Saturday 12/18/21 Memphis, TN to Shelbyville, TN

Up at 6:30a, on the road at 7:15 am, just as it started to drip. So off we went “on the road again”.  

One unscheduled stop was at the Shiloh NMP (National Military Park) in Shiloh, TN.  It was quite educational and emotional, 23,500 casualties in two days, and where the rain caught up to us.  Freedom is not free. 

Had an excellent catfish and hush puppies lunch near the NMP at a restaurant on the Tennessee River basically where Grant landed his army to commence the battle. The restaurant, called the Catfish Hotel, (but no hotel), was recommended by one of the rangers. Award winning establishment since 1938.  Very neat and rustic inside.   I saved room room for the house lemon desert pie but that was a bit disappointing.  Catfish made great tacos later that night.

Catfish  and hushpuppies.

Still overcast and light rain pretty much all day.  Just wanted to show our set up by the restaurant facing the Tennessee river in the background.  Campsite for Grant's HQ.

Along the roadside we would see these signs about the Trail of Tears.   This reminded me of the Mission Bells we see in California where the Missions have been built by the Spaniards as they traversed the State trying to convert and take over the natives.  Well something similar occurred to the American Indians (several tribes) that were displaced (forcibly relocated from Georgia/Florida) and pushed away from their original homes/lands to Oklahoma, then displaced again by the Oklahoma Land Rush (Sooners). Not a good time for America.  

Stopped at the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, TN to dry out 🤷🏼‍♂️😳 … That was quite educational and a beautiful establishment.  We both did some whiskey tastings and they even now make some sweet tasting whiskey that I liked enough to buy 2 bottles!!!  I came to know 😀😍 Apple and Honey whiskies.  They were 2 different styles but sweet.  I could not believe this!  Eldon went for the 127 proof 80% Rye whisky. Bottles of each were purchased. 

We headed out to our next HH campsite at Crossing Creeks Ranch for the night. We stocked up on beef and chicken, all grown there on grass and bug fed. We will be eating good in Columbus.  Got down into the 30's tonight, need to hit the road early again or freeze.