Kingsley Plantation, St. George's Island, FL 

       I wrote this complete blog out once already, but the other guy/site wouldn't let me post it. Then the next day I was informed that the blogs would no longer be so this journey has been rolling around my head ever since and just didn't find its home yet. Once I found out the the blog area was closed I went and copied all my other blogs and will be posting them here so if you read any and think gee I think I've read this already you just might have. I myself like to go places that I haven't gone before regardless of how many miles or hours it takes to get there. Since I self date myself most of the time I might as well go where i want to go and when I want to go. Somethings dating your self is better than actually dating another person cause ya don't have to put up with their shit. So, It was a nice enough day a great one to be out side and enjoy walking around the humidity was rather low for the south, however it was a cooler day with tempretures reaching to 55, light winds and bluest of skies with very few white puffy clouds. I wanted to be outside, go for a ride, gone most the day, but not that far of a ride for the chill factor. Yes, I have lived long enough in the south now that 55 in January is chilli, I admit full on that I am a weather pussy. My northren friends just laugh at me and what a difference a few years makes.
        I believe around 10:30 or so I left the house pulling the purple people eater out of the garage and heading out to A1A or better known here as South Fletcher Ave. I head south off the island with the beach to my left, between the houses, hotels, and condos I got the glimps of greenish blue Atlantic Ocean. The sun was well above the horizon now and the swells of the sea glittered and shined reflecting back a white blinding sparkling mas if one gazed to long at it. I could feel the chill in the air on my cheeks as I reached the gut blasting island speed of 25 LOL! Down past the Surf with very little traffic still. Folks were getting there Sunday tennis games on, they were already on the golf course playing the back nine and empting the Ritz's supply of Bloody Mary Mix. Once around the first round about or circle I am on the southern section of the island heading for Amelia Sound. It is here that the old oak trees covered in spanish moss form a canopy over the roadway. There is some very romantic about this stretch of A1A, its usually cooler here but the trees give that old south feeling. Wake up fast caouse the next 3 round abouts are right up ahead and well many seniors live in the area and almost anything can happen. Soon I will be at the sound bridge, once on the bridge I can speed up to 65, as this is a 45 mph now. Its a rather long bridge with Amelia island State park on the left. They let drive out there in 4x4 so ya can fish, swim, shrip sunbathe, and on the right side in and old bridge that folks all go and fish off of. Some of those folks have some set ups with umbrellias, coolers, 4x4 wagons packed with crap for the day.
          I crossed the Amelia Sound Bridge and easily made the night left sweeper as I speed up. Here keep a look out for folks towing their fishing boats. Once through the curve we are on the northern marsh area of Big Talbot island. There are a few channels where there is usually kaykakers but not today just fisherman. The road winds through Big Talbot to Little Talbot and I pass the State Park Campgrounds and come to the opening of the St. John's River. Here if the timing is right ya can see the carnaval ship out of Jacksonville going out, to see it go down the water way is just amazing, though she is the smallest cruise ships here in this settting she's huge. But not today, now there are only the navy ships sitting in port at Mayport. Their Masts tower above the sand dunes along Hecksure Drive. Here the smooth flow of the river meets the swells of ocean. Here sea birds are an annoying problem, ever get hit by a bird bomb while doing 60? Because of the meeting of channels the water is in great turbulence but there is always a rocking breeze here. There are allways wind surfers and parasufers here. They are pretty amazing to watch. The skies a blue, sands white, here the waters at times can be aqua blue then all the bright sails from the surfers. A true summer scene any time of the year.
