The rest of March 23

I decided next was Oxford. I just like southern college towns, I guess.

On the way there I got mesmerized by a giant Dairy Queen sign, and went on a detour through a town that had approx. 50 outlet stores and 0 Dairy Queens.

Then to Alabama, a state I'd never visited before. The welcome center was welcoming enough, with a serene display of rocking chairs chained to a porch.



I promise not to make any jokes involving the words "Sweet Home." I have too much respect for Alabama for that. But I will say they let me down with this overcrowded signpost. Make yourself clear, Alabama:



So far I've traveled backcountry roads in almost every state. Alabama was different. The small houses and stores I passed seemed sadder and more neglected than in previous places. And that's something. I saw confederate flags, to be sure, and propane tanks. It wasn't all that. It was something else.

Here's a list of the top automobiles to be found in Alabama

1. Gray pickup trucks
2. Red pickup trucks
3. SUVs
4. Kias

And here is a picture, somewhat blurry, of an entry for the Most Frightening Thing on the Road category. If you can't see it, it's a giant black pickup with a confederate flag on the tailgate. And filled with black trashbags.



Beyond sadness and pickup trucks, Alabama likes bingo. I saw a five mile stretch of road home to no less than six bingo places.

And beyond sadness and pickup trucks and bingo, Alabama is beautiful. Even the interstates are beautiful. I thought about taking a picture of the sun setting over the hills, but I just thought it wouldn't come close. It was indescribable. You have to know. And I think living here, yeah, even an athiest like me would feel the presence of something larger. Back east, it's hard to find spirituality in Target and Chilis. When the hills are large enough and the colors so vivid that you feel the size of a walnut, it's something else.

I stopped in Oxford, Misssissippi for the night. And here I am, at the Oxford public library.

Here is another contestant for the M.F.T.O.T.R. Can't remember where I saw this, but it scared the dickens out of me. It's a semi being towed by another semi. Imagine seeing this in your lane.