42 miles to Tupelo over hill and dale

   Woke up to a beautiful lake setting and partly sunny skies.  A Canada goose with what appeared to have an injured wing was hanging out from the night before.  One hour cand fifty-eight minutes I was climbing out of the park.  After asking about amenities at the check in house, being told there were none for miles, I set my goal of reaching tupelo, forty-two miles south.  With food running low I ate an energy bar and started off. Twenty miles and my legs were talking to me…take a break and feed me.  The worst thing that can happen to a bike, other than getting hit by a car or truck, is to “bonk” for lack of water or food.  Half way there in two hours, I stopped at an historic pull off and eat most of the food I had packed: cheese, trail mix, celery and chocolate drops followed by a lot of water.  Once on the road again, I took extra care not to strain the legs, always gearing down to a low exertion level.  Taking it slow and steady I arrived at the outskirts of Tupelo.  Part of the Trace was closed for repairs so I had to rely on my gps to navigate into town.  On a busy secondary road a car forcing me onto grass shoulder. I saluted the thoughtless/malicious driver with the single finger. Rebooting my gps I found a safer route which wound me through residential areas eventually bring me to the heart of Tupelo.  Hot, sweat soaked and tire I parked my bike at an inviting Cafe.  The outside tables where of respectable looking guys who helped me find a motel. One of which saw me on the Trace.  How they can stand the mid day heat mystified me given the a/c inside.   Lunch was a great.  Hydrated and full I cruise .8 miles to a Motel 6. not to far from Elvis’ birthplace. Simple, clean and inexpensive I booked a room for two nights.  Three  nights of camping and one night in a firehouse, a break was needed.  A short walk to downtown brought me to a nice restaurant for dinner. Time to recoup, wash some clothes and carbo load for my next destination, Jacksonville, Mississippi. Not much in between so I am loading up with food.