Cycling the Underground Railroad--Part 1

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DAY 18: CRUMP TO MOUSETAIL LANDING STATE PARK (NEAR PERRYVILLE, TN)

Cool, clear skies, and sunny with light winds.  NO RAIN!  I'll take it.

More scenic backroads in Tennessee.

Within a few miles I was once again on country backroads in Tennessee.   For the first hour the climbs were steep, frequent and brutal.   But I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the Tennessee Rivet Valley.

Great view at the top of the climb of the Tennessee River Valley.

For most of the ride, I was following roughly the Tennessee River Trail Scenic Byway.

I met some new friends today.  Some of these cuties were so small I could have easily put them in my panniers.   I was very tempted!

New friends.

I love seeing how people decorate their yards.  This was my favorite today--giant chickens and blue glass bottles as flowers. 

More fascinating yard art!

Crossing the Tennessee River a few miles before I arrived at my campsite, I was again amazed how grand this waterway is.  Truly it rivals the Mississippi and Ohio.

The Tennessee River

Mousetail Landing State Park,  my destination, got its name around the time of the Civil War, when a tanning factory caught on fire, causing droves of mice to flee the burning building.  Beautifully situated on a bluff above the majestic Tennessee River, so far it's the best place I've camped. 

Camping at Mousetail Landing

It dawned on me this evening as the sun set, it means for me it's time to get ready to crawl into my tent for the night.  But if I were fleeing for my freedom in these woods, it would signal that I'd better be prepared to move under the cover of darkness. 

Spring Tennessee Sunset

Today's Mileage: 51.6

Total Distance to date:  676.6 miles 

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