We have been staying in moderate motels that often have breakfast, usually equipped with a waffle maker, fruit optional to rare, coffee tolerable.
We left Fulton about 7:30 am, and the initial miles were very hilly. On the way out of Fulton, a helpful woman in curlers trailed us to a stop sign, and then offered route advice. First asking: Looking for the campground? (At 7:30 am?), then she advised: Very hilly ahead, sure you want to go that way? That's a long way to ride! Then she suggested two roads that would help us avoid some really big hills. Take Moore and Brown. Remembering anything is a challenge for me, I came up with a UPS-related phrase: More Brown. We failed to spot either road, despite our maps, two iPhones, and 2 Garmins.
Our route took about 25 miles to reach the Natchez Trace National Parkway. Due to limited lodging on or near the Parkway, we only managed 10 miles before cloosing to ride north to the nearest town with lodging.
Mississippi Roadside
Natchez Trace National Parkway
Not sure why the wild turkey tried to cross the road, but he did not make it.
John enjoying the smooth, minimally trafficked Natchez Trace. Probably and ideal place to ride for supported cyclists, motorcyclists, campers, and those who plan to camp in Parkway campgrounds.
Paperboard Mill Log Pile. Seems that more trees are used for paper and card board than for lumber.
Dealing with Dogs. We have discussed and tried numerous approaches. John advises moving to the opposite side of the road—many dogs are hesitant to actually run on the road surface.
If I'm riding ahead, I attempt to tire them out—most dogs only have one run in them. The second rider is ignored.
Most dogs are in it for the sport of chasing, not biting, and are best ignored. Only one or two came close, within biting range.
When John is ahead, I often slow, and they run past me to the lead rider. That worked with these dogs.
Nice Shadow
Going for the lead rider.
Turning to consider the second rider.
John looks tastier.
Meat ant Two. Jane and Michael Stern "Road Food" fans recognize the Southern menu tradition of meat and 2 or meat and 3. Essentially, select one meat item and 2 or 3 side dishes. As you can see, we had two huge pieces of fried chicken and two side dishes, $5.50 plus tax each.
We had to wait a bit for the second piece of chicken, which we packed in foil and added to our evening meal. Always room for a little something extra in a Bike Friday trailer.
Facilities. While this town had several closed restaurants, the sign on this one announced Newly opened. Perhaps this trailer conversion with the front porch addition and drive-up window offered lower rent. We liked the food.
Friendly Clerk, Somewhat Remote Hotel, the Victorian. We often reserve one night in advance. So far, not every hotel or motel is on the web. This one was about 2 miles out of town, so we stopped at the supermarket for items to augment our left-over chicken. Our desk clerk, an 'Ole Miss graduate, was missing living in Oxford and preparing to return for his PhD. He told us about the great BBQ restaurant nearby, then advised it was closed on Mondays.
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