06/10/2026
The Landguy was going to Decatur County today to look at a property close to the Tennessee River where Kentucky Lake starts. It’s his birthday, so I asked if I could ride along. The ride was so peaceful and enjoyable, really scenic. With the owner giving landmark directions along with a little map searching, we found the property. We got off the road at the gate, Keith got out, strapped up, and sprayed up, since it was kinda critter looking. He got the gate unlocked, and proceeded to do a little walk about reconnaissance. He decides we can proceed in the truck, we ease up the field road, and top the hill into a field surrounded by beautiful mature hardwoods. Keith casually says it almost feels like you need a helicopter to drop you off up here. We get latitude and longitude coordinates, check out everything he needs to see, and start heading back out. By this time I’ve been in the truck almost 3 hours and nature decides to call in the middle of what I’m deeming as “Deliverance” country. I’d foolishly had a cup of coffee and Diet Coke this morning. Keith’s looking around and assembling his thoughts when I blurt out, “I gotta go”! Having grown up in Mississippi as a country girl on a cattle ranch, I don’t mind what my mama called squatting in the bushes. City folks just don’t even try to understand, it’s a country thing!! I’m opening my door just as Keith says “stay in the road area, this is timber rattler country”. He could have gone all day without saying that to me!! I’m making haste like a cow on a flat rock! IYKYK!!
Now that we’ve seen the property and I’m not bouncing all over the cab, we decide to look around a bit before heading back. We’re on Ferry Landing Road, so let’s see where it goes. Just as we leave the property there is a high fence farm with exotic animals roaming around. We saw camel, ostrich, sitka deer, elk, lots of water fowl and other animals. That was a unique sighting for our outing. Then, as we top the hill, we see the river, it is literally at the end of the road. About this time a huge helicopter flies by just feet above the water. Wow, did you just mention needing a helicopter? Who was listening?
We pull off to the side of the road, get out and walk down to the ferry landing. It’s really beautiful. We can just picture wood wagons loaded with supplies being pulled by draft horses or mules rattling up to the crossing to wait on the ferry to carry them across the mighty river. We discussed and imagined weary confederate soldiers battle worn, tired, and injured trying to just get back home. Very somber feeling.
After hours of riding and looking we’re ready for some lunch. I suggested we ride to Hagy’s and eat while looking out at the river. We did, and it didn’t disappoint with good food and an amazing view. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach! Sated and on the road again I was hoping I could hold my eyes open for the ride home. Just barely kept them open the whole way. Back home and the dogs act like we’ve been away for ages. It’s always fun to roam, but there’s no place like home with the fur kids waiting for you! Chalk up another enjoyable day spending time with “My Landguy”!
