"What a looong, straight trip it's been"
Start late, end late. That's the way of things.
We got a late start and by 12:30 am Saturday morning, neither of us could stay awake any longer. Rest stops aren't just for truckers to sleep in. Just near the Mississippi border, we did just that.
And what better time to see the Mississippi River, in that state which your teacher always asked you to spell numerous times in fourth grade so that it is forever imprinted in your brain. Sunrise.
"
Mornin' has spoken, like the first morning...."
This wide, long, lazy river has so much history along its banks, one can almost hear and see it unfold before you. Battles fought on and over it, towns and children born alongside it, cities erected hugging shorelines, and folks fishing, drinking, washing their bodies and clothes in it.
Right here in historic Vicksburg, casinos and hotels line the shore, bridges span its width, and still...... its the same river. Water flows, ebbs, carries silt, changes course, floods homes, pushes boats and is home to countless fish and turtles, eels and snakes, insects, otters and muskrats. Its River World flowing through our world.
Looking up and down the shoreline, I can still see miles and miles of trees. Vicksburg, surrounded by forests, fed by river water. A place some creatures call home. A place that always changes.
It was early, I was tired, and I needed some coffee. Badly.
My brain does not function, the gears don't turn, and they'll grind unless I have morning coffee. No words uttered, just grunts. Translated: "Bring me coffee and no one will get hurt". My eyes don't work either. This is the view through my eyes before coffee:
Ubiquitous throughout the south is...... Waffle House. People chide and berate Starbucks for being a chain cafe and on every corner. But do we hear anything about Waffle House? No! They are at every exit, and at least every other corner. Starbucks at least offers good coffee, and their staff are pleasant and friendly. Waffle House?
Case made.
When traveling I look for one chain restaurant that may be less ubiquitous, perhaps more expensive, but the food is decent, the restrooms are clean, and the menu is fairly consistent and offers variety: Cracker Barrel.
"Would you like coffee?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Please bring me a pot, or an IV would be adequate."
Notice that my eyes and brain function better after breakfast and coffee.
While at a gas station filling up we spotted a horde/gaggle/school/herd/... of cruisers. I went over and chatted with them. They were parish members of a church headed to a prison (can't recall where) for a rodeo. Nice folks.
We drove, and drove, and drove. Wiley and I frequently asked in harmony,
"
Are we there yet??"
Twenty-four hours after leaving DFW area we found our way to Tellico Plains and Hunt's Motorcycle Lodge on Hwy 68.
I wanted a shower. And coffee.
I met Lori in the office, picked a spot up above overlooking the main building, parked the truck and trailer. Ed unloaded the bikes while I set up the tent and we set up our air mattresses and bags before dark settled in or we got too tired. I showered and then deemed myself presentable to my fellow humans.
A group of riders had a gathering there that weekend on cruisers, sport tourers and dualsport bikes. They hailed from all over the country; Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, North Carolina, and other places I didn't catch. What a friendly group of folks and we all shared dinner provided by hosts Lori and Jack, followed by stories. They were all wonderful people and I enjoyed meeting them all.
Gotta love the Barney KLR......
Watching the adults (some very tall!) ride the pocket bike was hilarious!
This is what happens when you ride faster than the speed of light:
I felt myself melting into the wooden tables from fatigue, so I excused myself from the group while they chatted and visited around the campfire. Slithering into my down mummy bag and on the REI air mattress was about as close to heaven as I was going to get at that point.
"Somebody spoke and I went into a dream......."
To be continued........
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My first experience of the Skyway was on the end of a LONG day of riding. I don't mean long in terms of miles. You know the type of day. First you see you have a flat on a bike and the tire is toast because your bud did not think the five year old dry rotted tires on his bike needed replacement yet... and it is Monday... 
After a really late start, we finally reached Tellico Plains at about 11:00pm. We had just come up Hwy 68, another incredible ride. It was COLD, down in the low 50's. We were headed for the Crossroads of Time at Deals Gap. I had never even heard of the Cherohala Skyway...
I was soooo happy to finally pull into the parking lot at the CRoT. We had the place to ourselves. The next morning, we saw maybe two or three other bikes and a handful of cars.
