We left Trenton extra early today, 6:48, a full two minutes ahead of the last two days. After a brief stop for gas and a protein shake at the Pilot truck stop we headed off towards a short journey into Alabama. As soon as we crossed the state line the road turned to dirt. Actually, pretty nice dirt for Alabama. We weren’t in Alabama long though and as soon as we crossed back into Ga, the road was paved again and remained paved for several hours. It only took an hour to reach Jasper, Tn and if I had known that I might not have stopped in Trenton.
We crossed I75 yesterday and today we crossed over I59, I24, and I65. I was getting pretty discouraged today as the roads we were on were state highways in some not so interesting terrain. Once we got past Nickajack Dam, a TVA facility we turned left and started up a steep road and over the mountain. Once there all was well again. We were still on pavement but the roads were farm roads and the scenery was gorgeous. Farm after farm, some growing a crop I had never seen before and corn. Lots of corn. The roll charts warned that we would be on pavement for several hours but at that point, we didn’t mind a bit. So much to look at, we felt like bobbleheads.
Deer everywhere, although they were very camera shy. As soon as they detected that you were going to take a picture, they bounded off into the woods. Many were mama and fawns still with their spots. I did see a huge buck cross the road at one point off in the distance. He was big. For awhile I thought it may have been an elk.
We stopped for lunch in Elkton, Tn. Make note: if you ever get the chance to do this or find yourself in or near Elkton, Tn you MUST go to Lib’s Grocery and Deli. They make the best sandwiches and they also sell Pickled Pigs Lips. PPL must be popular because there was only one jar left on the shelf. It was there when we left!
After lunch we meandered around with short sections of dirt roads and lots more scenery. As they day passed, we started getting longer and longer stretches some with water crossings. We had so many water crossings today, I lost count of them all. Mostly wet bridges but one was a fairly large creek crossing. But, it was shallow today and the creek bottom is flat rock. It would be a nice spot to cool off on a hot day.
We saw long horned steer. Close up. Some wouldn’t pose for pictures but this big bull didn’t mind.
There was one section where the trail went through a WMA with a green bypass road. We wanted to go through the WMA but never saw the road. We found it on the other side though. Looked doable from that end.
After that there is a long loop around before the trail heads off south into Alabama and the back up into Tn. We jumped off at the top of the loop and made our way to Savannah. Two recommendations. Stay at the Savannah Motel and eat at the Fish Hut. Top notch on both counts.
All in all it was a fantastic day. We started out at the end of map four and ended up about halfway through map 8. We will finish map 8 and 9 tomand then start working on MS.
I so wanted to steal this sign!
Some interesting facts:
Thanks for riding along!
Congratulations to John Herndon for completing the TAT in his beautiful yellow Jeep today. Great job John! What’s next? Tierra del Fuego? 🤗
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