Day 9: Lexington to Paris, TN 62 miles; total miles 510 Wednesday, April 28, 2016

The rain on Tuesday reduced the humidity, leaving some damp road surfaces this morning. Most of our miles were in the Natchez Trace State Park, not to be confused with the Natchez Trace National Parkway. The State Park was as good or better than the National Park, with minimal traffic and forest much closer to the roadway. Three miles out of Lexington, traffic disappeared. Shortly, we entered the State Park.

Winding, Quiet, Natchez State Park Road

John leads the way.

Memorial Critter of the Day. The three-song trilogy for his funeral: London Homesick Blues, Terry Allen; Mamma Tried, Merle Haggard; Dead Skunk, Loudon Wainwright III. Unfortunately, numerous armadillos met the same fate.

Critter of the Day. This turtle posed nicely on the center stripe. I move dhim to the far side of the road, perhaps a religious experience for the turtle. So inspired, he will probably become a southern Baptist preacher with a new congregation.

John's Knee Impresses Damsel. Upon stopping at the Natchez State Park Visitors Center, John impressed with his knee scars. I notice little details, said the damsel.

Encountered shortly after exiting the State Park.

For Sale????

Meat and 3, $5.50. OK, the hamburger steak was hand-formed, the green beens were cooked Southern style until tender, the white beans are traditional, and the hot apple compote was just like hot apple pie without the crust. We dined with the locals, including the 6 Amish men with their female driver at the next table.

Hallmark Channel Worthy.

We often arrive in a town just before or just after a major event, but we managed to join the Paris Catfish Fry, World's Largest, an Americana event we could not miss.

About 45 minutes to get in, $11 each, all you can eat.

Eating all they can.

Hummmmmmm . . . 

Dishing it out.

  Local school children create posters, displayed progressively from younger to older grades.

Typical 1st Serving

Happy Customer

The World's Largest Fish Fry was accompanied by a craft fair, carnival, and rodeo. Keep in mind that this is Paris, Tennessee, not Paris, France.

Free Speech. Perhaps offered by the same person advocating: I hate gov'ment, so don't touch my social security; (Guess I'll just leave the rest to you and Fox News.)