January 3, 2016. On Our Way to Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL.

 

January 3, 2016.  On Our Way to Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL.  I am struck by the differences between barns in the northern part of the US and those in the south.  Those in the north are stout, dignified, imposing structures, many of which have survived a century or more.  As we moved south today, I noticed that many of the structures which pass as barns are little more than poles and metal.  They are pitiful, sad, ugly little impersonators of their impressive cousins in the north. 

We are in Jonesboro, AR, tonight.  We passed through Hardy and the fake police car is still parked in the same place.  I suppose the idea is that the appearance of a police car will encourage people to obey the speed limits.  However, the car has been in the same place for nearly 20 years.  It is occupied by a female manikin dressed in a police uniform complete with cap.  It is always the same car in the same place with the same manikin sitting behind the steering wheel.  I have seen it scores of times.  Still, each time I pass it, I glance at the speedometer and lift my foot from the accelerator.

We are 500 miles from Gulf Shores.  We will complete the trip tomorrow.  So, one more page of barn pictures and you'll be safe.  Safe, that is, until we return home at the end of the month.  I will be on the lookout for something more impressive than today's sad display.  Next stop, Gulf State Park.