The reason for my two day stay in Sharpsburg is that three of my nieces live there.  I used to see these girls quite often when they were just little girls and whenever I’m in the area, I make sure to visit.  I love my nieces to pieces.We always try to get everyone together for dinner and if it can be Mexican food where they make good margaritas – that’s perfect!!  You know, I’ve always said, the only thing better than a good margarita, is another one.  This is the brood minus one who is at her dad’s in Florida.  There is never a dull moment with these guys around.  They all play well together though and although they might have a spat or two here and there – they all have eachother’s backs whenever one is threatened. I got an early start this morning because Sara’s daughter had an all day softball tournament and the whole house was up and out of there by 7:00.  And what a great morning for a ride.  Overcast but not threatening to rain, it was actually almost cool enough to get the sweatshirt out.  That’s unusual for mid June around here because you know how hot it gets here right?     “It gets hotter than a hoochie coochie”

I picked out a route that would take me through as much of the Tallageda National Forest as I had time for.  I was very happy that I took the time, it was a great ride all the way, winding roads, up and down hills, I guarantee you that this won’t be the last time I come this way.  I think this was an old grist mill – how interesting would it would be to sit and listen to some old timer share the history of this mill and the area.The hills of Talladega National Forest turned into flatter areas that were dotted with farms and ranches and the occasional catfish and/or crawfish pond.  I saw a few of these ponds but only got the one picture, this was one of the nicer places.I’m back in pup-wud truck country but luckily for me, they are mostly parked on the weekends.When you cross the border from Alabama into Mississippi, the road changes from a tree lined two lane into a cleared four lane, divided road.  It was quite a surprise but a welcome one at the end of a 450+ mile day.  The last 50 miles went by quite quickly at 75 mph.The reason I’m in Laurel, MS is that my father-in-law was from this town.  The old parts of the town are mostly empty buildings but the downtown area has been revitalized.  The brick streets are a bit difficult to navigate at slow speeds on a motorcycle but I managed without falling down.  This picture is for all the Slade girls.Certainly not a straight line, but a great ride that I look forward to doing again.