What if this sign was everywhere we didn't need to be. Turn us around, or at least slow us down and make us think.
I first saw this sign on Highway 117, between Sherwood, and Stevenson Alabama. A week or so later, I traveled that way again, and slowed down and took this picture.
The delivery was to a customer in Bryant Alabama. There are at least four ways to get there. I've been three of them now. I-24, Scottsboro, and Stevenson. When the truck, or gooseneck is loaded heavy, a smaller two lane road is better to be on than the interstate. Putting the truck in third gear and easing down the back of Mt. Eagle at twenty or so miles an hour seems a lot safer than fifty or sixty on the interstate.
Truck #20 has no air conditioning. But the tires are good and the radio works. Q97.3 was cranked up to be heard over the open windows. As I drove down the back of Mt. Eagle Mountain, I sang along with the great Glen Campbell.
It's surprising how many of the words you remember of old songs after not hearing them in many years. Memories are quirky like that. Glen recorded, Try A Little Kindness, in March of 1969. A link to the Youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAPCYoVEjv0
Next time I might go the fourth way, Hwy 156 from Sewanee, down to South Pittsburg. I've been that way several times in my personal car. Add 12 or 16 thousand pounds, and a handfull of a delivery truck and trailer, and it gets interesting. 156 from Sewanee is also called Jumpoff Road. It's curvy and steep. The edges drop off into ravines and trees.
Once you are down the mountain, in South Pittsburg, it's 2nd Avenue. The Dixie Freeze is on the right. David and Julie Burris used to own that small restaurant, and Western Sizzlin not far away in Kimball. Both restaurants had delicious food, and great service.
Some more interesting sights along the way...
I returned by I-24, The Taco Bell at Kimball is a good place to cool off and get a quick bite to eat.
The next time I head that way, I'll have a decision to make. Sherwood? Scotsboro? Or maybe try Hwy 156, Jumpoff Road? 156 may not make much sense.
I look forward to having 97.3 cranked up, and the classic country music. Maybe a milk shake and burger at the Dixie Freeze. There's not always a clear sign to slow us down and make us think...and keep us from taking the senic route.