Well, it wasn't exactly raining when I headed south but skies were far
from clear. The drizzle that had greeted me when I left work had stopped
by the time I finished packing and left home but it would return. I had
intended to stick entirely to expressways in order to reach Cave City as
quickly as possible but my resolve gave out in Louisville. For me, sitting
at a dead stop waiting for a light to change on a busy two-lane isn't
nearly as aggravating as being trapped behind a lane clogging line of cars
holding me one or two MPH below my desired speed. At the point where I was
to switch to I-65, congestion was so bad there was even a sign announcing
it. I started to join the line of traffic at the exit but caught myself
just in the nick of time. I drove on to the next exit and made some random
(but generally southern) moves before deciding to pick up US-31W. That's
the road we'll be following north on Saturday but only as far as
Elizabethtown so taking it from the south edge of Louisville and picking
up I-65 in Elizabethtown wouldn't spoil anything. And, as it turned out,
it gave me a chance to see Norman Pepper's catfish.
From an on-line group, I knew of the fish's story but not its location.
The city claims it's a sign and must come down. Pepper says the 25 foot
catfish, with nary a word attached, is art. After taking a few pictures, I
talked with Mr. Pepper and signed his list of supporters. Besides citing
the Dixie Highway bait shop, the city has cited a Hooter's across town for
a pair of lighted fake palm trees. That citation prompted a law suit.
Apparently the city's definition of a sign is a bit vague and it would
seem that examples of "selective enforcement" can only help. If Pepper's
catfish survives, Hooters' palm trees (and deeper pockets) will have
played a large role. Check out some local news coverage
here.
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I entered the expressway at Elizabethtown and exited at Horse Cave just a
few miles north of the Wigwams. Bliss and Mary Sue had arrived first (I
was last) and had staked out the shelter. Hot dogs were grilled and eaten,
a few "blue beasts" (and other beverages) consumed, and much roadie
chatter exchanged. It's a small but relatively far flung group with
Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri all represented. Any
clues that this was a first meeting for some were gone within seconds.
Once again I failed to get a "people picture" but I'll make up for that
tomorrow.
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