July 5 Last night in Alabama
I have been thinking (not much else to do while biking except read jeopardy questions to Bruce) about how to live in the summer time in Alabama. I would get up at 4:30 am every day to get a “start” on the day. If I wanted to do any outdoor activities such as gardening, watering, biking, or walking I would need to do it before 11:00 am. When I was done with my “activity” some might consider a breakfast of “biscuits and gravy” (not me) or yogurt and fruit. Whatever one does at this time do not turn on your oven. So when does Paula Deen cook? 3:00 am? I bet she tapes her show around that time. Around 10:00 I would make sure the Air Conditioner is moved from low speed to high speed. I would make sure all the blinds are pulled tight. Now from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm one could sleep, read, knit, watch TV, run to your air conditioned car and drive to an air condition store or mall or any other “indoor” activity. At 3:00 pm one could check the outside conditions by pulling the shades back ever so slightly. If you are lucky there would be a storm “brewing” outside. If so make a mint julep or drink of choice and go out on your veranda. Slowly sit in your swing or rocker—do not use much energy at this point. Move your rocker/swing slightly back and forth to create a breeze if one is not provided by Mother Nature. If the “breeze” reaches 40=50 mph—go inside. I would suggest Dinner could be served at 9:00 pm, but I think at this point you call Pizza Hut to deliver.
We got up at 4:30 am to get ready to ride. We decided this would be a “no food” day so we had better take advantage of the restaurant across the parking lot. It was our first “sit down” meal we have had since leaving Mobile. Last night we ordered a Subway dry sandwich to go as there will not be any places to eat on the way to Aliceville. Left restaurant at 6:00 am with our lights flashing.
Stopped in Gainesville, AL to read about the history of the area. Gainesville used to be in the 1800’s a thriving city that barged cotton to Mobile on the Tombigbee River. It now has a population of 200 with no services. There was also a memorial to Lieutenant General Forrest who in 1865 surrendered his troops to the union army. They had his speech engraved on a stone—it was sad to read and realize that there were “no winners” in the civil war.
Because we move so slow compared to cruising down the Interstate in a car, I am more aware of the surroundings. One thing as we enter a town we always look for food places and how far they are from where we are staying. I watch houses for dogs. This time we are carrying “pepper spray” just in case we run into a loose dog. So far we have only had a few barking dogs. I like the long driveways because it takes the dogs awhile to get down to the road. The landscape is changing again as the pine trees slip away I am seeing more cedar growing. This is one part of the ride I like is to be able to watch nature change as you move from one climate to the next. I am observing more farming and horse ranching less peanut farms.
Aliceville is about 2,567 population. During WWII the city had an interim camp with 6,000 German soldiers on a 400 acre site. They built a compound complete with stores, camps and shops. Some of the buildings remain today.
This is our last night in Alabama that makes one state down and seven more to go. We are headed for Aberdeen, MI tomorrow. It will be a long day 70+ miles. We are hoping for a cloudy day.
Stats for July 5
Arrival time in Aliceville is 11:00 am.
50 miles, 11.5mph, 4 hours and 19minutes (ride time) 1300’ elevation gain
1 Presbyterian Church
0 Egrets
July 6th Aberdeen, MS
We left Aliceville at 5:40 am. It was cool (70 degrees) Oh blessed!
We have crossed the “Tenn-tom” water way at least 3 times. This is a 234 mile artificial waterway that provides a connecting link between the Tennessee and Tombigbee rivers. The beginning of this project was an idea around 1760 by a Frenchman, Marquis de Montcalm. It was finally completed in January, 1985.
We stopped in Pickenville for breakfast at a fast food –stop and go store. The history of the town is as a riverboat city, railroad and civil war. They elected their first black mayor in 2004.
You are probably wondering why isn’t she sharing historical sites of the Underground RR? In our preparation for the trip we selected 2 books to read. Bruce read Bound for Canaan by Fergus M. Bordewich. It gave us a historical perspective of the Underground RR. The book outlined the stories of those who used the RR and those who helped. Because it was a “secret” there are no historical markers, just the experience of the journey following the “drinking gourd.” Our journey was designed around the drinking gourd. For example,
When the great big river meets the little river
Follow the drinking gourd
For the old man is a-waiting to carry you to freedom
If you follow the drinking gourd.
This verse is this verse told freedom seekers that the Tennessee joined another river, the Ohio, which they were to cross. On the north bank, they would be met by a guide from the Underground Railroad. The book I choose to read is Forbidden Fruit it is about the documented marriages (even though slaves were not allowed to marry) along the URR. I am reading it on my Kindle as we go because it helps me connect to the stories.
We did 181 miles in Alabama from the bottom to the top!
Water and Gatorade is what we live on. We carry about 168 oz or 21 cups of water. When we take a break at a gas station we always buy more Gatorade or pop. We keep pretty hydrated as we go.
Today we were stopped by a gentleman who rides a recumbent—Bachetta Corsa. His wife saw us and called him at work. He got into car and found us along a gorgeous drive called Holly Hills. We visited for a bit. He has been riding for 3 years and lost 50 lbs. Another example of southern hospitality.
On the road today a car with Alabama license plate pulled up alongside of us slowed up and asked “Is this the way to West Point?” Yes! That is where we were headed. They thanked us and zoomed off. Hmm West Point, MS has a sign outside of its town limits calling it a “certified retirement community.” Wonder what that means?
We are seeing more corn fields alternating with soy fields. These are the rotating crops that are most prominent in Mississippi.
You know what is weird about Baptist Churches is there is Mount Olive, Mount Zion, Mount Pleasant, always a Mount. But today we see one called Primitive Baptist church?
Tonight we will throw away a tube of toothpaste. Now you say. “So?” I have several of the small tubes as we throw things “away” it lightens our load and we know we are getting near our destination.
We went to dinner at a local –sit down with menus restaurant. It was like eating at “Cheers Bar.” Everyone knew each other. The owner talked with us and thanked us for eating there.(We had to ride 5 miles to get there and back to the hotel.) When we were outside he came out and thanked us again.
Aberdeen has some beautiful homes. They are white stately southern homes with long lawns and curved driveways. These homes were built around 1840.
SHOUT OUT TO EILEEN AND ED LARSON ON THEIR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON JULY 7TH!
Stats for July 6 Aberdeen,MS
Arrival time 2:10
73 miles, 11.2 mph, 6 hours 31 minutes ride time and 2200 feet elevation gain.
2 Presbyterian Churches
1 Blue Heron
0 Egrets
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