Day 62 – Was Something in the Water?

A photo of Art heading out. He made it seventy-two miles:

On a dry day, these are what the rock faces looked like as they rose up ten to twelve feet on each side of the roadway:

Our Hero started the day out on the Trail of Tears Historic Route. As a history buff, this title alone brings a lump to my throat. The Trail of Tears was the path taken by the Cherokee Nation. Forced off their tribal land and sent on what can only be called a death march, the Cherokee people were forced to walk to Oklahoma from their lands in the southeastern United States. It was over one thousand miles of harsh conditions walked by men, women, and children. Over four thousand of a total of sixteen thousand people died on the trail from disease, hunger, and exhaustion. While a horrific and tragic fact, it also shows the resilience of these people as they have gone on to survive and grow as a Nation. I, for one, doubt I could have survived such a difficult journey.

Here is the designation sign:

It begins at this intersection of these current roadways:

There is a historic site, a park, in place:

On a happier note, Art has been drinking Liquid IV to help him stay hydrated. We’re beginning to wonder what is in that stuff when he came upon this sight:

Dear Readers, should we worry? Look at that smile, too! I guess we must trust that Cindy handled this when he got home. LOL.

Before you read the next paragraph, please note that one of my Dear Readers corrected me on my comments about the sign. Here is the information he provided:

“We got a good laugh at your mention of Hopkinsville, KY advertise as being a Christian county. Kentuckians know Hopkinsville as the home of the State’s mental hospital IN Christian county. There are quite a few pejorative names not worth mentioning here. 3 states in as many days is really amazing! The family reunion must have really given Art a boost! Man, he’s only one state away from Florida! What a grand accomplishment! My wife and i have really enjoyed your blog and following Art’s journey.”

Thank you for the correct information, Ron. What a hilarious mistake I made!!

He came upon Hopkinsville, Kentucky, which advertised itself as a “Christian County.” We’re in the southern part of the United States, folks. Also known as “the Bible Belt.” Nothing wrong with advertising it. And we hope they have a peaceful, loving life there.

In the blink of an eye, or so it seems with this man, he entered Tennessee:

Dear Readers, I ask that you recall the locations of Art and Cindy over the last few days. Sunday, they spent in Illinois. Monday, they arrived in Kentucky. And on Wednesday, they entered Tennessee. Over four days, Our Hero hit three states! Can you imagine! This guy is whipping out the miles like a train. As long as it doesn’t become a train wreck. No wonder he’s seeing pink elephants! LOL.

Never fear, the South is also ready for Halloween:

A close-up of the front sidewalk shows it’s a ticket booth. Should he have stopped for a scary tour?

Is it possible these guys are here all year round? Notice the sign above them. Cute:

And the last photo is a sign with a canoe on it:

Well, the Red River Valley does contain the Red River, and people do canoe on it. Makes sense, right?

Next Up: Day 63 Rest Day and Day 64 – Hitting it Again!