So, what are Dad and Alice up to while I’m plodding along on the Natchez Trace? Besides eating fried chicken and not bringing me any?
(Okay. That isn’t fair. At the end of Day Two, they took me back to the Old Country Store Restaurant in Lorman, Mississippi. After I cleaned my plate, Mr D even sang Sugar Pie Honey Bunch to me.)
Here’s a photographic documentary of their adventures. Note the number of times Dad is running his mouth to a crowd of unwitting people.
Heading in to get some Heavenly Fried Chicken.
Looking for more junk Roy doesn’t need.
Talking wood with strangers.
Alice finally got to see some architecture at Longwood Plantation in Natchez, Mississippi.
The Rotunda. Made of wood, as Roy helpfully pointed out.
Regaling more strangers with jokes.
And, FINALLY, Roy got around to selling my book. WHICH IS THE WHOLE REASON HE IS HERE.
Today’s Reader Question is all about potty business.
Click here to see the best photos from Day Three of my Natchez Trace 444-mile walk: Andra Watkins Tumblr
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60 Comments
So, I jumped over to look at your pics on Tumblr (coos ones there!) and Bill looked across the room and said that I have the same look on my face as when I look at pics of my grandson. So, obviously, I’m rather pleased for you and your progress!
The past couple of days have been pretty brutal. I’m glad I’m keeping a stiff upper lip for the public. The pictures are a nice break from walking.
Well, I’m glad Roy got around to selling the book eventually. I’m adding a new song to my “want to hear Andra sing” playlist. Two, actually. 1) These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ and 2)It’s My Potty (and I’ll Cry if I Want To)
And yes…. I said potty, darling.
Eeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww…. 🙂 🙂
I may just have to do number 2. Oops. I mean,,,,,,,,,
I wish we had some live video footage of you dad pontificating to all those unsuspecting souls. I bet they love him as much as we do!
Oh, and by the way, my sister in Nashville is worried about you. It is snowing up there right now. So bundle up and eat a second biscuit.
Those of us sitting here in Indiana watch the national weather map each evening and hope against hope that the “bad stuff” is anyplace but where you are, Andra.
Today was really cold, but I managed.
Certainly, one of the necessities for any self-respecting trekker.
I’m so grateful MTM thought to pack it. 🙂
At least you got some of the chicken this time.
I know. It was awesome.
That six-pack holder would drive me up a wall. I’d have to cut it up and pitch it.
No time to stop. My scissors are for first aid.
I’m so glad you answered Marys question Andra, it was bothering me too 🙂 Have a wonderful walk, looks beautiful
Very cold, but still lovely. Thanks, Mike.
Can’t help myself, Andra; my fingers are dancing all over the keyboard as I sgoaupsdoufs[d (see, they are really dancing by themselves on the keys). Glad you are loaded down with TP and Roy is putting his gift of jab to work.
Of course, I meant “gift of gab” – my left hand was leading the dance.
If he got exercise points for running his mouth, he’d be outworking me every day. 🙂
So cool to see pictures of towns that I’ve only seen the like of in movies. Roy is in barnstorming form:)
He’s having a ball, Roger.
I’m “rocking out right now! I’m cheering you on Andra…as well as cheering your Dad and Alice on their journey!!! Go, go, go!. 😀
Thanks for the cheers, Lori. I need them. 🙂
Your Dad’s braces are epic. I’m sure that they will bring luck for book sales wherever he roams 🙂
Because his pants won’t fall down and scare people to death. Ha.
Helena, Carnell and Penny have already beaten everyone to the punch with grin-inducing commentary this morning, and I have nothing to add in that vein. I have, however, just thought of a question (predicated on Mary’s) — in true backcountry fashion, what provision do you have for carrying out everything you start with each day? I really have NO concept of how much of the Trace is truly backcountry in this day and age.
Hope the sun is shining on this 4th day of your adventure!
If i’m lucky, I find an actual toilet here and there. Scarce, but some of the picnic stations have them.
