Summer Trip XI

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

     Today from Pocahontas AR to Paducah KY. A bit of a complicated run, leaving Pocahontas on US 67 up into Missouri to Poplar Bluff where I get on US 60. Then stay on US 60 to Paducah. Around 190 miles. On the way out of town I stopped in "historic" downtown Pocahontas and took note of several historical markers. Then it was north on US 67 towards Missouri.

One of the historical markers I found in Pocahontas was about Sir Henry Morton Stanley.  A famous British African Explorer who "trekked" into east Africa looking for Dr. David Livingston.

     In the town of Corning AR my phone rang, and it was my friend  Lane who lives in North Carolina. We talked for a while about our families, and how everything was going.  He then told me he was thinking about getting back into motorcycling. He'd had a Harley for a while, and enjoyed riding but the demands of work took so much of his time he had sold it. For me riding had always helped me cope with stress at work. A nice long ride home after a tough day always helped me decompress. When Lane gets his new bike I'll have to ride down to see it.

Sir Stanley had immigrated to America before our Civil War. He joined the Confederate Army, was trained at a  Camp Shaver located in Pocahontas, and served with Arkansas forces until captured. He then joined Federal forces in order to gain his freedom.

     US 60 is a four lane highway out of Poplar Bluff MO until Charleston MO where it splits off to head east. By the time I got to Charleston it was lunch time so I rode into town looking for a local restaurant. Once again there were none to be found. I ended up at a Subway where I had a very good 6" Turkey sub; I would have rather been in a "local" eatery. One of the things I've found on this trip is that in many places the old fashioned local places are being replaced by McDonald's or some other chain restaurant. I think that some of the local culture is being lost.

Along US 67 heading north towards the Missouri border. Lush, green, very agricultural. 

     Once across the Mississippi River US 60 winds its way towards Paducah. A wonderful road with some nice curves that runs through some small towns. At Future City KY US 60 becomes a 4 lane highway all the way to Paducah. My motel was just after I crossed under I 24. I checked in, and then around 5:00 decided to do a little shopping and have dinner. I've grown tired of drinking single malt Irish Whiskey or single malt Scotch from plastic or paper cups. I found a Dollar Tree store and bought a glass for 59 cents that I intend to carry with me on trips from now on.  Then to dinner at a restaurant called O'Charley's  that is right across the street from the motel. As I sat there I saw that it had started raining, quite heavily, as I ate. I took my time and by the time I paid the bill the rain had all but stopped. I got on the bike rode across the street, put the bike to "sleep," and settled in for the night.