       I go over a few more bridges pass a few fish camps and campgrounds some homes, and there on St. George's Island across from the St. John's River Ferry is the enterence to The Kingsley Plantation. Its a small paved road that have some rather quick sharp turns that wind along the inlet there, then it changes as the fork in the road is reached. I bare left and the paved road changes to gravel which chances to hard packed sand? dirt? clay? not sure really but it was whitish. Anyway this road is winding and has some amazing creeks, wildlife, and trees, like big cypress, and oak, cedar, and pine. I come upon of some ruins called Tabby ruins, its a house with seashell looking walls, but I continue further, I pass the National Park Service sign and cruise into the grounds, to get to the parking area ya have to pass by these white bulidings all in ruins. I did so, so I could park. From the parking area the kitchen, Big House and Work shed are seen along with a hotel or Inn that used to function there. The white of the buildings, green lush foliage and grey river really do make a lovely scene.
     I walked into the info center and learned that the Bigh House was built in 1765 or there abouts, this plantations was self suficent plantation and grew rice, sea cotton, small amount of cane sugar, kept few chickens, cow, grew veggies for Big House and was a major player in slave trading. Anna Kingsley or Mrs Kingsley was from the dominican republic and she herself a slave, she was a wife and property owner, business owner, slave trador and mother. For some reason I found that really very fasinating and conflicting at the same time. Anyway they let me gin some cotton and spin some thread that was neat. I walked from building to building and learned Tabby is a mixture of oyster shells, sand, and water. It was poured into molds to make bricks then the bricks were set into molds to make walls and such. Tabby flooring kept the kitchens and home warm in the winter and sweltering in the summer, all the building were of tabby construction except for the big house that was mixed materials. The kingsley used the task system where each slave was assigned a task when they finished they were done for the day. I also learnd that they would keep slaves in stockaides until there were enough to punish. Amazing how little we thought of others.
    The Work shop had the cane bowl in it and great fires were build to boil the sugar out of the cane then it was spread out to dry, hot work to say the least. An 1/4 of a mile away from the Big House was the slave quarters. There were 60 of them, all made of Tabby. The Kingsley's let their slaves keep their first African names and allowed parents to name their own children. Some traditions were kept as thing were burried under the doorways of the quarters. Its hard to imagine a happy life here but beyond the horrible conditions, and humiliation the people of Kingsley Plantation when on to have families any way. There are stories of parents come home from the fields to find children gone or parts of children as the aligators ate them, or dead as snake and spider bites killed them. Even facing those horors it is said that the Kingsleys from 112 different countries can be traced back to this plantation.
     I decied to go and stroll the sandy paths, was a little concerned as the shadows were growing long indeed but I head out towards the paths anyway. The paths were hard to walk in with riding boots on as they were mostly sugar sand in the begining but be came firm after they turned into the wooded areas. The path opened up to at one point looking down over the river which was at low tide and must have been a 10 drop to the sandy beach. I reached that beach by going down some stairs by an old oyster bed area/ canal area. This was the most beautiful part of the hike. There was quite and the noises of man were gone just the gentle lapping of the river along the shore line with the ocational bird call, a mild breeze that follow the current of the river, and slowly the sun was fading behind the trees high above. I made it back to the bike about 30 minutes before the park closed. This is a National Park however admissions is always free, so if your in the area come on down its a good stop for an hour or two. I was back home as the sun was setting leaving the sky orange and dark blue with streaks of white. It was a nice short trip and I got to learn a little about those that settled the area before I did. Have a great day "T"

