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Spent a peaceful and restful night in the city campground of Collinwood last night.  Got back onto the Trace at a fairly reasonable hour and started my day like I had hoped to spend this entire week.  Driving a little, hiking a little and taking a few photos.

My day started innocently enough with a hike down Rock Spring Trail.  This was an easy loop trail that crossed Rock Spring on an unusual footbridge.  I had a very pleasant hike serenaded by dozens of songbirds, a woodpecker busy at work over head and squirrels arguing in the distance.  I was even treated to a visit by two very busy hummingbirds.  I did manage a picture however they are so tiny you can hardly even see what they are.

American five-lined skink

I then proceeded to cross the Tennessee River and stopped in at Colbert’s Stand and Ferry Crossing.  This was mostly a park like setting but as I strolled about, I discovered my second surprise of the day when I stumbled upon an American five-lined skink.  This one had a blue tail which is indicative of a juvenile American five-lined skink.  He posed for several pictures which was nice for me.

I continued to travel down the Trace, stopping here and there for a five-minute walk or a twenty-minute hike just to experience the scenery and to enjoy a little time with nature.  As it was starting to approach lunch time so I decided I might pop into Tishomingo, MS to see if I might find a local diner for a meal.

Why Tishomingo?!?  Because I like to say the word . . . Tishomingo.

Not much to see, and no diners in Tishomingo so I decide to work my way back to the Trace to continue my travels.  Little did I realize that I was about to get my third surprise of the day.

Shortly after making my turn to head out of town, I notice some black smoke ahead.  It’s only a moment or two before I come up on the scene.  I knew before I got there that I had beat the fire department.   It was a truck fire, and already fully engulfed.

Tishomingo Truck Fire

Apparently, a gravel truck had gone off of the road near a railroad viaduct.  It had ridden up onto the guard rail and was driven directly into the abutment head on.  The word I got was that the driver had escaped only seconds before the rig had burst into flames.

It took at least three pieces of fire apparatus to put out the worst of the fire.  They just couldn’t carry enough water to the scene to get the job done.  When I left there were two more good sized pumpers rolling into the scene of the accident.

Unknown Confederate Soldier

I visited a number of other sites of interest throughout the afternoon including a location I had visited on my way west just about six years ago.  This is the burial site of 13 unknown Confederate Soldiers.  Little is known about how or why these soldiers wound up buried here and plenty of speculation.  This spot is very near to traffic on two different highways however it is quite serene and tranquil here.

I spent the balance of the afternoon traveling south and stopping to visit the occasional pull off or two including one that was very near the camp of Hernando Desoto the explorer who lost out on a dispute with the Chickasaw.

I finished my day with a stop in Eupora, MS for Gas, Food and quite coincidentally camping in the city campground.  Who knew I would stumble on a local campground two nights in a row?  This one is located adjacent to a lovely park and lake.  The sunset was outstanding, and I hope you enjoy the photos of this park and the rest of my day.

Photos on flicker!

I make it to the entrance of the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, part of the US National Park system by 9a local time CST).  The Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles long from Natchez, MS to the vicinity of Franklin, TN.  Of course I am starting in the north and headed south.

Originally created by migrating Buffalo and the Native American Indians who hunted them, the Natchez Trace was used ultimately by explorers, pioneers, settlers, armies during the War of 1812 and Civil War, and we will soon find out, some of these are very famous people.

My plan for the next several days is to travel the entire distance of the Trace by motor coach stopping occasionally to hike, bike and photograph.

As I enter the parkway I am greeted by a flock of about 5 turkeys enjoying the sunny morning in the open grassy area by the road.  It’s not long before I come to the first road side park area to visit and tour.  These are numerous throughout the Parkway and I will stop at as many of these as I can to tour, hike and photograph.

The first few areas provide access to original sections of the Trace and I take a few short hikes down trail.  I come across many wildflowers, old growth forests of Oak, Maple and Poplar among others.  The weather is warm but a nice breeze makes it tolerable.  I make a number of stops and hikes just to experience the terrain.

Gordon House

One of the first historic sites I visit is the Gordon House and ferry location on the Duck River.  John Gordon ran the ferry service in agreement with the Chicksaw Indians.  His wife had the house built as John was off to war and he died shortly after it was finished.

I also visit a tobacco farm and barn maintained by the park service for demonstration purposes.  The tobacco is growing in a small plot.  The barn is open to walk through.  I have been inside a tobacco barn before in Virgina, but can’t resist the opportunity for some B&W photography.  Please visit my flickr site and enjoy.

Grinder House

The last stop of the day is the Grinder House which is the site of the death and burial place of Meriwether Lewis.  The official cause of death was a self inflicted gun shot although there are some who believe that he was shot during a robbery.  The National Park service does not mention either of these in their exterior displays.

After a few more miles of driving I stop at the visitor’s center in the town of Collinwood, TN to get information of possible dining locations and camping areas in the immediate vicinity.  As luck would have it, I find both right here in Collinwood.

