Day 21. Magee MS to Foxworth MS. 67 miles

     Another hot and hilly day. I was glad to be off the road at 1 o'clock .  Logging seems to be a major industry. Loaded trucks pass me all day long. Cattle farms are also prevalent in this area. On to Louisiana tomorrow.

Day 20 Kosiuscko MS to Magee MS. 79 miles

     It was a hot and hilly day today. The roads varied greatly, from alittle more scenic roadway to gravel on top of pavement and Larry's favorite, an old logging trail. After narrowly avoiding a crash due to thick mud on the trail, I found a lucky horseshoe. I'm positive that's why the rest of the trail was a piece of cake - just look at Larry's car.  Chill-action Jackson is enjoying the 90 degree heat.

Day 19. Houston MS to Kosciusko MS. 87 miles

     I'm back on the road to New Orleans after a short side trip, 301 miles, across Michigan with my grandson, Alex. We survived the 6 day camping and biking adventure unscathed. It was a beautiful route from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.
     I left Houston, Mississipi early this morning and traveled about 6 miles through town and out to the Natchez Trace Parkway which I was on for the rest of the day. It is a beautiful scenic roadway. The original trail, a series of Indian trails, was made into a road in the 1800's to help with mail and to help solidify the area within the country.
     A great day for biking. Looking forward to tomorrow.
     I took a side trip today to Starkville, home of Mississippi State University.  This was a bucket item list, which the photos do not do justice for.  The baseball stadium has been notorious for its unique outfield seating and fan club which uses cowbells extensively.....you can see why I am attracted...it has all the redneck characteristics I treasure.  I also found an honorary bulldog member in front of the football stadium.

Day 19. Delay for a while

  Beth will resume her NTS (North to South) bike ride in a week and a half.  Five more days of biking remain until she arrives in New Orleans sometime near July 1.
   A mini vacation is in store, with PALM (Pedal Across Lower Michigan) a bike ride beginning on Father's Day with Grandson Alex and Cousin Kelly and his daughter Samantha.  Biking and six days of camping out sound like a vaca, right?

Day 18. Ripley MS to Houston MS. 65 miles

    After a short time in the dark, I was back on the highway for awhile. I felt much better when my route meandered to less busy roads, until the road turned to gravel, or should I say mud from an overnight rain. I had to walk some sections and keep knocking mud clumps off my bike. That led to an absolutely beautiful bike path though. I was on it for the remainder of the ride. The trees provided a lot of shade and it was a pleasant way to end Flag Day.  I got to the end before Larry. Lucky for me, there was a port-a-pot there since a heavy rain storm caught me about 2 miles out of town. It was a sight for wet eyes!

Day 17. Jackson TN to Ripley MS. 70 miles

   Believe it or not we are in Ripley.


   Hot, hilly, and very busy roads. Semis and cars flew by most of the day.
   My question for the day is: Is John the most or one of the most popular names for baby boys in Tennessee and Mississippi?
   For those of you with an interest in music, can you explain Mississippi's slogan? - Birthplace of America's Music.
   That's about it for today. Early to bed, early to rise.  Keeps Beth going, and Larry barely alive.

Day 16. Union City TN. To Jackon TN. 62 miles

        Not too much to say about today. I started early to try and avoid some of the heat. It did help since it was in the 90's again today. About the only thing to see today was a replica of Davy Crockett's last home. I saw a lot of homes flying the American flag with the Confederate flag flying right below. I also came to the conclusion that at least 80% of the people must be Baptist. Several cities, some very small, had more than one Baptist church. Headed to Mississippi tomorrow.