libraries are also museums for the general public to visit and learn about that presidents life, before, during and after their time in office.

Each library is situated in that president’s home state. And so it was, that finding myself with a whole half a day before I needed to head to the airport, I set off to explore the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.

Set among 30 acres of parkland, with views to the Atlanta skyline, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is a tranquil place for visitors, whether you’re there to visit the museum, or to just wander around the park and have a picnic. There’s loads of free parking and it’s just a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The museum itself has an entry fee, currently $12 for adults and free for under 16’s. Students, senior citizens and military $10.

It’s an immersive experience that you can self guide your way through. The life story of Jimmy Carter is all there, from being raised on his parents farm in Plains, Georgia, to his time with the US Navy, returning to take over the family peanut farm, Georgia politics, Presidency, and then his immense humanitarian work after leaving office. All done with his wife Rosalynn firmly by his side.

There’s film footage and large scale displays that take you into the life of a US President. There’s even a replica of President Carters Oval Office you can walk in to. You’ll also find walk through displays showing the incredible, for the time, meetings and mediations held at Camp David. Then there’s display cases filled with wondrous gifts given to the Carters from different World leaders and a digital global map showing the continuing work the Carters do in the name of humanitarian aid.

If you’re as old as I am or older, you’ll definitely remember many of the visuals seen around the museum.

After exploring the museum, I took the opportunity to wander around the gardens. There’s a nice little walk down to one of the lakes in the grounds, where you can see ducks, geese and other wildlife, happily going about their business. Leaving the entrance to the museum, you’re in the greater parkland of the Centre. If you visit on a Saturday, before midday, there’s a huge farmers market, that’s obviously very popular. As is usual with my timing apparently, I managed to turn up at 12 on the dot, so everything was being packed away. It was a real shame, because from what I saw, there was a great selection of artisan sellers to explore and sample. Next time, eh…

And so that was that. My road trip from Columbus Ohio to Atlanta Georgia was over. All too soon for my liking. As I said in previous posts, there’s so many other stop offs I’d liked to have made on my way through, but time and finances are indeed finite, so sacrifices have to be made. I sincerely hope I get the chance to call in to some missed opportunities in the future though.

Dropping my pick up truck to the, again, purpose built multi storey car rental facility, but this time at Atlanta Intl. airport, I was sad to be saying goodbye to it. It had done everything I’d needed of a rental car, and then some. Obviously I’d never use the truck to it’s full capabilities, but that didn’t matter. Moreover, it had performed much better at regular highway driving than I was expecting. Smooth, quiet, power when required and no sense of lane drifting on those large multi terrain tyres. I was glad I’d done it. Yes, it was excessive for my needs, but where would be the fun or story to tell doing the same journey in a Ford Focus for example? I’d driven approximately 770 miles and spent £146 on petrol. Not a bad return considering the grin left on my face…

As always, thanks for investing your time in reading my ramblings. And until our next adventure, stay curious.

Neil.