Day 271

DATE: Sept. 28
MILES: 810.9
Finally got caught up over the weekend. Still in Alabama, west of Tuscaloosa, but just a few miles from crossing into Mississippi, the seventh state on my eight-state journey.

Day 254

DATE: September 11

MILES: 749

I'm just outside Fayette, Alabama, or what the town's website calls "The Souths [sic] Best Kept Secret." There's this enticement: "Fayette enjoys a temperate Southern climate, plenty of fresh air and clean water, and folks who understand the value of hard work. It is an unbeatable combination, one of which we are justifiably proud." Air, water and workers. Also, the city website is for sale.

Day 229

DATE: August 17

MILES: 666

I'm in my sixth state, Alabama, and leaving Florence for Muscle Shoals. I'm just about to go by the Phosphate Development Works, where the Army used to make nerve gas. The plant was demolished in 1993, but I'll still be holding my breath.

The hot weather this summer has made elective walking less than compelling, and my recent vacation involved a lot of time behind the wheel, instead of out on a hike. So, I'm ashamed to report that I'm about 20 miles behind.

Day 201

DATE: July 20
MILES: 590.2
Heading into Columbia, TN, the self-proclaimed "mule capital of the world." Also, home of NASCAR's Sterling Marlin, who generally goes considerbaly faster than a mule.

Day 186

DATE: July 5

MILES: 553.6

Like the old song says: "I'm on my way to New Orleans this morning / leaving out of Nashville, Tennesee." Of course, that lucky fella was on a bus. I'm still walking, and it's full-on Deep South HOT here and there.

Day 183

DATE: July 2
MILES: 547.2
In Nashville, and just walked past another cemetery, Spring Hill. Loads of C&W session musicians resting here, plus a good slate of stars: Roy Acuff, Floyd Cramer, George Morgan and Keith Whitley. And pictured above, the "still movin' on" site of one of my faves, Hank Snow.

Day 181

DATE: June 30

MILES: 540.4

Just SE of Hendersonville, and closing in on Nashville. Walked right past the Hendersonville Memory Gardens, final home of Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, lots of other singing Carters and a few other C&W folks.