Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 3

July 13, 2013

Total from Day 2: 219

Total so far of Day 3: 148

Total Mileage 555

Last I left you I was pondering whether to stop in Tishomingo State Park or push a little to Davy Crockett State Park. Well, let’s just say that I’m happy I stopped in Tishomingo. Cost about as much as a National Park ($18 for spot with hook ups). However, look at the spot I was camping.

I decided that I did not feel like searching for fire wood. At the site, some generous individuals left some kindle, but I wanted some big pieces to last me the night. So traveling to the local corner store the young lady behind the counter agreed to sell me some logs dependent on how much I could fit on my motorcycle. Needless to say, it was amusing to everyone that observed my tomfoolery. Not a bad job, eh?

After loading up, and as local after local shook their heads in confoundment, one local asked where I was from. I told him New Orleans. He asked if I had ever heard of Raceland? Really, out here I meet a person originally from Raceland. I stated, “Of course,” I had my appendix removed at the hospital in Raceland. Side note: I almost didn’t make it as my chauffeur, Madlaugher, found great joy in making me laugh, then watching me double over in pain. I think it almost ruptured a few times from his antics. I asked the man from Raceland if he had eve heard of the Eglés. His response was, “Of course, that is a big name down the bayou.” There was something knowing about the way he responded, but did not elaborate. All I know is that my maternal family reaches out deep into Mississippi. 

So, night fell, and I had a flask of High West’s Campfire (a perfect blend of bourbon and scotch) sitting next to a campfire, or as my dad called it “Caveman T.V.” There is something contemplative about sitting in front of a campfire enjoying a digestif. 

As my fire was running low, laying out on the ground, and staring up in the stars, I started listening to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s informative, imaginative podcast ‘StarTalk’. Hearing him discuss the cosmos, the space program, and a multitude of space related topics is inspired. Having a clear night with stars aplenty was mind altering sans drugs (not enough bourbon to alter consciousness it was all Neil and guests). Check out StarTalk on iTunes and sit under the stars as Dr. Tyson regales with the beauty and wonder of the universe- trust me.

Morning view is amazing. Tastes remarkable with a perfectly percolated cup of coffee.

Today has been BRILLIANT! The Natchez Trace Parkway leading up to Nashville was marvelous. It started to get curvy, than about 20-30 miles from North Terminus the curves really required one to dig deep. It happened suddenly, and it took a moment for me to find the confidence in Simone (and myself). Rest assured, I found the confidence in machine and man, and what a ride! I’m writing this moments after I have finished the ride and still have a surge of adrenaline (this large dark coffee is probably not helping the pep). There were many, many riders on the Natchez Trace, but all were heading south. 

I missed so much on the Trace because at certain points you will stop every 5 minutes (sometimes less than that) to catch everything. I would do it again. A highlight is that I was able to do a little off road and ride part of the Old Natchez Trace. Here I am taking a break at Cypress Creek in Tennessee.

I’ll be jumping on the Interstate at some point to get to Knoxville. I refuse to call it a 'freeway,' since it does not posse any freeing qualities. Will I attack the Dragon’s Tail (or as German’s say, “Schwanz des Drachen.”) or will I camp out and head towards it tomorrow? Time will dictate my next choice for today and tomorrow. 

Until I ramble on again. . .