After leaving the Grand Design National Rally near Elkhart, Indiana, Dave and I made our way to Paris Landing State Park in Tennessee. We had two overnight stays along the way. The first was a Grissom Air Museum in Peru, IN. Pretty cool to be parked right outside of lots of historic airplanes. The second was an RV campground near Evansville, IN. Dave use to fly into the airport there, so driving around the town brought back memories. The one thing he remembers the most is it can get very cold here!
We are now at Paris Landing State Park near Paris, TN for a 6 day Bike Ride Across Tennessee, known as BRAT. We arrived last Sunday and have been enjoying some quiet time in the park, doing fun stuff like grocery shopping, laundry and getting in a few bike rides in before BRAT starts on the following Saturday (which was yesterday). We actually stopped here for fuel while on the Great Loop 2 years ago. It’s a gorgeous location and the park recently opened a beautiful lodge on the lake which is the headquarters for the ride. And, the Lodge serves tasty unique cocktails I had an Apple Butter Spiked Lemonade on the first night. Five more nights to try new ones.
Of course, Murphy and I found hiking trails and swimming holes. And I had the privilege of encountering Tennessee wildlife early in the week – chiggers. Ugh. For all the miles we have hiked over the last 2 years, I guess I have been lucky. One of the park rangers said they like to live in tall grass or beds of leaves. Yep, two of Murphy’s favorite things. Chiggers are microscopic, almost invisible to the naked eye. They are a close relative to spiders and ticks. Their larvae attaches to your clothing and move to your skin to feed. They typical burrow around tight clothing, like underwear legs and waistbands, and bras. You should see my back and lots of unmentionable places. And the bites ITCH! I have been spraying calamine on them which gives temporary relief. A park ranger told me to take a shower and really scrub them with a washcloth as soon as you feel them. Now I know. If there ever is a next time. I hope not. I’ll gladly go another 2 years before encountering chiggers again.
The ride has now started with 450 people registered. The St Petersburg Bicycle Club is well represented with over 30 coming up for the ride. Next week I’ll give a recap of the ride. We are going to have beautiful weather with great Tennessee backroads with rolling hills for riding.
Itching, Itching, Itching Brenda, Great to be on the bike Dave, I love camping Murphy
Have fun!!! 🤗