RED BOILING SPRINGS, TENNESSEE – Greetings from Northern Tennessee. We’re just across the state line with Kentucky.
Red Boiling Springs is one of those towns that has been left behind economically.
There’s a post office. And a gas station. But otherwise, Main Street is derelict. (Scroll down to see a short video I filmed.)
The stores are abandoned. A Walmart five miles away – along with a strip of fast food restaurants – has sucked all the energy out of Red Boiling Springs, like so many other small towns across America.
We’re camping tonight on an abandoned farm.
The farmhouse is collapsing. Weeds are taking over the barns and sheds. The mailbox is cocked at an angle that says no one has paid any attention to this property in a couple of years. There’s a big “auction” sign in the front.
We even found a stroller and a creepy old headless doll that suggested kids used to live here…
The headless doll
We found this place on the Hipcamp app for $14 a night. There’s an electric hook up. But no bathroom. And when we tried the water spigot, we only managed to tease out a thin mud-colored dribble from it.
Here are Kate and Penny preparing dinner…
Kate, Penny, and the abandoned stroller
Next stop, Kentucky…
– Tom Dyson
P.S. Here’s a video of Red Boiling Springs’ Main Street…
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FROM THE MAILBAG
Readers across the country want to host the Dyson family for a night. They also offer their own stories… about life and how they’ve interacted with Tom’s letters…
Reader comment: I am still enjoying your travels and want to extend an invitation again to come to St. Louis, Missouri. My apartment would be available for you right in the middle of all the sites in this city. Our park, museums, and zoo are all free for enjoying. And, of course, the ARCH!! You wouldn’t be able to pop your tent, but would be able to camp in my almost-empty apartment with hot showers and laundry.
Reader comment: I truly have enjoyed reading about your family travels – the best. I also enjoy reading about your view on the world and economics. I was a commodity and stock broker for Merrill Lynch in the early ’80s in Saginaw, Michigan. I grew up on a family apple farm and in many other businesses my family started during my childhood. My parents created many different businesses and were well-known and part of a larger community. The downturn in the ’80s affected their business, and the bank pulled the plug in 1993.
They survived on a much smaller scale. My father passed in 2015 and my mom is still home on the farm. My father was a BIG gold bug (hence I am also). He took us to many economic conventions in New Orleans and around the world in the early ’80s. I truly enjoyed and learned from them.
I have been a single working mom most of my daughters’ lives. Their father did not want to be involved and has since passed on from cancer. My girls are my greatest treasure and joy! What you are doing with your children now can never be replaced and will be beneficial for all of you!
Safe travels and enjoy every moment!! You are all amazing, but Kate is very special! You are all blessed to have her in your life. Keep writing and sharing pictures. Enjoy!!
Reader comment: Tom and family, I enjoy reading your Postcards From the Fringe! I have enjoyed them, starting when you were in China. I am currently reading your postcards from the e-book so I am starting back at the beginning, I think. I joined your service even though I am a small-time investor with little money because I want to protect the little I have from the government and its dangerous money-printing. You are a very good writer who conveys his feelings and thoughts in a wonderful way.
Also, why are you in such a hurry to travel?? Summer just started and the border is currently closed with Canada. Enjoy the journey, my friend. Many wonderful people in the USA would love to meet you and have you spend time staying at their homes. Hint: Free hospitality is good hospitality. People love honesty and integrity. It is a rare thing these days.
Tom’s note: We read every message you send. Please keep writing us at [email protected].