Wine Country or Just the Country?????

Wine Country or Just the Country, Its been a little bit and maybe should have written this a little sooner however I hate writing the blog with out posting the pictures cause it kind of explains the pictures. I still really haven't figured out how to upload the pictures as a group. Well Not much had been going on but being that I have my self some itchy feet and tend not to sit at home and like visiting different places I decided to take myself to the Wine Country in the Country, this would be North Georgia. The area has some lovely rolling hills, some pretty nice twisty roads, and well the best part is its close. Let's face it the rising prices of gas ( at the time of the trip) does put a small pinch into where and how far one can travel. I would have liked to get to the hills of Virginia and tour their wineries. However Georgia it is. I left for the trip and actually turned off the air conditioner while I was gone because Florida was expecting low humidity and highs in the 80's. The day was sunny and warm. As I was heading up 95 it just felt really good to be on the road. Traffic was rather light but I knew that would all change in a few weeks as folks migrate south for Panama and Biketorberfest. It was really very nice however it seemed like there were some clouds rolling in. Sometimes this section of 95 can feel like it takes forever to travel, it isn't like I'm going to North Carolina to See the folks at CrazyHorsePainting or the folks in PA or NH. There only a few miles ahead 16. I want to tell 16 is almost as boring as 95. I know that this leg of the journey will only last about 2 hours compared to 2 and 1/2 hours to reach 16. This road also is one of the older road and it seems that there bump, after bump after bump, or thumpity thump road. It always seems as 441 one will never come, by that time I need to refuel. I fueled up at the usual stop when I take this route north and hit 441. 441 is a strange little road. After making on turn I headed down the 4 lanes of this road. The traffic isn't heavy but it isn't exactly light either. It can be a boring road however the nice sweeping curves that begin the upward climb, the dense forest becomes thinner as small towns get smaller, The curves are either climbing or droping down into a hallow, and nice little riding grove begins. The ground turns from sandy to redish soil. There are some fresh water ponds that the water is so clear they are aqua in color, the pine trees are meet with Oak and a few maples the temps were slightly decreasing slightly and the shadows became longer. The days are growing shorter so dark sets in early. There are signs of the coming seasons as some trees have stared with yellows or red on the edges of the leaves. The traffic begings to pick up and in a small little town call Madison I will turn off 441 to 83. Madison has some really lovely old homes many from the 1800's and most of them survived Sherman's march through Georgia during the Civil War. One Christmas I will find out if they have a Holiday tour of the homes as they do in Charlestown. I would love to do a candle like tour like I did in Princetown NJ. However I turned the corner on to 83. Noticed a cute like sidewalk cafe, one I'ven't noticed before. 83 is a two lane road that goes through a few farming communities. One is Boswell. Cotton is ready for harvest yet, but will be soon. One thing for sure no plant caused more problems, pain, humiliation than cotton. Ok, I know it wasn't cotton buy I hope you understand what I mean. I continued along 83 and noticed hum a double bubble factory. Who knew. I stopped for the night on 78. Just about 45 minutes south of the winery, I could make there but why once I got there they would be closed so I might as well get rest and enjoy the hills and valley of the area. In the Morning I head up to the Winery. I entered the gate of Chateau Elan, It's beautiful the big stately gates, water fountain of a woman stomping grapes, lined with some very pretty and well groomed flowers. The Chateau is designed to appear like a French Castle. When you take the tour you get a free wine glass and taste 5 of their wines. They explained what a small winery they are and how they import their grapes from California and Florida as they only have 25 acres of vines. But then again it has and 18 hole Golf Course, Condos for rent and a development of homes. Maybe that's why they only have 25 acres to plant? The Tour wasn't that long but it was good. They use oak barrels and I asked if they get them from the Jack Daniel's plant as soon as our guide answered I remembered the JD plant sends most of their used barrels to Napa Valley. They have a lovely reception area with huge barrels for aging wine. They explained the squeezing processes for both white and reds because they are different. Next it was time for the wine tasting. Me I was shocked I got myself a little buzz from 5 shots of wine?? what the heck is up with that. We killed a bottle of port and asked the tour guide if I could have it. Port bottles are pretty neat but I don't really enjoy the drink. I met a few folks on the tour and babbled with them. They had been married for 3 years and met on line, so we all got hope. The day was warm but and I was thankful for that because you can never trust the hight country. It was a very long ride home and I took the same route home as when I got there so there's no need to decribe that ride. I enjoy doing factor torus and such I can always learn somethingl Plus its nice to do a seasonal thing, and harvest and processing wine is a season event. I helps put me in the mind set that fall is coming. Have a great one "T"

