Yeah you got yer dead cat
and you got yer dead dog
On a moonlight night
you got yer dead toady frog
Got yer dead rabbit
and yer dead raccoon
The blood and the guts
they're gonna make you swoon!
You got yer dead skunk in the middle of the road
Stinkin' to high Heaven!
Loudon Wainwright III
That lyric best describes the first 100 miles this morning. Lots of animals that didn't pay attention in critter class when the teacher was talking about highway safety. Everything was on the road from a small bear to possums on the half shell (armadillos) to the ever fragrant skunks.
We left at the usual time heading for the Cherohala Parkway which links to the Tail of the Dragon. Passed several areas with downed power lines and crews were hard at work on a Sunday stringing new power lines and replacing poles, many of the businesses still without power. Also passed into an area were the tornadoes had gone across the road leaving total destruction of the houses on each side, makes you very thankful for your own home.
Finally made it into the western edge of the Great Smokey Mountains but had to spend an hour on the Interstate first in stop and go traffic, glad to get back off onto two lane. Soon we were on state route 74 along the Ocoee River a popular white water rafting area. The road follows the river hugging the bank winding back and forth while trying to watch the rafts negotiate the rapids along the way. We eventually turned north on the western leg of the Cherohala one of those roads with trees up to the edge 20 MPH corners and light traffic. Then it was back west to Athens Tennessee to find a place to stay for the night. Not a lot of miles today but with one exception great roads, great weather, and incredible scenery.
I put some pictures on the web site but haven't had time to label and edit them yet, you'll have to guess for now what they are.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
DAY 6 SATURDAY MAY 7TH
We're stopped for the night and the map on the wall of the Holiday Inn says we are on the Tennessee River in Florence Alabama, what the hell happened to the Mississippi? Well let me tell you about it, after dinner last night started talking about time and the rising river and that got me thinking. So…this morning after breakfast we headed east for the Natchez Trace and turned northeast for parts unknown, spent most of the day riding the Trace.
The Natchez Trace was originally a bison migration route, and then the Indian tribes of the area began following the “trace” as a trail in the thick forests. President Jefferson ordered the army to improve it for wagon travel as a route from Nashville TN to Natchez MS. Today it is a two lane road winding through the forest with limited access and no commercial development. There is dense forest on both sides of the road occasionally meeting overhead to form a green tunnel then opening into a meadow so thick with wildflowers that the smell is overpowering from the bike, under high thin clouds and 70 degree weather. All this with no cross streets, fifty mile per hour speed limit smooth pavement and a Harley.
Pulled off the Trace to have lunch in some little town and drove from end to end looking for anything that looked like a place to eat. The biggest thing happening in town was the bake/rummage sale at the Pentecostal church we stopped all sales by rumbling by. Found the only place in town to eat the “Family Drive In” pulled in and had a great lunch served by a friendly family.
Stopped early today, lots of daylight left, but everyone needed to do laundry after six days on the road. Quick trip to the Laundromat then back to the motel for a soak in the hot tub where we discovered half a dozen young kids in the pool. Jan started and soon we were all doing cannonballs into the pool stirring up the kids to the consternation of the ladies watching them.
When we walk by a mirror it looks like a group of old guys that ride motorcycles but when I play back the days conversations and actions in my head it’s more like a group of teenagers on their first road trip, great group to be riding with.
Headed towards the Cherohala Parkway and Tail of the Dragon tomorrow.
The Natchez Trace was originally a bison migration route, and then the Indian tribes of the area began following the “trace” as a trail in the thick forests. President Jefferson ordered the army to improve it for wagon travel as a route from Nashville TN to Natchez MS. Today it is a two lane road winding through the forest with limited access and no commercial development. There is dense forest on both sides of the road occasionally meeting overhead to form a green tunnel then opening into a meadow so thick with wildflowers that the smell is overpowering from the bike, under high thin clouds and 70 degree weather. All this with no cross streets, fifty mile per hour speed limit smooth pavement and a Harley.
Pulled off the Trace to have lunch in some little town and drove from end to end looking for anything that looked like a place to eat. The biggest thing happening in town was the bake/rummage sale at the Pentecostal church we stopped all sales by rumbling by. Found the only place in town to eat the “Family Drive In” pulled in and had a great lunch served by a friendly family.
Stopped early today, lots of daylight left, but everyone needed to do laundry after six days on the road. Quick trip to the Laundromat then back to the motel for a soak in the hot tub where we discovered half a dozen young kids in the pool. Jan started and soon we were all doing cannonballs into the pool stirring up the kids to the consternation of the ladies watching them.
When we walk by a mirror it looks like a group of old guys that ride motorcycles but when I play back the days conversations and actions in my head it’s more like a group of teenagers on their first road trip, great group to be riding with.
Headed towards the Cherohala Parkway and Tail of the Dragon tomorrow.
Friday, May 6, 2011
DAY 5 HEADING NORTH
Left this morning with a daylight ride into downtown Donaldsonville a designated Great River Road city. Started towards Baton Rouge along the river road. The name river road is somewhat misleading since you can't see the river for the levees.
