Pearls and Ferry - Aug 21

"It's been a long time (long time), we shouldn't of left you (left you),
Without a dope beat to step to (step to, step to, step to, step to)."

Aaliyah - "Try Again" Lyrics 

Yes its been over a month since I last made a post to the blog,  but summertime activities get in the way of blog posting.  Especially when I have been putting as much detail as I have been doing.  Yes summer is here and I would love to ride more but we have had visitors during the month of July, the weather change and had some rain, blah, blah, blah.

Another excuse for not posting was that I was waiting for a big ride that I had planned for August.  A friend of mine (Mark) and his son generally take a yearly long ride.  Since this year I was not going to ride in any motorcycle rallys - I asked if I could "impose" myself on them and be that 3rd wheel.  So I put the offer out to them and they gladly accepted.

This year the plan was to ride "Route 66".  Yes, "Route 66" (in quotes) the mother road. However, we were not going to start in Chicago and ride all the way to California, but instead start in St. Louis and just ride west until we felt like turning around in order to meet our return date.  As life goes, something came up and that ride was cancelled.  Now "Plan B" was to ride to Ohio with Mark (my friend) and just do some riding around the state of Ohio. 

We had our plans confirmed, I was going to ride to his house on Saturday, catch a meeting on Sunday with his wife, then hit the road on Monday.  Atleast that was the plan.  Mother Nature has a way of interfering with plans.  Unfortunately, the weather took a turn and the prediction was RAIN for pretty must the entire week in the Ohio area.  I had to made a decision on Friday to not ride.  We would re-evaluate on Tuesday to see how thing were going.  Well, the weather just didn't change enough for me so I decided to just stay in Memphis.  By the way, the Memphis weather wasn't that great either.  We were having threat of rain also.  Storms were popping up all over the place, I just didn't get any at my house. The radar was littered with red storms all over the mid-south, I just didn't see very much actual rain, only a mild brief rain or two.

By Wednesday, for the southern US, the weather was clear and HOT, so Thursday now was going to be a "Day Ride".  Wednesday after some movie watching on Netflix, fired up Garmin BaseCamp and created a route.  I still had all my riding gear laid out all over the dining room floor - so I didn't have to unpack anything because it never really go packed.

Another issue arose on Wednesday as well, my wife (Lisa) started feeling sick and had to make a Dr. visit.  Turns out she had a sinus infection so now I glad I didn't make the trip. LIsa is asthmatic and anyone that has dealt with asthma knows that things can turn quickly.

Well, with her blessing I decided to go on the ride on Thursday.

Coming up with a route wasn't too difficult this time because I had some particular things in mind that I wanted to go......for some strange reason.

1. I wanted to go back to Birdsong Marina and specifically the Pearl Museum.
2. I wanted to ride on one the river ferry's in Tennessee
3. Since I would be in northern Tennessee, I wanted to ride the road going through "Land Between the Lakes (LBL)" national park.

Those were the goals and this was the route I was going to take.

Route Map

Thursday morning I left the house around 7:30am all geared up with great anticipation for the day's ride

With my rally rides I have learned to hit the road early and get breakfast later in the morning.  Which is exactly what I did.  My first stop was to get gas in Arlington, then the next stop was at McDonald's in Jackson, TN.

One of the things that I do like with motorcycle riding is interstates riding. I like to put the bike on cruise control and enjoy the music playing.  For me its almost like being in a car but with the wind in my hair.  LOL

Next stop -  highway 191 for Birdsong Marina and Pearl Museum.  

Birdsong Marina and Pearl Museum 

I have been to this location once before with Mark (a few years ago) because I had read that Hwy 191 to Birdsong was a nice road to ride - so we stopped at the marina during the ride.  I wanted to buy Lisa some pearls while there.

Once I had made it to the Birdsong Marina, the first stop was at the marina landing.  The water looked very inviting because it was a hot day. I really wanted to rent a jet ski and cruise the lake but instead I took some pictures.

Pearl Farming - it items in the water behind me is where they harvest / grow the pearls.

After the marina, I wondered up to the Pearl Museum.  The is also the general store, boat repair, rental office, etc.  What they had also was a room dedicated to pearls.  I was able to watch an 8 min video about pearls and misconceptions about them.  Of course, there are some counters dedicated to the "sale" of some pearl jewelry - "what a great idea !??!"