I know I'm coming down to the wire on this trip. I was long about 10 days or so of riding but then again I didn't get a bike to polish it in the garage. If I think back I can't say one person whom had a clean bike with out a spot on it, I think this is the new biker fade that's been coming on for the last 10 years or maybe 15 years. I really don't remember anyone with new bikes either, that was well like a giant treat even a used new bike was somthing we were in awe of. Well, times have changed. It didn't seem that anything had chanced much here on this trip except the odometer and memories. So far I liked each place that I visited and had a really great time, from a walking parade and a Scoth Wedding, to being pelted with beads and discovering cajan history, to seeing mother nature's strenght, learning about different Indian Nations, to Blues players and how fieldhand tunes got their beat. I should say the reason for their beat, where music split into country, blues, rock, and soul, to a King's manson, hell of a BBQ feast, and finially the blasted heat! I have to tell you that didn't change I think at 6am it was already 75 and humidity was climbing, Instead of taking the direct route to Nashville by way of highway 40, I took around about way which was longer. Yeah I wondered if I was crazy too why add to the lenght of the day in the heat right? There was this little side tour thing I wanted to do which was south of Nashville and sicne I'd been to the World of Coke eailer this year it only seemed right I visited the reason for drinking coke, right? Oh, come on now ya know what I'm talking about here we're all adults, that's it I hear some "HELL YEAHS" back there. Anyway I left the cool security of the hotel, and started loading up the bike, dropped a bag in the trunk, dropped the other in the saddle bag and dam I was already feeling dicomfort from the heat, strapped the cooler on the seat that it I can feel it rolling on my face, man do I really want to go out of my way to Lynchburg? Fucking A ya know it, so I mounted up and took off to Points untraveled. Within 5 minutes the breeze had cooled me down but That was a short live aahh, about 8:30 or so the heat began to turn on and with an hour and half was the first gas stop and water grab. I tell it to ya honestly, this didn't dissappointment for a minute the sweat was rolling down the crack and I knew it would stop until I got into some air for awhile. A few hours passed I will tell this part of Tennessee is pretty, however if all ya want to see is medows, farms, and acres of nothing well you may not like the chosen route. The rolling hills began to climb higher and higher with eadch sweepeing turn that well got a little tighter, the sing for Lynchburg appeared and I followed the directions. All those little country churches, schools and farm homes just nestled in to the hills is charming along with the extra heated cow scents, the welcome gardens with flowers of every color great ya as you ride by. Now I could live here with out a doubt. I like the ocean here and beach but the Mountians and foothills there just something about them. anyway the road twists and turns through the valley until I reached the tiny town of Lynchburg, TNN. It's a little confusing as to where the distilery tours are but I figured it out, ok I was overheated and slightly melted so maybe I wasn't my usual thinking self. As you pull into the parking area I wouldn't have figured this to be a distillery. It had lovely gardens, paths, beautiful wooden buildings, just not what I had expected. I entered the welcoming center and there stool Jack, oh yeah in case ya didn't get the hints I'm at the Jack Daniel's Distillery, and and explanation as to how the whiskey is made. Of course ya start your tour with a photo really do I have too! Then we walked the tour and I will tell you no air conditioning at all. We went to the fire pit area where they make the coal from the oak barrels, then to the cave where the spring water flows, folks this area is about 20 degrees cooler, there was a small stream that wound its way around the property and empited into a lake. Saw the offices, and went inside to learn about the corn mash and its small roll, folks if ya been there and smelled the first tank can I get a Hell Yeah Now, but the second part of the process isn't nearly as fragrent, the used mash is sold back to the farmers so they can use the grains, so the claim is TNN has the Happiest cows not CA. From there ya learn about the barrel making process and how long a barrel is stored, some batches sit for 5 years other for longer, it depends on mother nature for the curing. How well she heats and cools the product so it soaks into and out of the barrels. After one use, the barrels are either furned for more coal, or sold in gift shop, or to a winery. Since I was heading on to Nashville just before Fan Fare, the Zac Brown Band was there taking a tour, how nice huh? Well from the distillery I went into town. Folks I love the little town square, its what small town america is all about, I know I'd love liviing there. I can see it as a harsh sweet and wholesome place where neighbors know ya, front stooping goes on, and backfense gosp happens just a sleepy little country home connect in the environent its neslted in. Remember though, Nope, no tasting, Lynchburg is a dry county, so ya can't taste it or buy it unless its a collectors bottle, yep. I know, but it is what it is, however that town is still wonderful homey place anyway. On to the big bad city, about 1 & 1/2 hours away. I reached the hotel, went in dropped my bags, flopped on the bed and napped, It was that dam hot. Went across the street for some grub but waited like 1 hour after ordering and the meal still wasn't ready so I left it, I has some where to go. Folks I'm going to go the day has grown long and there are things to be done. The place was very close to where I was staying so maybe tomorrow night. Ok, the Hotel had buses running from the Grande Ole Opry, so I got on a bus about 8pm. I went down to the Opry grounds there were bands out side playing, as I picked up my ticket for the show. Strolled around on the grounds and kind of stood out ya know. There were all these lovely country gals with cowboy hats and boots just strolling around and me I'm in flip flops and well riding appearl. The country twang was thick, and it made me sound like a some one from NEW YORK CITY! no I' m not, but well I'm a dam yankee and that's bad from what I get. It got close to 9:20 and folks were linen up at the door so I did too, dam it was hot, I mean freaking hot with no breeze or nothing. Stood there for ever because the first show didn't end on time. The doors didn't open until close to 10. That's not bad but when your sweating your ass off its aweful. got my sits Holy Cow Thrid row, left center, I can't believe it. That night in the Opry for the frist time I got to see Martina McBride, Laday Annabellum, Darius Rutkis, Jerrod Niemann, Carrie Underwood, and the Oak Ridge Boys. It was a pretty jamming show which ended at 11PM. It took a while to catch a bus back to the hotel. When I got there I was done. The next day there was a parade in Nashville. National Hog Members were asked to be in it, so dirty bike and all I went. The parade was waiting for us to arrive and start things off! awesome ah? After the ride down several blocks in Nashville there I got to park in a speacal place and go see the rest of the parade, all the stars of country would be comeing down the road. After watching for a few minutes, I went to the Wildhorse got some cold to drink, shoot pool upstairs had lunch, got dance lessons. Then decided to stroll the streets, There was fan fare going on by the river. the gate were open and saw Unckle Cracker, and I can't think of the other bands names I'm sorry I've heard the songs just don't know who made them. The next day would be Criag Morgan and the list went on. I let for the temptures were brutally hot. it only took a few minutes for the sweat to roll between the cracks once I got rolling on the road. My bike a dirt pit with almost 3 thousand miles on it from this trip was ready for a bath, oil change, brake pad replacements and nap I think, Just two more stops and I'll be home!