The scenery kept shifting from industrial to beautiful homes and very poor areas all peppered with middle class neighborhoods. Crossed over to the east side and actually saw the river from the bridge, before the day was over crossed at least five times, great bridges. Continued north and the road just kept getting better, bayous, forests, swamps, and small towns. Wandered several miles from the river but still on scenic byways also designated hurricane evacuation routes.
Passed one of those areas were everybody owns at least ten cars that don't run and they keep them all in the front yard half hidden in the weeds. Shortly after saw an old pick-up pulling out of a side road towing a trailer with two wrecked cars. I had to wonder if he was hauling them off or taking them home because his yard was two short of its allotment.
Riding north on the Mississippi side of the river under clear skies, 70 degrees, 65 MPH, great road, who cares if you can see the river. Crossed back into Louisiana to see CE's brother who was busy trying to move his companies equipment out of the flood area. Buck is the younger brother but there is no denying that they are related. On down the road stopped and met CE's Mom and sister at there homes in the very north east corner of the state. We had a nice visit and got the required pictures before heading on down the road. We are in for the night in Clarksdale Missouri just east of the river.
From a motorcycle you have time to look around and take in the sights, sounds, smells, and scenery that surrounds you. We never fail to find roads that are totally off the beaten path waving to people on the porch or mowing the yard. I know that some of these roads rarely see a tourist much less six motorcycle s with Arizona license plates. We are very fortunate to explore these areas off the tourist track, known only to those that live or have business in the area.
Here is a link to our approximate route today, minus some of the side roads, hope it works.
http://goo.gl/maps/GPDX
The scenery kept shifting from industrial to beautiful homes and very poor areas all peppered with middle class neighborhoods. Crossed over to the east side and actually saw the river from the bridge, before the day was over crossed at least five times, great bridges. Continued north and the road just kept getting better, bayous, forests, swamps, and small towns. Wandered several miles from the river but still on scenic byways also designated hurricane evacuation routes.
Passed one of those areas were everybody owns at least ten cars that don't run and they keep them all in the front yard half hidden in the weeds. Shortly after saw an old pick-up pulling out of a side road towing a trailer with two wrecked cars. I had to wonder if he was hauling them off or taking them home because his yard was two short of its allotment.
Riding north on the Mississippi side of the river under clear skies, 70 degrees, 65 MPH, great road, who cares if you can see the river. Crossed back into Louisiana to see CE's brother who was busy trying to move his companies equipment out of the flood area. Buck is the younger brother but there is no denying that they are related. On down the road stopped and met CE's Mom and sister at there homes in the very north east corner of the state. We had a nice visit and got the required pictures before heading on down the road. We are in for the night in Clarksdale Missouri just east of the river.
From a motorcycle you have time to look around and take in the sights, sounds, smells, and scenery that surrounds you. We never fail to find roads that are totally off the beaten path waving to people on the porch or mowing the yard. I know that some of these roads rarely see a tourist much less six motorcycle s with Arizona license plates. We are very fortunate to explore these areas off the tourist track, known only to those that live or have business in the area.
Here is a link to our approximate route today, minus some of the side roads, hope it works.
http://goo.gl/maps/GPDX
DAY 4 MAY 5
Headed out this morning with the hope of finding the southern end of the Mississippi at Venice LA. Stayed on 10 into New Orleans then south on state route 23 headed down the peninsula towards the end of the road and that all important sign “Begin Great River Road”. While it looks short on the map it is actually a long ways to the end of the road. We made it to the Welcome To Venice sign but fell a few miles short of the river road sign. Turns out that the last few miles of roadway haven’t been raised yet and the already high river was flowing over it.
Had lunch at a Subway next to the levee, after lunch walked to the top of the levee and watched large ocean going transports negotiating the river. The road is slightly reminiscent of the road to the keys; you have the river to the east and the gulf to the west.
Headed back north and knew we were in trouble with rush hour rapidly approaching. Managed to stay off any highways and made it to highway 18 the river road along the south side of the Mississippi. Drove along the river but you couldn’t see it for the levees that border the river this far south.
In for the night in Donaldsonville, an old Louisiana town with a large historic district and a great history, drove downtown for dinner at a great local place recommended by the desk clerk.
I’m going to try to start posting some pictures and maps of our routes tomorrow.
Had lunch at a Subway next to the levee, after lunch walked to the top of the levee and watched large ocean going transports negotiating the river. The road is slightly reminiscent of the road to the keys; you have the river to the east and the gulf to the west.
Headed back north and knew we were in trouble with rush hour rapidly approaching. Managed to stay off any highways and made it to highway 18 the river road along the south side of the Mississippi. Drove along the river but you couldn’t see it for the levees that border the river this far south.
In for the night in Donaldsonville, an old Louisiana town with a large historic district and a great history, drove downtown for dinner at a great local place recommended by the desk clerk.