Supper at Chad’s.  Chad’s did not come with the highest recommendation from the local visitor’s center but it was good enough for me.  I always try to find a little local flavor when I travel is this fit the bill nicely.  Camp for the night in the city campground adjacent to the city Pool and Little League Baseball fields.  The campsites were nothing more than an open field, but they had full electric (30 amp), water and sewer.  That’s all I need tonight and I quickly make camp and settle in for the night.

Photos on flicker!

Another hard day of road travel covering about 500 miles before the day was over.  I got a late start but still made it south of Louisville before dark.

The only item of note for the day was when a 5er passed me on the interstate going well over the speed limit and the left rear tire of the trailer blew out.  He had no idea that he was throwing rubber all over the highway and blowing blue smoke in his wake.  Finally a fella in a pick up truck caught up to him and waved him down.

All of this work to take the RV on this little adventure is about to pay off tomorrow.  I should be on the Natchez Trace Parkway by morning.

Photos on flicker!

Today is the day that is the whole reason for the travels north.  Today we celebrate the marriage of my son, Timothy and his wife Samantha with much of our Michigan family and a pretty good hand full that make the trip north from Georgia and Florida.

It’s what’s for Dinner.

We gather this evening at the Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor, Michigan for a nice little three course dinner.  The Gandy Dancer is a converted railway station and dinner is accompanied by the occasional passing Amtrak.  The folks over on the restaurant side applaud each time a train passes.

Dinner is fabulous and the only complaint I hear is that the choice of what to order is too hard.  Everyone is satisfied with their choices ultimately and that is all that matters.

A couple of quick family photo ops and we are off to the after party and the home of Tim’s Aunt and Uncle.  Of course there is a ton more food.  More family and friends join us there.  I share a celebratory cigar with Tim and shortly thereafter we are on our way back to home base.

It was a fantastic celebration and well worth the trip, including having to deal with the tire issues.  Our time here is short and everyone is headed back south tomorrow.  Tim and Sam are off to honeymoon at Disney World, Liz and Kevin have to be back to work on Tuesday and of course, I need to somehow find my way home.  More tomorrow.  Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel!

Photos on flicker!

Houston, Tranquility Base, the Eagle has landed!

Tranquility Base

Well, the Greyhawk anyway.  After 49 hours on the road I finally made camp in the front yard of family.  The rest of my trip (500 miles) is pretty uneventful as I take a little bit scenic route (US-33) through Ohio.  I arrived a little after 5p and after a great deal of discussion we wedge the RV between a couple of trees in the front yard.

Between the late night drive, the tire blowouts and the heat I am ready for some peace and quiet.

The weather is not only a bit cooler, there is a noticeable reduction in humidity.  It’s a nice respite so I can open up the RV for some fresh air.  It’s nice to see the family once again and we all (11 of us ultimately) gather in the living area of the camper.  Funny I come all this way just to hang out in the RV.  We decide it would be more comfortable on the patio and head that way for a campfire.  A pizza and a couple of beers later we are all happy. Lots of catching up, a little fireworks and a rain storm rolls in.  I fall asleep to the sound of rain drops on my rooftop.  Just like a lullaby.

Photos on flicker!

So after a very long day of working and driving, I awake early as is my habit (read, no alarm clock) and feeling refreshed.  I move out onto the highway nice and early.  Traffic is light and I am hoping to make Columbia, South Carolina by lunch time.  This should be an easy run.

HA!

Shortly after turning west on I-26 near Bowman, SC I hear a loud explosion and suddenly the right side of the RV starts bouncing violently.  I know instantly what has happened, and I come of the throttle.  Blowout on my right front tire.  I also know that I can’t brake instantly as there is a great deal of tractor trailer traffic all around me and we are all going 70 mph or better.  I try and hold my line steady and keep the RV moving straight down the highway.  There is an overpass ahead and it’s probably not a good idea to head for the shoulder just yet.

I hit the emergency flashers and start to ease over.  I check my mirrors and the five trucks around me are all maneuvering and jockeying for position to avoid contact with me and each other.  I bring the RV to a stop in the grass as they all pass by safely.  God bless Truckers!

Booger!  No, not swearing here.  The first person I get to meet today is Sergeant Booker of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.  I swear he said Booger, but I check the silver name tag on his chest, and it said Booker.  The Sergeant was good enough to look in on me and was glad to know that help was on its way.  He was a bit agitated though that I had been there for almost an hour and no one else had stopped by.  I think some Troopers were going to get an ear full.  Thanks for stopping by Sergeant!!!

Buzzard of NASCAR fame!

Buzzard!  Buzzard is a young, wiry and amazingly strong individual.  The hair is trimmed but disheveled and he has a wisp of a goatee.  Buzzard is the driver who responded to my call to AAA for road service.  He works for a truck tire shop and arrives in just a little over an hour with a replacement steering tire.  Buzzard is efficient and good at what he does.  The tire with the huge hole in the sidewall is gone and the new one back on the truck in short order.  Just like NASCAR.  Buzzard asks me, “Cash or Credit?” and that is the longest conversation we have between us.  Information exchanged, payment made, and Buzzard accelerates back onto the highway and quickly melts into traffic.  Thank you, Buzzard!

