Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880

Back To Minnesota

I am on the road heading back to Minnesota. These days the name of the game when it comes to back roads is avoiding the weather. It’s most noteworthy that I avoided the snow and ice. I did not avoid the rain. Learn more in Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880.

My Radar And More Help For My Back Road Adventure

Especially relevant is an AP called ‘My Radar‘. Really helps to be able to track storms, so they can be avoided. Unlike summer storms, winter storms mean icy road conditions and that is no fun.

Weather Is More Important When Back Roading In Winter

Moreover since I am all about the back roads staying abreast of the weather situation, especially temperatures, is important.

Back Roads Are Fading? What?

What I have learned on this first leg of the trip home? First of all, back roads even in places like North Carolina are starting to fade. I’ve been talking about this on all the podcasts from this trip.

Growth Means Interstates

As a result of the growth in the South freeway systems we used to associate with big northern cities are becoming the norm here. Bottom line? If you want the back roads in some parts of the south you have to fight to stay on them.

Two Lane Roads And National Highway System

Even more this says something about the argument against big highway systems in general. The classic American two lane road is usually associated with the National Highway System built after World War One. I’ll explain in Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880.

An Interstate Is Not A Back Road

Google ‘national highway system’ today, and you’ll get articles about the Interstate system. Decidedly not two lane roads. Consequently the highways people often associate with ‘back roads’ might just be Interstates that cut through less urban areas.

No More Cruise Control Please

Certainly for me it’s all about those two lane roads. And I do fight to stay on them. The scourge of freeway driving known as ‘cruise control’ makes driving on the Interstate a pain.

The Route South and West From Richmond Virginia

Finally, join me as I roll south through Virginia on the classic and perfect US 360, to US 29, on through Western North Carolina on the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Sponsored by Tim LaCroix of LaCroix Law for Real Estate and Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880

 

 

Bonnie-Clyde-1930s-America-Bob Davis Podcast 830

Nothing Sweeter Than The 1930’s

If you study history you know we all have our favorite periods. These days I turn more and more to 1930’s America. Specifically the story of Bonnie and Clyde. Learn more in Bonnie-Clyde-1930s-America-Bob Davis Podcast 830.

Highwaymen

There’s a new movie on Netflix called ‘Highwaymen‘. The movie details the search for Bonnie and Clyde and their inevitable end and stars Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson. I like this movie because it does a better job telling more of the real story, than other efforts.

The Ford V8

Especially relevant to the story is the automobile and the then new national highway system. For Clyde Barrow there was no equal to the then brand new Ford V-8. This was Barrow’s number one choice to steal. Bonnie Parker died with a map of the old national highway system on her lap.

National Highway System

Most noteworthy Barrow was famous for covering as much as a thousand miles in one day in one of his stolen Ford V-8’s. The duo sped across New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Kansas on those brand new blacktopped two lane interstate highways, and many a dirt road or field during their crime sprees.

Depression and Crime

The height of the depression in the early 1930’s comes down to us in faded black and white photos, and speed graphic newspaper photos taken in tourist camps, abandoned farms and failed banks. Yet the people then, experienced it in color. Find out why this era fascinates me in Bonnie-Clyde-1930s-America-Bob Davis Podcast 830.

Criminal Minds

Finally there is this question of criminal behavior. Bonnie and Clyde have a special place in 1930’s history. To a certain degree their story line is a lie. Foolish young people pushed into a life of crime by life circumstances? Or criminals that terrorized local communities across the rural Midwest?

Mystery and Legend

In conclusion Highwaymen, three books I read before for a podcast I did about the mystery and legend of Texas Ranger Frank Hamer. Those links are here. I did these podcasts because so many inaccuracies and lies have become part of Bonnie and Clyde lore.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating Of Saint Paul

Bonnie-Clyde-1930s-America-Bob Davis Podcast 830