We woke to rain, it's predicted for the next three days all over the state. We decided to get an early start and try to get through most of it soon. Imagine how thrilled we were to discover it was sleeting as we packed the trailer! We've been so lucky on all of our previous trips to avoid this kind of weather. Guess it's our time...
By the time we reached Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, the rain had stopped, but the sky was still cloudy. We stopped to visit David Crockett State Park. It's really nice: camping, tennis courts, swimming pool, lake, hiking, picnicking. It has everything including a creek and covered bridge.
I've passed this Rock City barn just outside of New Prospect, in Giles County, Tennessee, two times and missed getting a photo. On this third attempt, I was ready with my camera in hand. The problem is that the barn is in a curve and the sign is painted on the side facing west. Since we are always going west when we pass by, I can't see it until after we have passed it. On this third try in three years I actually managed to shoot it over my left shoulder! I am fascinated with these old barns that used to be on every highway in the South. Unfortunately, the interstate system coupled with the Highway Beautification Act sponsored by Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, resulted in the loss of most of these landmarks. I suspect this barn was last painted in 1967. Highway 64 is being widened to a four-lane in this area and will bypass this barn by the end of the year. I felt this would be my last chance to capture this photo.
We stopped in Selmer, Tennessee for lunch at a cafe on the road through downtown. We met Tommy Turner, owner of Turner Tomato Company, who has been riding motorcycles since 1960. He had some great stories to share about some of his trips. Very interesting fellow who invited us to go on a ride with him. If you travel through Selmer, don't take the Hwy 64 bypass, go through the old downtown section. It was a pleasant surprise to see this old Rexall sign and store bringing back memories of my childhood. Notice the sun is shining!
The old Western Mental Health Institute in Bolivar is a creepy-looking place. Upon completion of construction in 1889 it was called Western Hospital for the Insane, later changed to Western State Psychiatric Hospital and then to Western Mental Health Institute. From its original one building, presently used as the administration building, WMHI grew to 1140 acres with seven buildings housing patients. Its census on June 30, 1950 was 2330 patients, compared to the average of 260 today. A new facility is under construction just to the right in the photo. It should be finished in a couple years. Hopefully, the design won't be reminiscent of an old horror movie... When I was a camper at Girl Scout Kamp Kiwani in nearby Middleton, the counselors used to scare us with stories of escapees from "Bolivar Insane Asylum." Yes, that helped create a few sleepless nights for a young camper!
It was a fun trip, although shorter than usual. We experienced many memorable times including visits to some well-known Southern features. But, it's always great to return home. How nice to see the dogwoods and redbud trees in bloom on our property. I stopped in the driveway to catch this photo. Of course, Sid is already planning our next bike trip! Many thanks for your interest in our travels.
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