Day One of the trip began with the three Caballeros re-connecting.
The Millenium Falcon is loaded, and ready to go:
And off we went. The first stop was for gas, and wow was it cheap. At least a $1.50 less than northern Illinois. We actually saw it as low as $4.18/gallon:
As we began our journey, we saw many signs for the Abraham Lincoln birthplace. I was curious to see if my Southern friends would stop by. While at the gas station, and after a bit of snickering, we decided to see the Lincoln birthplace. I was surprised to see how much Magellan knew about Lincoln. I think he's a fan:
We spent our time doing my favorite kind of riding: country two-lane roads though farm country, with periodic loops around small town squares.
The say in corn country: "knee high by the fourth of July." But from Chicago to here, the corn was often shoulder high. Likely because of the heat and rain this year.
Our next stop was in Corbin, Kentucky - to the first Kentucky Fried Chicken. In actuality, it was a museum devoted to Col. Sanders. It sounds corny, but we had a fantastic time.
This is a pic. with the Col. and his best friend:
And of course, the Col. then met buttercup. This is the Col. and his new best friend:
Magellan was having none of that, and inserted himself into the picture:
Magellan and Buttercup are studying the KFC museum in close detail:
I tried, but was unable to squeeze into the Colonel's suit.
It was over lunch that I registered my complaint. I was lured onto this trip - being led to believe that we were going to Tammy Wynette's childhood home. Last night, I unpacked my homework to study up on Tammy, practice some of her songs, and to become fully educated on everything about her life.
I discovered that Tammy wasn't from Kentucky at all - she is from Mississippi (where Buttercup is from). In fact, I could not find that she had ever spent any time in this part of Tennessee (aren't Kentucky and Tennessee the same?) I was then told that we were seeing Loretta Lynn's childhood home, to which I responded "who is that?" I was then lectured on the Coal Miner's daughter. Now, if the error were made between Bon Jovi and Roger Daltry - I might understand. But Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn? Aren't they fungible? And what about this: is it Country Music or Country and Western music. I still don't know. Maybe I'll learn that in the morning. I am committed to becoming an expert in country and western music by the end of this trip. Sirius Radio will see to that.
Our next adventure was to a place I'd never been, the Dollar General store:
Wow. I had no idea. They have everything, and packed into a small space. I can't wait to go back. I am easily amused, and I now love this place.
In the afternoon, just before the rain started, Magellan decided to take us on an adventure - a gravel path driving 1,000 pound Harleys. This is the entrance to Dante's Inferno. His navigator's license is under review:
Now, a word about the rain. I hate riding in the rain - at least until this trip. I ride with a shorty helmet, which comes down to my ears. My eye protection is sunglasses. On this trip, I bought a full helmet with a visor. Wow. I am born again. I could actually see. I learn so much on these trips.
The post-script is that Magellan didn't bring his full helmet with a visor - he brought a shorty. He now feels my pain. He was still muttering to himself the last time I saw him.
Through the rain, we made it to our hotel - which is an absolute dump. Doors that don't fit their frames, open outlets, a bathroom from the 50s which has not been updated. And, they gave me a smoking room. I could go on and on, but that would be whining.
The lady at reception said that we have two options for dinner: a fast food chain Chinese food buffet (Panda Express), and a Mexican food restaurant (Taco Bell). But we found that the gas station across the road serves pizza. So that's where we ate dinner. That is Magellan out in front in blue. He's hungry.
The entrance to the Pizza place/gas station made clear we are in coal country:
And with that, we returned to our motel. We rode 280.2 miles today.
The day began in with verdant farm fields. As we drove east, we entered the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with incredible rock formations.
Tomorrow, we are either seeing Tammy Wynette's childhood home, or Loretta Lynn (I can't keep them straight). Although I think Tammy said something about Golden Rings, and Loretta is standing by her man. That is what I remember from my research. I just hope we not going to see Loretta Lynn. Mississippi is a long drive.
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