Day 3 Bullies

Day 3 Bullies, originally uploaded by Gail S.

As we prepare to head over to the Lost Sea, Sid is approached by the duck pond bullies - three big white ducks asking for a snack!

Day 3 Lost Sea Adventure, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We embark on the the Lost Sea adventure. Listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as America’s largest underground lake, the Lost Sea is part of an extensive and historic cave system called Craighead Caverns.

Day 3 To the Cave, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We entered Craighead Caverns via this bright yellow tube. The caverns have been known and used since the days of the Cherokee Indians. From the opening on the side of the mountain, the cave expands into a series of huge rooms. I didn't post any photos from inside the cave because they really looked bad. I really needed a tripod to keep the camera steady.

Note the couple walking in front of Sid. We chatted with these retirees during the entire tour. They are from New England, but live in St. Augustine, Florida, now. Avid cave visitors, they also spend lots of time metal detecting on the Florida beaches and near battlefields (on private land). In addition, they are ghost hunters! They even shot some photos of "positive energy orbs" while we were on the boat tour. Our young tour guide, Brady, told them how the door to the maintenance shed had slammed open when he was cleaning the boats...in a cave with no wind currents. He was pretty disturbed at the thought of ghosts in the cave...bless his heart.

Day 3 Glass Shop, originally uploaded by Gail S.

An 18th century village outside the Lost Sea entrance has a wonderful glassworks shop, Glassworks Mfg. Master glass blowers August Bopp and his son, Van Camp, have over 60 years of combined experience producing beautiful and unique handmade glass art.

Day 3 Glass Bikes, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Artist Van Camp Bopp can create a custom motorcycle from a photograph. The red bike looks like our ride!

Day 3 Happy Surprise!, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Just as we left the Lost Sea, it stopped raining, so we headed south on Hwy and came across this Rock City barn between Sweetwater and Niota! I was ecstatic, and Sid actually stopped the bike so I could get a good photo.

Day 3 Our Buddy, Chuck, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Back at the motel (Econo Lodge in Sweetwater), we were greeted by our favorite duck from the pond. Chuck seems to have deformed wings and is constantly picked on by the other ducks in the pond - just like children on the playground at school taunting another child who is "different." Sid has taken to this intrepid underdog, giving him treats and pushing the bully ducks away.

Day 3 Bike Inspection, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid and Chuck circle the bike and trailer for a full safety inspection. Chuck is safe from the other ducks when he is near Sid.

Day 3 Chuck's Rain Shelter, originally uploaded by Gail S.

When the deluge came, Chuck took shelter under our trailer, napping and grooming himself. I gave him some cereal from breakfast. Who will protect him when we're gone?

Day 7 Reflection of a Serious Rider

Day 7 Reflection of a Serious Rider, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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.

Day 7 Success at Last!, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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.

Day 7 Selmer, Tennessee, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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!

Day 7 Bolivar, Tennessee, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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!

Day 7 We're Home, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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.