CnC: New Oil to Trace

Not a very long day today. Just to get to the start of Natchez Trace, but we also had some work to do.

We started off with a little 50 mile spurt along the I10 amongst the traffic.

In to another state, Louisiana

We were travelling OK and had instructions from the GPS to take Exit 44 - 44 miles from the border. At an entrance after Exit 43 we saw a patrol car sitting in the side. As we went by, it started up and pulled in behind us - and caught up quickly. It went into the lane beside us, blue lights flashing.

I had thoughts of "Did Jack take that joke too far?"

But the ute in the next lane pulled in and they both crossed in front as we slowed down and we sailed past.

Looked like the ute had a canoe projecting way out the back - some kind of loading infraction.

We took exit 44 and left that Interstate for a much quieter highway.

The cemetery is on land between the highway and rail line.

This long straight road went for more than 50 miles

We went in to the town of Alexandria and got a little lost on a roundabout - more of a squareabout really. We ended up in the outskirts full of well spaced shops. Our eyes were peeled for a Walmart for our upcoming job but in the end needed to ask the GPS to direct us to one.
Then it was time for an oil change for the little black Feejer.

The easy way to do this on the road is to purchase a 5 quart bottle of super premium oil, a drain pan, a funnel and a set of gloves and cleanup rags. Super premium oil $22.47. Already had a filter for $12 from a Yamaha dealer a couple of days ago.
Set up behind the lube bay and change the oil and filter. Deliver the old oil to the nice men in the lube bay (they are required by law to take it), make a present to them of the pan and funnel ($3.94) and dump the now dirty cleanup rags ($3.47)
All done for just under $50 (including tax and a cold drink while waiting for the bike to cool).

Walmart Carpark servicing.

Not too much further we came upon the mighty Mississippi River and a set of twin bridges leading us in to Natchez. Another state across the river and we were now in Mississippi State. Called in to the visitor centre and pick up a motel coupon book. These things can save heaps on motel bills.

Twin Bridges over the Big River

We found digs for a very good price and set up in front of the aircon to get out of the 100F heat.
After cooling down a bit, we went for a tour of the town. A lovely place with some amazing architecture, showing both ends of the social spectra.