Jeremiah Watt

I slept like a log, and didnt even stir till 7:45. I rolled camp, and was thankfull that the dew was gone, and my cam was realtivly dry on this day. The sky was a leaden grey, and it seemed overly warm for this time of year and day. Maybe it spelled rain, who really knows. I was as it turned out , not more than 6 mile s from the ferry crossing at Hickman............and I was run by two Malamutes in order to get there on time. For $2.00, I ride across the river and land on the banks...........in a brand new State................the State of Kentucky.

I ride the couple of miles into the first town of Hickman, and stop at Memaw's Cafe for some toast and coffee.I visit with folks about the roads I will use and get an idea of the traffic. I notice as soon as I hit Kentuck, that is differnt, its very hilly right to the banks and covered up in trees an
d .............."CudZoo".

A vine that covers everything, and some thing that I will talk more about a little later on. I have to ride back down into Tennessee to get back onto my proper route and my next stop is Union City. This is anothe town in which directions out seemd too lead everywhere but out of town, I felt like a circling goose trying to find that obscure little road that would be my path east with the least traffic. After what seeme like too many miles, I was on it and headed for MArtin, then on east to Dresdan.


As luck would have it, I rode right into town and right to the locati
on of a customer of our sfor the JWP product line that we make. I know that I surpirsed the fellow, and I came bearing good news for him about a opendig order that he was waiting for. The visit was a good one, but Ineed some more miles before the day was done, and so I took my leave from the Fairview Saddle Shop of Dresdan Tennesee and it wonderful owner.

Tenneessee is covered up with hills, and they are getting steeper as I ride to the east. SO, if you in search of easy pedaling, then maybe try Canvas or maybe North Dakota.............but not here. The rollinf country is heavliy wooded and the streams are clear and fast moving. The Cud-ZOO,hangs like a viel from every thing that is above the ground, and like a carpet on every area of flat ground.........................and in its wake it leaves death and destruction of ALL that it lays upon. It starts as a vine from the ground, brought over here years ago to help control errosion I am told.

It will grow more than 1 foot per day,and will climb a glass wall, nothing stops it. It hangs out on phone lines, power poles and trees, and in short order leaves the trees as dead, and then the vine also dies as a result. To me, not knowing much about it, nor of any eradication plans that may be put in place............it looks like the death-nell for our temperate hardwood forests here in USA. I will try to learn more as I go.

I ride to alittle place called Como,and build camp. I am quite excited about camp tonight, becasue I have apackage of 6 wieners to cook. A little break from things that sliter and look like noodles. I had found an old license plate while riding, and i use this to light a very small fire on. The 6 hotdogs without any buns nor bagels go down like steak after all the noodles....................yes, I know. I thought I had a few bagels left, but alas, I had none.

It was only a two dog day, and 55 mile closer to hugging my kids neck whenthe ride is over. I admit that I am at that point where I know I am nearing the last leg and look forward to reuniting with my family. Its not any form of regret in making the ride, nor any wish that it could just end and I am at home. The trip is still fun and adventourous, but I do find my self thinking more and more of my kids and wife as I ride. SOmetimes to the point of being sort of pre-occupied with it, and I have to literally stop and get my mind on the real matters of the day........like the traffic frombehind and the proper roads.

- SOMEDAY A ASIGN SHALL READ- HOME LESS BUM COOKED HOT DOGS ON THIS SITE IN 2006
Good NIght and God Bless

THIS IS A BIRDEYE VIEW OF WHAT YOUR HUSBAND LOOKS LIKE AFTER A TWO BOTTLE BATH AND CANNOT GET THE SOAP WASHED OUT OF HIS HAIR.............ITS THE PORKY-PINE LOOK.........hope i'am still the apple of yer eye.