Porter and June Hammil Photos (the grandkids)

Seeing how this blog is somewhat of a bragging forum I had to add the following. Introducing Porter and June Hammil. Of course I'm biasied but these are the best looking babies ever.

Natchez Trace Finished

The day started at the Visitor Center in Tupelo Mississippi.

The first stop today was part of the old trace where 13 unknown confederate soldiers were buried.

Many of the Indian burial grounds were earthen mounds, here are a couple more.

These pictures are of a natural spring with a beaver dam, next to the trace.

I have finished riding the entire length of the Natchez Trace Parkway. It is 444 miles long starting in Natchez Mississippi and ending just south of Nashville Tenn. This is a wonderful national park featuring a parkway, full of history and things to see.  One last thing a short video, hope you enjoy.

Starting the Natchez Trace Parkway Ride

I have run more that half the distance of the Natchez Trace. Didn't mean to, the campsite where I was going to stay was not good. Besides, its pretty cold out and I couldn't  build a fire except in a grill.
I'm in a very nice room in Tupelo Mississippi with wi-fi so he goes.

First picture is the view of Louisiana from my room yesterday. I rode across the bridge so that I can say I have ridden there as well.

There was so much travel that the sides go up ten feet from the path.

Emerald Mound is an Indian burial ground it stands 20 feet from ground level. Picture does not show it well.

Rocky Springs was a nice sized town in 1837 with a population over 2600. The only thing left now is a safe, and Church.The spring dried up too.

This is what most of the trace looks like today.

This next picture is Cypress Trees in the swamp.

This is the fastest internet connection ever. So I will post more pictures on yesterday's post.

Great River Road Trip

On the first day of the ride scenery was just like home. Not much difference between Southern Indiana, Ky. Tenn. beautiful but we've see it before. That said I didn't take any pictures on Saturday.
Once in Mississippi however things changed. It reminded me of Kansas. Flat as a pancake and nothing much  including traffic. The ride from Horn Lake to Vicksburg's reminded me of US 50 (America's loneliest highway) almost no cars and straight. Fist picture, Blues signs everywhere. This one was just over the boarder in Mississippi.
It has been very cold and at first I thought there was snow in the fields, nope cotton.

After riding more than 100 miles within 500 yards I could finally see the Mississippi River.

 Once I arrived in Vicksburg the topography changed dramatically. Hills everywhere and an overlook of the Mississippi river. One of the most important battles of the Civil War happened here. I went to the Battle ground Park and took these pictures.

Many monuments from each state that lost men in the battle of Vicksburg. Over 4000 soldiers lost their lives.This monument I believe is from Illinois.

This is the Mississippi River.

States that we have visited on a motorcycle

This is a site map of the states we have visited via a motorcycle.

"We made it", we're back home again in Indiana

We traveled over 5344 miles since leaving home June 10th. The Harley ran flawlessly using only a pint of oil. Average  miles per gallon 40.  It is very dirty and I will spend a day cleaning it up. We endured rain, wind (50 mph crosswind) heat (111 degrees), cold (41 degrees)We traveled through the states of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. Farthest West, Santa Monica California. Farthest south, Fallbrook California. Farthest north, South Lake Tahoe. Farthest East, New Albany Indiana.

Thanks for all the prayers for our safe trip.

P.S. this blog has had over 1400 hits so far. It was designed to keep family and friends up to date on our trip and whereabouts. Thanks to all for following us.

Route 50 heading home Day 5

We begin in Newton Kansas. Pictures will be a little scarce, I had ice on my stomach trying to keep cool. Couldn't hold the camera and ice at the same time. Did we forget to tell you about all the long trains we saw constantly. Here's one.

Twenty miles out of Newton the terrain started to change. Finally trees.

Route 50 runs with the interstate I-35.

Getting gas in Emporia Kansas.

S

Philip's first car was a 56 Chevy. Not nearly as nice as this one.

Leaving Kansas, entering Missouri.

Tomorrow we will be home. It is going to be a long hot one 389 miles away. I'll be packed in ice, thankfully this heat has not affected Philip. Tomorrow will be our last entry to the blog with a wrap up post. Stay with us. Stay cool.