Trip Total - 65.53 miles

Click on Pic to Enlarge

Jane Ann and I got up this morning to coudy skies.  We visited the Meriwether Lewis Monument where Meriwether Lewis was found dead.  It is speculated that he committed suicide, although many argue this fact. .. .  

We decided to drive south just a bit hoping to find friendlier looking skies.  Not only did we not find them, but it even sprinkled some rain on us.  Finally at Glenwood Branch, I pulled the jeep over and started getting the bike ready. I kissed my Wife goodbye and headed South on the Trace.

My plan for today was to ride to Colbert's Ferry.  I arrived there at about 12:10, looked around and wasn't too impressed.  So I decided to ride on to Tishomingo State Park about 25 miles further South.  I can brag that I rode my bike, through three states in one day, but if you look on a map, its no great feat . . Leaving Tennessee, I rode about 30 miles through Alabama before entering Mississippi.

I arrived at Tishomingo about 4:30 but a couple of hills just before the park got the best of me, and I know I was close to bonking.  If the park were 2 miles further than it was, I am not sure I would have made it.  Some highlights today were that I crossed the Tennessee River, and saw some Cotton Fields. The Tennessee River I have seen before, but I really never have seen cotton Fields before today.

I paid the lady $13.00 and picked out a spot located right on the lake!  After a visit to the camp shower-house, with a fresh shave, I felt like a new man!  I enjoyed a supper of Tuna, and Lipton cup-a-soup, and it was very good!

My campsite is really nice, as I am camped right on the lake.  Its been trying to rain ever since I got here, and as I write this, its coming down pretty good.  I have no cell service here, but this site does have electricity so I am taking the opportunity to charge the phone battery.  I started not to bring any electronic gadgets . .  But am glad now that I brought the phone. Its a piece of mind, even though there is no service here.

There is a friendly beaver that keeps passing by my site carrying grass and weeds for a den somewhere close I am sure. Several ducks are on the lake also.  For my first day on the trace, I have formed a few opinions . . . . Although very beautiful, by the end of today's ride, I found it almost boring.  My food planning seems to be pretty good though.  I would hate to know how far I wouldn't have come if I had to leave the trace 2-3 times a day for meals.

More Day One Pictures

Click Picture to Enlarge

Day Two