Here is my question: What did they eat on their journey and are you eating the same items…
Great question, Juan. You deserve a video answer.
Also… What about grave stones? Seen any? I like pics
The experienced traveler ALWAYS has toilet paper (or at least kleenex) :). Glad that Roy remembered he’s supposed to be talking about the book (which is also technically made of wood).
Hahaha, Lisa. I need to remind him of that.
It’s a balmy 18 degrees here (going up to a boiling 28), so you must feel as if you’re walking on the sun or something. Anyway, I’m delirious from lack of sleep and your potty mouth video got me thinking of an old game with a similar theme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8tYmQoPgEY
Have a nice walk today, wear cleats and tightly hug a tree if the wind blows a wee bit too much…
The wind was worse yesterday, but it was waaaaaaay colder today.
A video of Roy selling the book would be good to watch.
I’d have to sneak and make one. He doesn’t do well on video.
That Roy is the best PR person you could ever have!
Except the one I have. I am so thankful for her. I go for my walks, and I come back to all these great things she’s doing.
So we all have to thank Mary for helping us understand Andra is giving rise to a new question. “Does Andra s— in the woods?” when confronted with the obvious.
I will NOT number 2 in the woods, John.
Okay I take it back . . . it is still “Does a bear #2 in the woods?”
You may have written this elsewhere … (woman, you are all over cyberspace!) … but I was wondering: what time do you start your walk and do you walk the whole 15 without fried chicken?
Another video! Yay!
Really???!!! cool 😉
Have I given props to your hat? I should, it’s a fine hat.
I love my hat. Thank you for being on my side, Lance. Several people have made fun of it.
Glad to know you have the TP in a lovely ziplock bag. And like Lance, I love the hat. Where did you get it?
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
Kathy, I got it on my honeymoon. A shop in Adelaide in Australia.
Awesome, Andra. Thanks for answering my question. 🙂 And you did pretty well with the last name. It rhymes with “sleazy”.
I’ll never forgot that, Mary.
“Easy” works too.
way to answer the question, andra. and roy needs a tshirt that reads, ‘ask me about the book’ imprinted in huge letters on both sides. hang in there, some days will be tougher than others )
He absolutely does, Beth. That’s a great idea……….
I love this idea!!!!
Andra,
In the Desolation Wilderness they provide you with a black bag to pack out your used toilet paper instead of burying it. On another note…Some Lab Trivia: Building 329 is a Cold War relic where they do radiography…except these X-Ray images would kill you in the process. Most of the building is deep underground. As you ride the freight elevator pass the sub-basement, written on the wall it states “you are half way to purgatory”. Nowhere reminded me of this graffiti. I will remind Chance to buy a copy of your book, and read it, since I’m starting on his job in the morning. I hope you continue to enjoy your adventure.
Patrick
Patrick:
Andra (the Southern Baptist) and I (the Recovering Catholic) had many discussions during her creation of Nowhere on its relationship to the Catholic idea of Purgatory; she will deny that such a place could exist, especially under the construct that one could actually buy their way out (see indulgences). The introduction of the two-dollar bill has a lot of interesting back story for Andra, but I also think it is her way of poking me by giving money a secondary antagonist’s role in Nowhere. FWIW
MTM,
I was raised Catholic and now attend a Southern Baptist church. Talk about a dichotomy. I have discussions with myself and sometimes I win, and sometimes I lose. I’m still searching for the square cast iron pan. Everybody knows about them but have not seen any recently.
Patrick
I’ve been to Longwood, Andra. And now that I think of it, there WAS wood! LOL! I just love Roy. I wish I could hear him talking up your book. I’d enjoy that. 🙂 I have been to Natchez many times in my life, and I love seeing it through your eyes. I hope your feet are holding up! your spirits seem high–and that’s what’s going to keep you on the path. ox
My new favorite thing about Roy — that he always works suspenders and a jaunty cap into his outfit. Dude has style.
Keep it up out there on the trail — you look great!
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