While Buzzard is busy making like a pit crew, Trooper Jackson stops by.  The trooper is a big ole boy.  Probably 6’2″ or better and nearly as wide at the chest.  I’d bet nobody ever messes with Trooper Jackson.  Except maybe Sergeant Booker.  We discuss holiday traffic, the Gamecocks’ game the night before (it was ugly) and the best source of BnG (Biscuits and Gravy for the un-initiated).

Gamecocks is the nickname of the University of South Carolina nearby in Columbia, SC.  A Gamecock is an Ass-Kicking Chicken.

Back on the road, I pass three more vehicles on the shoulder with law enforcement escorts.  One or two of these look to me like flat tires as well.

BAM!!!  Blowout number two of the day.  Right side rear on the inside.  Fortunately, I have tandems on the back axle, so the outside tire keeps me afloat long enough to find a safe spot to land which is fortunate, as I am in a construction zone.  I come up on a rest area that is closed but has sufficient space on the ramp for me to get off the highway safely.  After a quick evaluation I decide it’s time for new tires.  I search the internet and find that Giant Tires is just down the highway several miles.  I think that I can limp there on just one tire, so off I go.

Jimmy works at Giant Tires.  When I pull in, I realize that they mean GIANT tires.  Jimmy is wearing his Georgia Bulldogs polo and running a forklift moving tires bigger than my Volkswagen around the yard.  He looks at my rig, tells me they don’t really carry nothing that puny and suggests I go to the auto shop on the other side of the overpass.

Johnny is another big fella.  He runs the auto shop and has two customers in the lobby.  One is standing there holding two brand new fishing poles.  The other older gentleman is telling him where to find the best fishing in the way only a southerner can tell you how to find good fishing.  I want to go!

Unfortunately, Johnny does carry anything that big in tires and I might want to check with Jimmy up at Giant Tires.  Good idea Johnny but been there already.  Any other suggestions?

And so begins the ten-minute conversation about Discount Tires.  Not so much the business, but how to get there without using the interstate.  Well, you could get there by going around the airport, but no, that would take forever.  Well, the highway route would take him way out of the way, maybe he should just cut through town.  They decide to send me through town.

So go down by “The K-Mart” and make a right (it was a left) and go down as far as the stop sign.  Or is that a traffic light right there.  I am pretty sure it’s a traffic light now because if it were a stop sign, you’d never get out of there.  Well go to the traffic light or the stop sign, whichever it is and make a left.  You know, I think it’s a traffic light because a stop sign would be impossible to make that left.  Anyway, go on down the highway quite a ways and it will be right there on your right (it was on the left).  When you cut through town though you’d better watch your speed cause with that big rig you’re driving they’ll figure you for a rich feller and pull you over for speeding just a sitting at the traffic light.

Chip Owen!  Okay, I am not making these names up.  Chip is the mechanic who is going to change the other five tires on the RV.  Chip is not much bigger than I am, but obviously spent the better part of his life changing truck tires as he is a strong son of a gun.  Chip hasn’t shaved since church last Sunday and speaks with a very deep southern drawl.  Chip and I discuss the merits of Creek (or crick as he calls it) Cooled Beer, mountain fishing and hanging out with Hillbillies (again, his phrase).

My favorite story was about his Grandpappy who kept bottles of water in the freezer, so he always had something icy cold to drink.  The ones with the red caps were about half full of shine so didn’t freeze right up and were always ready to drink and icy cold.

One Sunday after church the preacher comes by for supper . . . Pap had to carry him home and put him to bed.

Chip is good at what he does and has all five tires swapped out in just a couple of hours.  Seven hours after my first blowout I am ready to get back on the road.  I start to think about asking directions back to the interstate.  I decide to get there by dead reckoning.  Even if I get lost it might be a time saver. I find my way to I-77 and am headed north in earnest once again.  Traffic is not as bad as I had hoped, but I am tired.  I make it to Bluefield, VA and find a nice quiet spot in a rest area for a night of rest.  I actually sleep four hours which is the most time I have spent in any one place since leaving work the day before.

I was Tire(d)!

Photos on flicker!

Today is the beginning of the great Michigan adventure.  I leave right after work for points north essentially to be in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Sunday night for a special dinner celebration for my son, Timothy and his wife Samantha.  They were married less than two months ago in a short sunrise ceremony on Boynton Beach on the 4th of July.

Getting married on Independence Day.  No irony there!!!

So shortly after 4p today I left the office in downtown Fort Myers and started moving north.  The idea being that I would drive about 4 to 6 hours and get myself as close to the US301 & I-10 interchange near Jacksonville, Florida.

Despite two wrong turns, both of which put me right back where I was headed anyway (speaking of irony) I ended my day eight hours later in Brunswick, Georgia.  This was much further than I had expected or even hoped.   Fortunately, it is cool enough that I won’t need to run the air conditioner overnight.  I settled in for a short night’s sleep feeling pretty good about my day.  Things were looking good for the next couple of days.

Photos on flicker!