I’m going to try to start posting some pictures and maps of our routes tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Day 3 May 4 Happy B-day Genna
The days drift by They don't have names
None of the streets here look the same
And there're so many quiet places
And smilin' eyes match the smilin' faces
Chorus:
And i have found me a home
I have found me a home
You can have the rest
of everything i own'cause
i have found me a home
Jimmy Buffett
Feeling pretty good on a typical day three. The first day or two you are just getting used to being on the bike all day again. Then settling in to a couple of days of being with each other and away from home. Then day three hits and suddenly your butt fits the seat, your knees aren't aching, walking feels less comfortable than your bike, and you don't care where you are. I have found me a home.
Made about 420 today still on I-10 but what a change. The greenery of east Texas giving way to miles of rice paddies and bayous in west Louisiana. Stopped at a Harley dealer in Lake Charles for a minor repair to Jan's bike and were met with true southern hospitality. It was an old school shop with the owner on site in an old metal building off the beaten track. Repair was quickly made and we continued down the road.
In for the night just west of Baton Rouge, should easily make it to Venice LA tomorrow then start north up the Great River Road. Although the scenery today was great I'm looking forward to two lane roads that don't run for miles in a straight line. Ended the day with a cold one and a fish dinner at a local sea food place next door to our hotel.
I must say Happy Birthday to my daughter, Genna thanks for your continued patience with me for missing your birthday again. I did talk Jan into changing the dates for the fall ride so I can be home for the birth of my grandchild.
Love You, dad
None of the streets here look the same
And there're so many quiet places
And smilin' eyes match the smilin' faces
Chorus:
And i have found me a home
I have found me a home
You can have the rest
of everything i own'cause
i have found me a home
Jimmy Buffett
Feeling pretty good on a typical day three. The first day or two you are just getting used to being on the bike all day again. Then settling in to a couple of days of being with each other and away from home. Then day three hits and suddenly your butt fits the seat, your knees aren't aching, walking feels less comfortable than your bike, and you don't care where you are. I have found me a home.
Made about 420 today still on I-10 but what a change. The greenery of east Texas giving way to miles of rice paddies and bayous in west Louisiana. Stopped at a Harley dealer in Lake Charles for a minor repair to Jan's bike and were met with true southern hospitality. It was an old school shop with the owner on site in an old metal building off the beaten track. Repair was quickly made and we continued down the road.
In for the night just west of Baton Rouge, should easily make it to Venice LA tomorrow then start north up the Great River Road. Although the scenery today was great I'm looking forward to two lane roads that don't run for miles in a straight line. Ended the day with a cold one and a fish dinner at a local sea food place next door to our hotel.
I must say Happy Birthday to my daughter, Genna thanks for your continued patience with me for missing your birthday again. I did talk Jan into changing the dates for the fall ride so I can be home for the birth of my grandchild.
Love You, dad
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Day 2 May 3
Headed out of Van Horn, right back on Interstate 10 for the day. The weather did cooperate and rode all day in 60 degree temps under clear skies. I-10 is very well maintained with very little traffic, I drove for 135 miles without passing more than five or six vehicles. Traffic did turn heavy when we hit San Antonio during evening rush hour but we made it through and out the east side.
Currently stopped for the night in Seguin Texas twenty or thirty miles east of San Antonio. We should be in Louisiana tomorrow and Venice by lunch Thursday then the adventure begins. For now I'm just enjoying riding down the road with friends.
Currently stopped for the night in Seguin Texas twenty or thirty miles east of San Antonio. We should be in Louisiana tomorrow and Venice by lunch Thursday then the adventure begins. For now I'm just enjoying riding down the road with friends.
Monday, May 2, 2011
DAY 1 MAY 2, 2011
Well here we are again off for parts unknown. We plan at this time is to make a quick run to New Orleans then take a slow ride up the Great River Road along the Mississippi River.
We left friends and family behind at Dennys and started south on 17 then onto the 10. It didn't really feel like the start of a new trip even though the bike was loaded with all the right stuff. Thirty miles later we were passing Firebird Lake and I looked in the rear view mirror right behind me were five great friends with the sky a beautiful blue. I realized we had the next three weeks to ride anywhere we want, oh yea it's on, I'm ready to roll down the road. To spend our days exploring this great country, meeting interesting people and just enjoying each others company. Life with your buddies just doesn't get any better. Yes it was just interstate 10 but it is much better than I-40 with less wind, trucks, and potholes.
Stopped for the night in Van Horn Texas roughly 575 miles today. The last hour or so well after dark almost no traffic on the road stars in the sky. That's it for today two hours later here and want to get a decent start in the morning.
We left friends and family behind at Dennys and started south on 17 then onto the 10. It didn't really feel like the start of a new trip even though the bike was loaded with all the right stuff. Thirty miles later we were passing Firebird Lake and I looked in the rear view mirror right behind me were five great friends with the sky a beautiful blue. I realized we had the next three weeks to ride anywhere we want, oh yea it's on, I'm ready to roll down the road. To spend our days exploring this great country, meeting interesting people and just enjoying each others company. Life with your buddies just doesn't get any better. Yes it was just interstate 10 but it is much better than I-40 with less wind, trucks, and potholes.
Stopped for the night in Van Horn Texas roughly 575 miles today. The last hour or so well after dark almost no traffic on the road stars in the sky. That's it for today two hours later here and want to get a decent start in the morning.
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