Some place I just don't like to go and well I went

There are some places I just don't like to go. One is the innter cities I hate them with a passion. Why well, folks are so distracted from what they are doing from phones, to texting, to computers, to tvs, and kidds, partners, dogs , eating you name it the list can go on and on. I will tell ya man its rough to be on big higways where no one gies a shit. Riding with other folks can always be a challange too. Ya never know what they are thinking. Me I've been around for awhile and would like to stay that way, so I tend on the highways going thruough the cities to stay in the left lane or right lane and never dead center, for that's where I feel roadkill happens. Anyway my theroies are different then other folks. I guess maybe being hit by a car, a couple of times will make ya think differently. No, it wasn't aything tto do with my error it was at a stop light and the oher just plane drove into me while looking at me as I was pulling off the road. It's a wake up call not to trust and be alter for sure. In 20 some years if ya don't think anything will happen guess again, just because you've been lucky or extremely stupid the odds do catch up to you one way or another, and I've been blessed enough to walk away intact and able to keep on keeping on.

So, Like I said this was the vaction from the devils frying pan for sure, just 3 weeks ago I was freezing my but off in NC and TNN and now I'm in Memphis sweating my ass off. the south can be a fickle and funky place to live that's for sure. Anyway coming inon highway 40 riding with a group that just wants to be center lane, we origianally we in the right lane, as soon as the leader could he jumped into the center lane. all bikes followed being the tailgunner I was last, the bike before me was really loudl. When He jumped into the center lane, the car behind him just swerved, ran me right off the road. He had no idea he did it, except for the fact that the field behind him disappeared and was now waiting for the brake dust to clear. I mean ever car behind him in the three lanes slamed the brakes on at once. Silly people don't they know I'm in control of my ride, when he moved over, so did I I slid right on to the shoulder applying stopping power and found I only needed throttle because traffic had come to a halt affraid that they would be a part of the need for a shovell.

