Matilda Gives Us a Start

North America » United States » Arkansas » Lake Chicot
May 3rd 2006

Published: May 4th 2006

April 18 - May 2, 2006 Leavenworth, Kan. - Lake Chicot, Ark. Mile 7,125 1,750 Miles this Leg Driving a 17-year-old vehicle around the country, we expected to have periodic mechanical troubles. And a few hours after the last blog posting, we had to tap into the “repairs” reserve in our trip budget. Matilda “gave us a start” when her starter failed! We had packed up on April 18 and left o... Read Full Entry

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Shelly & Jeff Randall

Waltzing Matilda

We are a writer/photographer and a land-use planner from Port Townsend, Wash., who quit our jobs to take a year-long "sabbatical" for the 12 months of 2006. Our travel vehicle was a Volkswagen Westfalia camper-van named Matilda, after the Australian phrase (and song) "Waltzing Matilda" -- meaning to hit the road with your possessions slung in a bag over your shoulder. We were glad not to be wandering on foot like those Aussie swagmen! We had a memorable trip waltzing around the U.S. and Canada, learning as much as we could about this vast and diverse continent we call home. So glad we di... full info

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Shiloh Hornets Nest

Jeff bicycles the "sunken road" of the Hornet's Nest, a Union hold-out behind a rail fence that couldn't stop a bullet.

Family of Five

Near Memphis, Tenn., we stayed with a wonderful family we met through the globalfreeloaders website. They are Mark and Valerie and their children Zach, Kylie and Gracie. We went to see Kylie's debut in a children's play -- thus the bouquets.

MLK Wreath

The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., is built at the site of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. The wreath marks the balcony where he was gunned down. A powerful musueum.

Beale Street

We went out to dinner in downtown Memphis with Mark and Valerie on a Saturday night, then strolled Beale Street, where live music poured from the venues and these fellows enjoyed the view from a balcony.

Beale Street Sign

In flashing succession, this neon sign suggested the steps to Beale Street fun.

Mississippi Field

A fertile Mississippi flood plain field, encountered in northwestern Mississippi. Look at the height of those furrows! Cotton, corn, soybeans, and rice are grown here.

Riverboat Casino

Apparently, the rule in Mississippi is that the casinos have to be floating, as this one is near Greenville, Miss.

Lake Chicot

We touched the southeast corner of Arkansas to camp at Lake Chicot State Park. This is the lake, which is a big recreation area for fishing and boating. Even sailing!

4th May 2006

Pete Helsell
non-member comment

Starter Blues
Jeff and Shelly, I was thinking I can't wait to hear your new song about your "Starter Blues" - reminds me of listening to Daubie sing his many verses of the "Officer Elmore Blues". I expect that you might add a few more verses (or let others create new ones as Daubie does) along the way. Best of luck- looking forward to meeting Julie when you get home to Port Townsend! Pete

4th May 2006

Susan Briggs
non-member comment

Starting up...
Dear Shelly and Jeff, Your journal and photos continue to lure me away from Guemes and into past memories of cross country trips. Your beloved little Honda is fine but sometimes needs a jump-start to start its drive around island. Her starter is fine but the battery is losing umph....she sends her energy to Matilda in the SE. Susan

19th May 2006

Nik Worden
non-member comment

Dog runs
Your photo of the "double-pen" house reminded me that the dog run was a feature well-known to my Tennessee relatives in the 40's. They called it a "dog-trot" and incorporated it into even new houses. It could serve as a screened porch (you've noticed the insects?) or an outdoor workspace, or sometimes even as a covered entry to the house. Not a bad idea for a Northwest house either, for different reasons. Bainbridge musician/architect Ron Konzak built a house for himself in the 70's in which the covered outdoor space was equal to the enclosed space. Great for kid's play on rainy days, splitting firewood, weekend projects - even a place to go when the lawn party got rained out.

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Matilda Gives Us a Start

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