For more information about Birdsong natural pearls visit their site
http://www.tennesseeriverpearls.com/

Next Stop - Danville Ferry

I leave Birdsong and notice that I am already behind schedule and head for the Danville Ferry - which is about 1 hour ride.  I "really" enjoyed the ride to Danville along hwy's 191 to 69A to 1772.  This was a very peaceful and curvy ride. I "love" riding the backroads.  Very little traffic, nice scenic landscape, farms, you just can't beat this type of riding.

I made my way to the ferry landing and I'm not the only person there.  There is a guy sitting in a small mini truck and waiting.  Thankfully, this guy was working for the ferry company.  I asked how long before the ferry returns and he said it was going to be about 20 to 30 mins because I had arrived at about lunch time.  This gives me a little time to get off bike and take a few pictures.  As I take pictures I notice the ferry is on its way....so I didn't have to wait that long after all

Houston County Railroad Bridge built in 1931 - however In 1941 the bridge had to be raised due to the creation of Kentucky Lake through controlled TVA flooding

This transfer elevator was constructed there in 1918.  This concrete elevator reinforced with steel allowed the transfer of peanuts, cotton, iron, limestone, and grain from the river to the rails.

For more information about

The Railroad Bridge
http://www.explorekentuckylake.com/explorations/houstoncobridge.htm

Danville Ferry - which is run by the state of Tennessee
http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/maintenance/ferryservices.htm

Transfer Elevator
http://www.explorekentuckylake.com/explorations/kylakebuilding.htm

Land Between the Lakes - Kentucky

After crossing Kentucky Lake (which is just strange to say because I think its a river), and I was getting hungry as well, but my planned lunch location was still 45 mins away in Dover, TN.  So I head up hwy 232 to hwy 79 into Dover for lunch at McDonalds.

During this time, I had talked with Lisa during the ride and she indicated that the SPOT tracker was not tracking. So, I had hoped to find a Walgreens but didn't see one immediately and didn't want to get too far off the beaten path.  So when I fill the tank with gas - I picked up some Duracel AAA batteries and replaced two of the batteries.  Hoping that would take care of the problem, I asked Lisa to let me know in 30 mins - if the location tracks are showing up.  NOT !!!  This really irritated me with the SPOT tracker.

So leaving McDonald's and getting on hwy 49 heading north into Land Between the Lakes.  Again nice pleasant ride, not many cars on road - so I was just enjoying the ride.  The highway changes to 453 once I cross into Kentucky.

Great Western Furnace - used to produce "iron ore" - By 1830, the "Between the Rivers" or "Land Between the Lakes" area was the third-largest producer of iron ore in the United States.

http://www.explorekentuckylake.com/lbl/iron.htm

Crossing into Kentucky in Land Between the Lakes

Missed getting this sign when I entered LBL - but made sure on the way out

The ride through LBL was interesting, really reminded me of riding on Nachez Trace - on at least the parts I have ridden.  Then again, this is a national park with no gas stations, no cell towers, no stores along the route.


Once I left the park, I immediately ran across this marina.  I was totally not expecting to see this type of facility here.  It was very gorgeous and scenic !!  Reminded me of Port St. Joe, FL.  Just a small marina.
This initial picture is in color, but I change the others to "B&W".  I really loved this place and wished I had more time to spend and take more pictures.  At this point, I was so far behind schedule and still hoping to get home before dark.  It was 3pm

Lighthouse Landing Marina and Resort

For more information
http://www.lighthouselanding.com/

Missed Opportunity !!!

Leaving LBL, I head toward the I-24 to go to Union City, TN.  This was the interstate bridge that crossed Kentucky Lake.

So here is the sad part about this trip.  One of the places I wanted to visit if I ever made my way up to this area was the "Kentucky Dam".  I wanted to see the "locks" that allow barges to enter Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River from the Ohio River.  I know, nothing huge but interesting "to me" nonetheless.

Union City, TN

As I arrive in Union City, TN, I notice this huge and very nice facility.  I assumed it was a stadium or concert stadium because it had the feeling.  However, the building looked like a dinosaur and the ground were very well maintained and somewhat historic.  So I decided to check it out.