What I think happened is the dude wasn't paying attention and when the loud bike got infront of him it starled him and he jerked the wheel in my direction. Kind of like where the hell that come from? Anyway, I moved on and got back into my tailgunner position before really anyone noticed. One one had a clue until the dude infront of me said something. The group weaved its way through the city streets, lots of one ways there in Memphis. Found the hotel and prepared for some BBQ. After all this is the home of the Biggest BBQ contest in the world right. So, being that this was the hottest trip ever and everything was well ripe so to speak it was time for the washers. In most hotels they have washers. My idea was to throw things in go upstairs shower and put them in the drier. Hahahaha no way I had to wait 3 hours just for a waher. After the marathon of washing clothes it was 9pm and well I wasn't really hungry I was more tired so I went to the bar, almost feel over for 6 bucks for a beer really I could buy a whole six with that. Oh well, it is what it is right! I woke up to in the am with planes to see grace land, The place opened at 8 and trust me I was there, Geese was it hot, dam,

Anyway, I wasn't expecting ght Graceland tour to be like that but I wasn't really sure what to expect. First ya get in line, then they take a stupid picture of ya in front of the facke gates, then your herded onto a bus shuttled across the street, put in line, then let in the house. No flash, can't touch anything as if ya want to. Anyway The house wasn't this large sprawling mansion one might think. It was homey, smaller but the grounds lovely. I shuffled from one room to the other if I leaned over the chain things a recording went off please no flaskh inside the home and don't cross the barracades. I'm thinking flash would mess up the security cameras. Well ist style is deffinately 50, 60, and 70's you can see in my pictures here I uploaded. Not all turned out well cause I was treated like just another head of cattle in there. The claim is it was decorated by a top designer of the the times. He had one place the office and racket ball area that was where all his awards, trophis, preforming suits and other memoriblila was located. I also toured the cars and plane area. the Lisa Marie is a lovely plane and I could see a celeberty traveling with in its leather and velvet green sofas, while watching a movie, or drinking at the table.

From Graceland, I head over to Soul, blues and rock museum or something like that, it's located acrss the street from Sun Studieos. The museum was amazing. All the different artists and it took ya from the time peroid when most folks were share croppers throughtout the south. With many of the poor folk the black farmers brought with them the songs of old and added new versus, and beat to the music. Soon that music filled the churches, and a black sound was created and played proudly along Beale St. in Memphis. They created a radio station and soon made records. At this time Black and White worked the fields together and some of the white folks got to playing along with the black bands, then they broke out on their owne the split created the difference in Blues and Rock and Roll. Most of this part of the history you know. However the museum had old recording to listen too, pictures of the early groups, rado personalities and other such items. Including clothing, instraments, music sheets, awards, jukeboxex, radio transevers, and recievers, and things of such nature.

Once I was done in the museums I went out side to stroll around. Naw I don't think so it was 99, humid and no breeze. I went back to the hotel and waited for evening for on Beale St there would be a block party, with eats drinks, and music that I would attends. The night was cooler for sure but not much, outside the hotel I waited for a trolley it would be a hell of a wait as the thing jumped the tracks . Dam I ddn't want to walk 8 city blocks in this heat. Oh. well off I went down the street. I went and had BBQ, boy was that awesome, the ribbs were good so was the coleslaw, beans, and they had greens I ani't a green lover so I passed on them. The bartender was awesome what a great gal alot of funn too. I could see us hangging out. Then down the street as I walked along there were all these brass notes in the street I guess its the Blues Walk of Fame. Neat didn't know there was one. There was music, and vendars and just a nice atmosphere in general. I enjoyed the eveing with good food, music and well booze somethmes it happens. The trolley was back on track so I took that back to the hotel. I have to dsay the down town area of Memphis or the historic distric is really very nice. I've herd it can be an ify place but I didn't see anything but a city trying to do some rebuilding while struggling with generating a poor econmy looking for away to market itself since well Blues only appeals to some, and yet its a top draw. I flopped my head on my pillow and was done a good ending to a few days in Memphis. Have a great one! "T"

