"Taking Off"

Five o'clock came early considering I stayed up too late reading a great book, "Undaunted Courage". (I didn't need an alarm clock to wake up; the night desk clerk was playing his jam box so loud that I could hear him singing along to a familiar tune early.)

As I approached the lobby to find a cup of coffee, I recognized the song as one of the few rock songs a country man can appreciate. And although I knew "Sweet Home Alabama", I was confused by the version I was hearing and the person that had taken this sacred anthem and butchered it into a "rap" treatment.

"Sounds like "white trash" to me," I said to the unimpressed young man as he bounced his head to the rhythm and sized-up my bicycling outfit. "What happened to Lynard Skynard?"

"The dude was married to Pamela Anderson, man." he said sarcastically.
"It's Kid Rock. I actually know a chick that knows the dude. She said he lives here part-time and owns a sky-scraper..."

Feeling bad for insulting my host, I felt compelled to compliment his jewelry.
"Got a new earring in your lip?" I said, trying to make conversation.

"Sorry if I offended your music," I said as I poured my coffee.
"No worries, dude." he replied. "It's all good..."

It's all good here. I am about to leave and try to navigate the morning traffic on my bicycle, pulling a trailer. (Picture of rig to come a.s.a.p.) I have an original idea of getting my picture made at the "Entering Natchez Trace Parkway" sign.

Obviously off to a great start, I plan to officially begin my trip at the Loveless Cafe, if I can find it. Maybe I'll find a person to make conversation with there. (www.lovelesscafe.com)

From there, I should be on my way down the devil's backbone, the Natchez Trace Parkway.