From the Discovery Park website

Discovery Park of America, located in Union City, TN, offers visitors a world-class educational and entertainment experience with more than 70,000 SF of exhibits focused on nature, science, technology, history, and art.

http://www.discoveryparkofamerica.com/

I found a Subway for some dinner / food, then a Walgreen's for "Lithium Batteries" for the SPOT tracker.  Once the new batteries were installed, the tracker started "tracking".  Was able to enjoy the sunset on the ride down hwy 51 into Memphis.

It was definitely going to be dark when I got home. One of the thing I had to do was ignore the GPS on the route home.  The GPS wanted to take me a more direct / less miles route home, however I didn't want to ride the dark back roads at night mainly because of deer and small animals.  So I stuck to mostly well lit hwy 51 to Millington, then I-385 to hwy 14 and home.

Closing

All in all, it was a wonderful day and wonderful ride - I made it back home at 9pm with 418 miles for the day.  Enjoy the pictures, as I am still learning how to use my Nikon D3200.

BTW - Lesson learned this trip........400 miles is a too big a loop for a day trip if you are going to be stopping for "un-rushed" picture taking.

Rossville to Boliver - June 22

Well, I am such a slacker!!  I haven't been able to get the update out on time....so it 2 weeks late on this post.  Life sometimes just gets in the way.  Not only am I late on the post, but I haven't ridden since then either.  Here goes.


Start

So the morning was a typical morning and decided late again that I would ride but this morning was a different feel.  I wasn't totally excited about the ride destination and but figured it would just a decent ride.  I got the idea put in my mind by a fellow ST1300 rider who suggested riding out on Hwy 57 out of Memphis.  I have ridden this road before on my Honda CB700SC Nighthawk "S" but had never been on it with the ST1300 - so its been years.  Hwy 57 is a pretty straight road but goes through some old towns.  Geared up and ready to ride

Once I leave my house, heading out via Brunswick, TN and Brunswick Rd / Steward Rd.  Its always interesting riding my farm land / fields and the agriculture areas.  Growing up in Dallas, in the Oak Cliff  / urban neighborhoods we (of course) don't see horse ranches, or sod grass farms or soy fields or cotton fields - so I "love" to see them.

Heading up Brunswick Rd, I cross the Loosahatchie River and thought it would a good shot with the morning light.  The interesting part is that I had to stop on a 2 lane bridge and park in the center of it to get this photo. I am learning that to be a good photographer or to get those amazing shots, you have to get into some strange places.  Fortunately, in the location there was a retaining wall to create a walking path across the bridge.

From there, I head up Steward Rd out onto Interstate 385. I can take this route to get to Hwy 57.  I generally keep my long distance riding schedule which is not to stop as soon as I leave home and find some place to eat breakfast.  Hence, I passed one of my favorite McDonald's in Arlington, TN on Hwy 79.  I like going here because the "service" is good.  Nothing like good service.  I love it when the young staff actually communicate with customers and greet them with a "Good Morning - how can I help you", "Thanks for coming by", "How are you this morning".  I just like for these young kids to be engaging.  It actually doesn't hurt / degrade or belittle anyone to smile, be pleasant and engaging to customers who are paying your salary.  More on that later...

On my way to Hwy 57, I decided on the spur of moment to take a slight detour and exit from I-385 on Ingelwood Rd and ride down Donelson Rd and weave my way to Hwy 57.  Donelson Rd over to Hwy 194 was interesting and pleasant.  Seeing areas with the sun rays shimmering though the trees was great and gave me several moments when I wanted to stop a take a picture.  Finally made my way over to Hwy 194 and started heading south.  This was an interesting route and about this time I am starting to get hungry and regretting that i didn't stop earlier for some food.

Rossville, TN

On my way down Hwy 194 - I run into Rossville, TN.  Wasn't really expecting this town, but was a nice stopping point.

The Town of Rossville is one of the old towns of Fayette County, Tennessee.  It sprang from a village named La Fayette, which stood on Highway 57.  The town received its name from General DeLaFayette of France, who also gave La Grange its name from his hometown of La Grange, France.

Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de LaFayette, (1757-1834) was a French general and statesman who, despite the opposition of his government, sailed for America in 1777 to join George Washington.  In 1824-1825, he spent several months touring in the United States.  Enthusiasm and admiration for him ran high among the pioneer settlers because of his active part in fighting during the American Revolution.  Our county and town were named in his honor.

One of the early setters was Thomas M. Ross who gave the property of the present site to Rossville in 1859.  Thus the town was renamed Rossville.

http://www.townofrossville.com/#!about/cjg9

Once departing Rossville I noticed and couple of things. One, I was getting hungry - should have stopped at McDonald's or packed some snacks.  I did have my camelpack but guess what....bone dry !!!.  I didn't put anything in it before leaving.  Second, I fuel light is now flashing - so I have about 20 miles of fuel remaining, now I need a gas station also.  Check the GPS and iPhone for nearest gas stations and found some not too far away.  In fact the stations are down on Hwy 57 - perfect.

Here is the thing about small towns.  The gas stations are from 1970 and look that way.  The gas pumps do not have credit card slots so you must get off bike and head inside.  In fact - a lot of these locations are "prepay" - so that might mean two trips into the building.  The good thing about small stations is that sometimes there are some very friendly people inside.  The negative part is that you are not at a major brand gas station and you might not want to put gas from that station into your bike. So the choice is yours.  BTW - I did fill up at the station and the people was very nice.

From there, I had to find food so I ask the attendant about the closet McDonald's and she indicated Collierville, was the closest - which was 7 miles "back" the other direction that I was going.  So back 7 miles to McD.

Once there, I was anticipating getting my normal breakfast items - Egg McMuffin no cheese, Mocha Frappe no whip cream.  Easy, breezy - right.

So I walk into the place thinking there was a line, but it actually just people waiting for their meals, so I stand there for about 5 mins before anyone behind the counter greets me.  In fact, the gentleman in front of me actually mentioned to me that he had already ordered.  So I stand at the counter waiting for the young lady to finish organizing the condiments before she quietly approached me and said "Can I take your order".  No,  "I'm sorry, I didn't see you standing there" or "I'm sorry about the wait, how I can help you this morning" - with a smile of course.  Nada, nuthin....just "can I help you".  Now, in the background the manager seems to be doing all the work and arguing with one of the cooks in the back - who is tell her she needs to chill out.  I place my order and but this time order a Coke cause things don't look to be going well.  I thought the young lady would go over and make my coke or hand me a coke to get my own....but instead she goes back to the condiments.  The "other" young lady is going to make the small coke and it literally takes her 5 mins to come back with my coke.  She puts the coke on the counter and walks off..........period.  10 mins later I get my Egg McMuffin but those 10 mins was filled with the Mgr arguing with the staff about running the operations - as if there were no customers in the place.  The restaurant was not clean either - so there was some serious management issues going on at this place.  I can't totally blame the staff for their parts, but I can blame the management for keeping them hired.  Above all, not one staff person smiled at me from McDonald's on that visit.  Don't think I will ever stop at that location again.

Back on the bike and heading east on Hwy 57.

Moscow, TN - Downtown

• The population was 556 at the 2010 census

• Moscow TN is located on Hwy 57, just east of Rossville, with Collierville and Memphis just 30 miles to the west.  One of the oldest towns in Fayette County, Moscow dates its beginning back to 1827, when Daniel Head, owner of the land where Moscow stands, transferred it to five men.  These five men formed the Town Company of Moscow, taking advantage of its location between the Wolf River main stream and the North Fork of the Wolf River to create an excellent trading center for southern Fayette County farmers.  Before its settlement by pioneers, Moscow was a hunting and camping ground for indigenous Native American populations

http://cityofmoscowtn.com/about/default.html

From Moscow, back onto Hwy 72 heading east and maybe 20 mins of riding, I run into another small town.

La Grange, TN

La Grange is the oldest town in Fayette County, Tennessee, originally being a Chickasaw Indian village named "Itey Uch La", meaning "Cluster of Pines". For a number of years it was quite a trading post for the Indians, who would visit the town regularly to dispose of their game, hides, etc.
http://www.lagrangetn.com/early-history.htm

La Grange also contains a lot of historic home which some I was able to see as I continued east on Hwy 57.  To see more of the homes (http://www.lagrangetn.com/homes.htm)

As I leave La Grange, I run into Hwy 16.  I decided to take this road north with the idea of making my way to I-40 and take the interstate back home.

