Zebulon Montgomery Pike Trail to Red River, Mexico Journey 1807

Day 36: November 2nd, 2003 Natchitoches  — Tuscaloosa

Today I am again awake early in the morning. I am already checking out around half past seven. Just across the street from my motel is the All Home Cafe. I give this one a try. At that time of day I am the only guest. I order my usual bacon and eggs breakfast, which I can really recommend at this place. But after my breakfast I wait in vane for my check. After a while I discover a sign close to the kitchen, which says, you shall pay here. So I try it and really this is the spot, where the cashier resides — even if it looks more like a counter, where you receive your meal. I chat for a while with the owner, then I hit the road again.

Highway 6, Natchitoches, LA Highway 6, Natchitoches, LA
Highway 6, Natchitoches, LA

First I drive over to the gas station. As it is still before nine and it is a Sunday, I skip another try at the Jiffy Lube oil change station and I hit the road to drive to Alabama.

Highway 84, LA Highway 84, LA
Highway 84, LA

First I take Highway 84 to Winnfield. There I change to Highway 167 north, which takes me to I–20.

I–20, State Line LA and MS I–20, State Line LA and MS
I–20, State Line LA and MS
I–20, State Line LA and MS I–20, State Line LA and MS
I–20, State Line LA and MS

After a short drive I already miss my cruise control. But with my defect jumpy speedometer I have no chance to use me cruise control. So I have no other chance than to keep my speed manually. I cross the state line to Mississippi. There I also cross the river Mississippi, which is the actual state line.

I–20, State Line MS and AL I–20, State Line MS and AL
I–20, State Line MS and AL

On I–20 I pass the capitol of Mississippi, Jackson, and continue to the state Alabama. The weather is really great. Also today temperatures are around 75 degrees. I arrive at my destination of today, the Motel 6 in Tuscaloosa, already at half past four. At this time I have no problem to get a room at first floor.

As usual, checking the video taping of today is my next task. Then I take a look at the phone book and I really find an Outback Steakhouse. After a short search I find the location. But it is already very busy and I end up on the waiting list again. But then it is time for my 12 ounce Outback Special and everything is fine. I pay around a quarter past nine and drive back to my motel.

  • Sights
  • General
  • Breakfast: All Home Cafe, Natchitoches
  • Dinner: Outback Steakhouse, Tuscaloosa
  • Motel: Motel 6, Tuscaloosa
  • Distance: 416 miles