New Orleans to Memphis

Ok, I know what your thinking. I know another boring ride blog from this chick, doesn't she get the hint and stop writting them after all we love drama, we want drama lama mama tales, of sorted love affairs beating themselves against the rocks til well past dead. We love reading the broken hearted dripple from 3 month relationships where folks traveld half way across the country. Well I'm sorry I'm just going to write about my ride so if your not interested well then I guess ya can continue on. Wow its hard to beleve that it could get any hotter than it was in New Orleans but guess what it did, I mean really by 8am I full on sweat rollers when I was standing still and for those working forget it they'd needed a clean shirt in 15 minutes. Leaving New Olreans from Canal St. was pretty easy, Just heade down canal street and followed the signs for 10. As we cruised to 10 I noticed all the lovely ancient gravestones at the graveyard. The lockers are well above ground, To me It's hard to imagine having to lock and brick wall such a place but well I guess ya gotta do it when folks are damaging things and don't know how to act in a place of respect. I was heading to 40 due north, but saw 11 and decided to follow that instead. In the distance once I reached the lake I could see the 40 traffic and was glad to have gotten off of that, I was going to Memphis and decided that I would head north on 11 then pick up the Natchez Trace Trail. I have been on the Trace Trail another time and spent a whole vacation checking out what it had to offer, it is indeed a wonderful ride with wider sweeping turnings and gentle up and down slops, wildlife, quiet, and infromation that would blow your socks clean off. South of Tupelo Mississippi the Natchez Trace Trail cross 11 so I went to get on there but got detored instead. Tornados had tore through that area ealier in the week and they were still trying to clean it up. I took the detor getting on the Trace several miles north of the detor. First glance there was nothng a miss here, The pavement looks as if it doesn't belong, like a black ribbon snaking over the landscape. A few Short miles and the sceen broke the peacefulness of the ride. I stared in wonder as I looked over the wooded area, some trees were pulled out by their roots, other just broken and splintered apart, some had no leaves, and a clear path of tree distruction could be seen. It wasn't wide, but it was a glimpse of what a tornado can do. I was in awe of the great power our Mother churned our. The first marker was Indian mounds. Now Indian mounds are all sacred, some were use for ceremony, others huts were place upon, still others held the dead. Each one is diferent. There are 3 different tribes that used the trace and it stretches some 500 + miles from Natchz Mississippi to Nashville TNN. If ya live in the area and haven't ridden this what are you waiting for??? Anyway it was getting hott not just hot but balls assed hot, Imean I was dripping and it wasn't even noon yet. I think one of the small town banks said 93, and the sun hadn't reached the hottest part of the day by a long shot. there was a small wild fire on the trace. I think I drank like 3 liters of water at this point all I could think was dam its hot. The trace offered little in the way of shade since the tornados ripped up the trees, but there was some shade, It was better to be in this natural setting then riding on the highway any day of the week. I wouldn't reach Memphis today, the heat was just overwhelming even with soaking a long sleeved shirt in ice water so, I stopped for the ngiht and got some BBQ, listened to some local music and just moved with my slow southern swagger, I'm sure I melted some fat off today, Let's hope so, When i hit the bed I was out like a light. The highlights, I didn't die in the mid day sunny, got a picture of a mufflerman, old train, may have lost 16 pounds sweating, and my harley is mad from riding in the heat., so I guess it balances out. well have a great one "T"