This was a normal highway, not too much to see but at that time I found myself enjoying the ride so far. Seeing Rossville, Moscow, and La Grange has me feeling like the ride wasn't too boring at all.....i'm pleasantly surprised.

As I am heading north, I catch a sign "Ames Plantation".  Umm, that should be interesting - so I turn the bike around and follow the signs.  Not really taking the time to find it on my iPhone or Garmin GPS, I decide to just wing it.  Adventure, right !!!.

The signage took me off the beaten path / off the highway, through the fields and to Grandma's house (Red Riding Hood - no pun intended) - trying to find the plantation.  Once I got about 2 miles off the path, I started to get a little worried about being off the path.

Now, after riding the two miles - I come across a dirt road that "to me" indicated that the Plantation was down "this" road.  Being on the ST1300 (a road bike) I needed to make a decision to attempt the dirt road, continue down the paved road or turn around.  So after about 30 seconds of thinking - that I was alone on a back road - fright kicked in and I turned around and headed back to highway.

Ole Dirt Road !!!

National Field Trail Championship for Bird Dogs

Now, after getting home turns out, I was on the right road but just didn't ride on it long enough.

Ames Plantation House

http://www.amesplantation.org/historical-research/the-ames-manor/

Well, I will have to make another trip out to see this place.

Back on the road (Hwy 18 North) riding and come around just an interesting wrought iron sign for the city of Hickory Valley. 

History of Hickory Valley

The Shinault settlement, made before Hardeman was organized as a county, included lands that encompass the present town area. It included the first school in Hardeman County, which was known to be operating in 1823. The main structures were one mile southwest of the present town, on an old Indian trail that connected Van Buren to the east, with the Bolivar-LaGrange Road to the west. This old roadbed is still visible in places south of Hickory Valley, where it crosses Highway 18 near the TVA substation.

In 1826, Drury Wood migrated to Hardeman County and founded a settlement known as Hickory Valley. A family cemetery located on the southwest corner of the Joe Martin farm today marks the original site. William Barnett established the Mt. Comfort Church and campground in 1827, approximately two miles west of the current town.
These early pioneers entered a wilderness filled with hostile, displaced Chickasaw Indians, whom history has deemed among the best and fiercest warriors in all of the Indian nations. All three settlements were within walking distance of each other and frequently banded together for protection.

With the advent of the railroad in the 1850's, the settlers moved their homes and businesses to the present site of Hickory Valley to be near the tracks and depot. The railroad levee that runs through Hickory Valley and is still evident today is believed to have been built by the slaves of plantation owner Darius Robinson.

http://hardemancountytn.com/government/cities-towns/hickory-valley.php

Boliver, TN

After riding through Hickory Valley, I continue north Hwy 18, which is actually leading me into the city of Boliver.  As I arrive into Boliver, I am wondering if I am close to this roadside burger joint that I had passed before.  We purchased some furniture last year from Henco Furniture in Selmer, TN and pass thought Boliver along Hwy 64.  On Hwy 64, just outside of town is a joint called "Route 64".  So I located it on the GPS and on my way.  It was only 2 miles from my current location.

Route 64 Diner

Although the burger and fryes were very good - I had to not eat is all since I was riding, but that is a satisfied look.  The owners were "extremely" nice to me - I wish I had gotten a picture with them.  I was the only customer in the place at the time - having lunch.  I like to think that had nothing to do it.  

Back on the road - time to head home.  

Just as I leave Route 64 diner, I am immediately in the town square of Boliver.  So, off the bike to take a few shots.

Decided I would make my way back to I-40 and ride the interstate back home.  One thing I didn't remember to do was to switch my GPS out of "avoid interstate" mode.  The GPS just wanted to make me do a u-turn and make my way back to Hwy 64 to make my way home.  This is where we have to be smarter than our tech equipment.  Remember our tech toys are tools and we should be smarter than the tools.

Spotted more interesting place to take a photo on the way home off Hwy 64.  

Western Mental Health Institute

http://www.asylumprojects.org/index.php?title=Bolivar_State_Hospital

Well, made my way back home safely and was able to add another 180 miles on the ST1300.