Harley Davidson Travel Blog . . . and thoughts along the journey

Today I met up with my best friend Bob and his wife in Mayfield, KY. They were visiting their daughter and son-in-law in Murray, KY. . . not too far from Mayfield. I had forgotten some important item and Bob was so kind to bring down to Mayfield. We met at the "Dinner Bell" in State Rt. 45. A small restaurant filled with ‘locals. Interestingly enough the gravy (which we call biscuit and gravy) had no meat. (OK . . . ?!?!?)

As I woke up this morning, I felt that my arms and face were burnt from the ride yesterday. I decided to wear long sleeves today. I left from Mayfield, KY from Rt. 45 to Rt. 51, heading for Memphis, TN, the temperature climbed to 95 degrees. I did not feel the temperature so much while I was riding, but when I stopped for gas the heat was unbearable along with the humidity.

Rt 51 is an incredible road to drive. There is hardly any traffic and one can see the beauty of this part of the country. I have never seen so many churches along a road then on this one and it seems as each one wants to compete in size with a Lowe's store :-) Some of the corn fields have been harvested, the cotton fields are still standing in full bloom and the air smells fresh.

The deeper I drive into the South the more I become aware of the poverty in some areas. Small towns that seem to be abandoned or there are towns which seem sharply divided between ‘well to do parts' and poor areas. Make no mistake I am well aware that we have the same where I (we all) live, however it truly seems as if the differences in some areas are much harsher. As I was driving into Memphis on Rt. 51 I passed into an area that was similar to Gary, IN. (a very poor example of how we allow to pass out dignity)

My greatest concern right now is where the hurricane will be at within the next few days. I had planned to drive to Baton Rouge, LA (a 7 hour drive) but I will determine when and if I leave tonight, since it is unclear where the hurricane is heading to.

I am at the Holiday Inn in downtown Memphis, TN and I will go to the "Blues Capital" of the South (the downtown of Memphis) . . . eat something and relax. I am sure I'll have a story to share after I return.




By the way: Did you know that Memphis has an Egyptian connection? There is a giant pyramid in Memphis . . . Memphis got its name from ancient Egypt. As a modern symbol of that heritage, this 32-storey stainless-steel pyramid rises from the banks of the Mississippi River. Completed in 1991 at a total cost of USD65 million, the Pyramid serves as a sports and concert arena, with 22,500 seats. It also serves the University of Memphis, housing the Tigers' basketball games and university graduations.


***

I got back from downtown . . . it was tremendous. The downtown stage had a Gospel Festival and the songs were a great blessing. ("Kevin Davidson & The Voices") Music is like the powerhouse of the human soul . . . it can go very deep and touches us in areas that are not explainable.
____________________________

Thought of the day:
Your destiny is given to you by the choices of others. Therefore . . . be careful what choices you make (it will touch not only you)
____________________________



Stats:
Weather: Very hot 96 degrees and humid
Gas : $10.95
Miles: 220 miles

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at Thursday, September 22, 2005. You can skip to the end and leave a response.