Day 5: 139 Miles including detours
Starting location: Pickwick Landing State Park, Tennessee – 55 degrees
Ending location: Lake Lamar Bruce Campground, Mississippi – 70 degrees
Weather: Foggy in the morning turning sunny by 10am
Leaving you yesterday, Clarice had sprung a leak on which I pondered my evening away. I looked up dealers in the area, and found one about an hour away in Florence, Alabama. Being the day before New Years Eve, several dealers, including my own dealer, were not open. But, this dealer appeared to be open and had good reviews. So, knowing that I had waited over six weeks in GR for an appointment with the the dealer there, I decided my best course of action was simply to drive to the dealer the next morning. When they look you dead in the eyes, they tend to be a little more human and helpful. So, getting an early start to get there at opening, we set off.
When I got there, I met a young lady who was opening up the shop. She told me that the chief maintenance person was not yet into the shop but should be there shortly. Lo and behold, he pulled in as she was telling me this. They looked at Clarice and concluded that it was simply the window was missing some caulk. So, they recaulked that window and I asked them to add caulk to all my awning style windows (ones that push out versus slide open), which they did.
Propane Weirdness
Since it was supposed to get cold over the next few nights, I also asked them to fill my tank. This was a strange ordeal, in that my tank never seemed to fill. The gauge read 1/2 when I asked them to fill it. Finally, after 20+ gallons appeared to be put in the six gallon tank, they stopped. It was very strange. Joe, the head person, told me he had been wondering about the gauge on his propane fill. My gauge now said full. We were all very puzzled. Since we confirmed the six gallon capacity on the Winnebago site, they only charged me for three gallons. So, not only was Bankston very helpful and fixed Clarice right away, but they were also very honest. A big shout out to Bankston Motor Homes in Florence Alabama and the team there. Thank you!!
One other note on the propane. I have now run the heat for three nights in 20-30 degree weather; and it is still full! I have noticed my little Clarice just sips her propane before, but I wonder just how full that tank was???
Back to the Trace
I went back to the exact spot I left the Trace around mile marker 335. I did not want to miss any of it; and, I was really glad I did not take the short route. I got to cross the Tennessee River and see a marvelous bridge. Unfortunately, the Trace’s history brings the sad with the good. The Tennessee River was also another route used for the Cherokee relocation seen in the sign below.
Detours
Crossing the Tennessee and heading further south, I had to take a detour starting at mile marker 321. This was the second detour of the day if we count the detour to Florence to fix Clarice. It was really a lengthy detour taking us to the little town of Luka, on to Tishomingo, another town called Dennis and finally back onto the Trace at mile marker 292. Probably 2x as long as the detoured section. You will see my little arrows in the map below to show the detour. It also shows Pickwick, where I started, Florence where the dealer was, and Saltillo where I ended my day. I must say the mileage is a bit of an estimate above, so may be off a bit.
Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield
Today was supposed to be the day I would visit Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield. This was another big Civil War battle just off the Trace. Since I knew I had to get Clarice fixed, I searched out YouTube videos on the topic the night before and ran into this one by a park ranger. It gave me a whole different appreciation about the heroes of the Confederacy. The ranger is funny and sarcastic; so beware. I really learned a lot. It brings home how hard the Confederates fought against overwhelming odds.
Mounds
It turns out that this area is full of First Nation mounds. Pharr mounds is a stop on the trace and I will let the pictures tell the story.
Remains of the Day
I was taking my chances with a campsite for this night, selecting a little out of the way place that only had a handful of campsites, and took no reservations. I am so glad I took the chance! It was a beautiful surprise to end the day.
For the records, no alligators! I asked the ranger. In horror, he replied, “No, and we don’t want any!” It was a lovely quiet night after the fireworks nearby stopped.
Karen, when the weather warms up, there is a seat for you at our table near Boise, ID. There is a state park not far away where you can park Clarice and I can come get you. There is incredible hiking nearby and we would be a great place to stop before and after heading to Stanley. I hope you can make it out this way soon!
Thanks for the invitation, Bill! Can’t wait to come see your new place and new business! I hope you are finding it to be all you wanted and very successful! Happy 2022 to you and the family!
Excited for your adventures Karen!!
Thanks, Gaye! Hope all is going well for you, too!
I’m so excited to follow you on your adventure, Karen! 🙂
Thanks, Becky! I hope all is well for you. Miss you!