Cycling the Underground Railroad

DAY 16:  TISHOMINGO TO COUNCE, TENNESSEE  The reverie of sleep was rudely interrupted by Mother Nature at 2 AM by loud claps of thunder and bright flashes of lightning, accompanied by sometime heavy rain which lasted for just over an hour.   Having anticipated this event (thank you, National Weather Service), the tent was firmly staked down and everything inside was dry. By 7:30 AM, there was no sign of continued precipitation, so I packed up my wet gear and continued northward.  Since another strong storm system was bearing down on me, I deviated from Adventure Cycling's prescribed route to cut off about 20 miles to guarantee I had shelter for the afternoon and evening. Bozo's Used Cars in Tishomingo, Mississippi. My brother Kent (the other half of Shelley Brothers Cycling Adventures) has been following me faithfully on this trip, checking out potential points of interests, campgrounds, motels and restaurants.  (I guess he feels I need additional expert as...

DAY 15: AMORY TO TISHOMINGO  The storm cleared, and the weather was great this morning.  I combined two shorter days into one so I could still have an extra day in my pocket, especially to deal with the unpredictability of this unusually unstable Spring weather. Still following the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, the first 25 miles to Fulton, Mississippi seemed to go by fast.  North of Fulton,  the terrain got hillier for a while,  and the going got a little slower. Turns out that John E. Rankin wasn't who I thought this lock and road was named for. I was now on the John Rankin Highway, a delightful stretch of road, except for the frequent dog attacks/chases.  I have lost count of the number of canine encounters I've had on this trip; they've become daily (and on most days, multiple) events.  I now keep my "Halt!" Dog repellent in my jersey pocket for quick access.  I'm now glad I brought two cans.  I'll probably use them both by the end of the...