Fall Hollow to Alabama, the Tennessee River, and Detour to Huntsville
Tire Trouble
The second thing we do each day before getting underway (coffee comes first) is to turn on the tire pressure sensors. We don’t leave them on overnight because falling temperatures overnight can set off the alarm. Today the sensor indicated that the left outside rear only had 19 lbs instead of the normal 61 lbs of pressure. Verified that was truly the case by removing the sensor and checking it with our manual gauge. In doing so, I managed to drop the pressure sensor. Turns out it rolled down between the dual wheels. It took way too much time to fish that out, but between the two of us we managed to find it and coax it out from between the wheels. In the meantime I pumped up the tire with our Ryobi battery operated inflator and we moved the van looking for any sign of something in the tire. Finding nothing, we headed out and kept a close eye on the pressure. That $20 pump is one of the best investments we’ve made. If you already have Ryobi battery operated tools, it is a no-brainer to carry this drill sized pump and a battery in your van.
Back on the Trace
Returning to the Natchez Trace Parkway, our first stop was at Meriwether Lewis Park at MM 385.9.
Made famous as a partner in the Lewis and Clark expeditions, Meriwether Lewis died here on October 11, 1809 at the young age of 35. This inlaid compass shows the distances to places where Lewis had traveled.
We excited the parkway to check out another possible campground at Laurel Hill Lake. Beth checked with the ranger here and the park is designated for fishing. As long as you plan to fish, there is no charge for boat launching or camping. This trailer is parked on one of the primitive lakefront sites.
27,189 2:29 PM Tennessee River.
After stopping at an overlook on the north side, we crossed the river as a sailboat passed under the bridge.
Detour to Huntsville
Reading about Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama we decided to take a detour and spend the night and tomorrow there. Along the way, we paralleled the Norfolk and Southern right-of-way and enjoyed seeing a few freight trains.
Driving through Tuscumbia, Alabama, signs pointed out the birthplace of Helen Keller. Of course we followed the directions and ended up parked out front.
“Ivy Green” is the name of the restored home and museum to Helen Keller. We were too late to get in, but walked around the neighborhood to get a view of the house and grounds.