Notes from the Road - Day 3 - Sunday, July 25, 2010

Notes from the Road - Day 3 - Sunday, July 25, 2010

A significant part of the hard work once a tour starts is the driving. The road time is productive (you'd be amazed how many song ideas pop up if you just ride in silence, no radio, etc. to distract you), and enlightening (the world is an interesting place, particularly if you make the effort to stay off of the "I" highways), but it is also wearing, tiring and, at times, dangerous. I'm thankful that today is the last long road day until next week. I can use the down time.

My plan was to head north and get as close to Chattanooga as possible while trying to get some altitude and escape a little of the heat. You can be flexible when you have your house rolling right behind you. A little internet research got me interested in a State park in north Georgia called Cloudland Canyon just north of Rising Fawn, GA. Supposedly it is breathtaking - we'll see.

I haven't slept well the first two nights on the road. Even though it is "my bed" it isn't MY BED. Comfy though it is I'm a finicky sleeper and it takes me a couple of nights to adjust to the trailer versus the house and the lack of companionship (i.e., Judy's presence and "sounds" - if I said more she'd be mad). So, today I'm a little draggy and ready for some R&R. But Cloudland Canyon is a little more than four hours away - do I want to drive that much? Well, as I said, I can be flexible so no pressure.

Heading out of Auburn the Navigatrix (I know, I should name her) wants to take me on a bypass around downtown. However, the police have different ideas as they have that route closed off for some reason. So, straight through Auurn I go, which turned out for the best since I went straight through the university campus and got to see it's magnificent architecture and charisma - very impressive. Also, summer classes are in session and the women students were obviously working hard at dealing with the oppressive heat. Lest I sound overly sexist I will say only that less is more when it's hot and BOY HOWDY was it HOT! I know, slap me later.

Proceeding generally north through the back country of Alabama I conclude that the State plant must be Kudzu. WOW! Serious Kudzu! There were places where it was obvious that trees of various types lined the roadway, but you could not see them because they were covered ground to tip top with a solid woven blanket of matted and dominant Kudzu. Like giants in leafy camoflage frozen in a pose aside the road - it would be a little spooky with the right lighting and organ music. The Adams family with a deep southern accent.

As I passed through little towns (and I mean tiny) I felt reassured to know that folks still live simply and quietly away from the hustle and traffic too many of us choose to endure. I also saw the effects of the current state of the economy - small store fronts closed up, etc. But I saw more than a few old fashioned barbershops which though closed on Sunday still had men sitting out front in rockers passing the time. They all watched with curiosity as I lumbered down main street with my camper in tow.

It took about 4 hours (including a stop for some BBQ for lunch) to reach Cloudland Canyon. I checked in and made my way to the camping area to select a site. Wow! This place is gorgeous. Heavily treed, level sites with none feeling like you're on top of another. Much like the great state parks in Florida this will be a real treat for a couple of days of "down time." Not that it's really down time as I have promo work to do and practicing, etc. But an excellent environment for a couple of days out from behind the steering wheel. Who knows, maybe I'll post some pics! Stay tuned.