New Orleans

I decided to go to New Orleans, Why? Why not haven't been there so I wanted to see what the French Quarter looked like. I love history and well this is a pretty historic area and not just from Katrina stand point but perivious history. I saddled up I think the hottest part of the year so far but when ya take your time you take your time. I headed dwon 301, cause I wanted to enjoy the ride and not just blast down the highway 100mph with my hair on fire. Anyway about 30 minutes or so I got nailed by a bee. Yep I'm allergic so I had to tear everything apart and get the benadryl out. Cool I spent the last week and a half on Benadyrl. Once I reached 10 and headed west the pace picked up. I passed by the onlly civil war battlefield in Florida, which byt the way is the only nice part of 10 if you aske me. I wanted to head south, towards a little road that folllows the cost. Once I headed south towards the coast there was slight relief as the noon day sun was cooking reaching the high 90's. I know what your thinking, I should be used to this cause I'm from Florida right? Well, your wrong! We've had really mild temps until right up to this point now its just silly hot. Anyway the coast even offered little relief with the sea breezes that were well non existant at this time. How ever the Gulf of Mexico is always lovely, and so are the white sandy beaches. The day was growing long and I was not yet in Mississippi were I wanted to be for the night. The rrains came in and the tra traffic was getting heavey as I entered Destin. Shit this place has changed a great deal in the last 10 years or so. for that reason I headed back up to 10 and crossed the state line in about an hour. the clouds had cleared by this time and the sun was dipping down over the horizan. To find a place to stay not where I wanted to be but close enough. Day 2 of my journey finds me not more than 3 hours west of New Orleans. So I didn't rush to get a start. However that would be my mistake as this day would be even hotter and more humid. I reached canal street where a great deal of the larger hotels were located and found one not to far from Burbon street, I think just a couple of blocks. I parked in the parkcade and would not ride it for the entire visit. The Hotel didn't promise or even indecate that it would be safe in their garage. Oh well, I've never had problems in some of the big cities so I didn't think I'd have one here. I hide in theotel until dusk as the temps were closer to 99 with very high humidity. means you go out of the air conditioning and within a minute your soaked. Ok, so down the streat I go to burbon street. I will tell you honestly this if it were not for the historical interest in the French Quarter I would not even have stayed. New Orleans has some wouk to do. I think this says it all. All business owners wash the fronts of the buildings and and streets down every moring and a street cleaner comes down every moring yet there is still a sect the it has that's all its own. Burbon street that it. Since it was night fall I stayed on burbon street. From the catwalks as they are called are the bead throwers, if they think your flasihing even if your not be prepared to be pelted with dozens of beads. Then there are the bars, strip clubs, the entertainers hang in the door ways shaking it, shps with masks, feathers and beads. After one passes throught he business distric the homes and streets become much more quite. This is the area I'm most interested. I decided to tour this in the am hours so I got up at but crack and strolled down to the residental areat. Foks that have homes that are close to the business district have signs and cameras out infront of their homes. "please us trash cans for condums" "Don't sit here your on camera" things like that. However if you continue past this area, home with great catwalks with flowers that have been restored to former grace. There you can talk to the owners about the history of the places. I found Johnny Dep lives there, there's a story of a woman who killed and nulated slave children., There's stroyes of a first stop on the underground railway, desperate lovers in one home. A number of tales but the most haunted they all agree is "captian Jack sparrow's home" . I went to visit the Queen of Voodoos grave. The Location is isnteresting its behind cinder block waslls and fences. The graves are above ground due to very high water table here. But the lockers are all granit. Theya re beautiful. I presented her with a gift from my self a spell star, not a cheesey voodoo doll thing they sell in town. After reflecting in her great power I left the French quarter I went to the river and saw that I could have dinner on a paddle boat so I planned to do that. I went back to the hotel for a swim and afternoon nap as the day was balls assed hot. The even was setting in when I walked to the river which was like 6 blocks , this area of New Orleans is frequented by tourist so they didn't think there would be problems, however in other areas I may not be so welcome. There was a walking parade in progress very interesting, and I also came upon a sctchish wedding. The couple from Edinburgh, Scotland. I wished them much happiness. Mom, tld stories of growing up in Scotland and being a biker after the war when many US machines were left behnd. Her husband got one ans that was their first bike. The toured all over scotland together. I gave them all beads from the walking parde, The Bride gave me a cake decoration, and he gve me his tartan and family thisle crest.. Wow what an honor, I felt really well I don't know as I had a toast for them. Currently the happy couple is in Florida doing Disney World. Good Luck. The water front is lovely in New orleans I have to say espically at night. Tomorrow I will lleave this place but fron now its green gernade time. I'm glad that I did go to New Orleans. There is much work to be done there, however I feel its not due to hurricane Katrina but to the people them selves. There are areas where one feel truely uncomfortalbe. You know the hair stands out on your neck, but that's not because of the distruction from Mother Nature, that's from the disprespect of human life frome the folks that live there. I now not all the folks of New Orleans are hard core, however the numbers up to now good is very evident. So, politicians, if ya want higher tourism in your area, its time to stop pocketing the money and put it to projects that put the people in the area to work! Would I go there again well I might but for the most part I'm happy saying I've been there, but I might go back for all things change. have a great one! "T"