Bye, Bye Miss American Pie

In Off Hamilton's Hip

Bye, Bye Miss American Pie

A long, long time ago...

The Reason for the Trip

We are heavily involved in LifeLines, a British organisation that befriends prisoners on death rows throughout the world. I am privileged enough to co-ordinate the people that write to Texas and the prisoners on the row there. Although it is not a necessity, I wanted to go and see for myself exactly how the system works and meet and greet some of the guys. We first looked at just going to Texas as a stand-alone trip, but felt that we didn't want to spend tourist dollars in a state that has such a terrible record of executions and questionable judicial processes. So, the idea of a Road Trip was born. We are combining our journey from Jackonsville, Florida to Houston, Texas with visits to three separate Death Rows. (Raiford, FL, Atmore, AL, Livingston, TX). It is not going to be an entirely prison-related trip. We will be staying in New Orleans for a couple of nights and also spending a few days in Biloxi, Mississippi (where all the best mobile home owners go for relaxation!).

Drove my Chevvy to the levee, but the levee was dry...

Well, we got to see David. He is a really gentle guy. We spent three hours together. The prison staff were really kind and helpful. We had a full body search and had an ultra-violet stamp put on our hands which was verified on the way out.
The atmosphere in the visiting room was really relaxed, people ahd their kids there who happily played on the floor. It was almost a pleasant place to be.
We spent time with David, playing dominoes and even reading the Bible together. There were burgers and cans of drink to buy from the vending machines, but David's favourite treats were red licquorice shoelaces. He hadn't had them for a very long time.
We were David's first vistors in eleven years.

With every paper I'd deliver..

For the latest updates, see below. We have had grits most days*
We love the States, but find it hard to reconcile our love for the country with the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens.

Living in America

Them good ole boys were drinkin' whisky and rye

We took a visit to Georgia and experienced the worst storms for 50 years (well I did, Joe slept right through it all!)
Quote of the State: Waitress to Joe, gesturing to a plate she was carrying "What d'y'all reckon this is?"
Alabama the beautiful! This place gives backwater a whole new meaning!
Atmore, a town struggling to catch up with the 20th century. What it lacks in sophistication it makes up for in Dixie flags!! We have found a new rule: Do not go into a bar if the car-park has more pickups than cars!
Our visit to the prison was quite daunting, a voice from 30ft up a watchtower shouting "What d'y'all want?" was our welcome! The rest of the procedure went smoothly and the staff were polite and helpful.
Jack was good company and was on his best behaviour, appreciative of his first visit in five and a half years.
The prison have put him on a diet to keep him healthy enough to execute (Ironic?).
Whatever happens, Jack will die at Holman Unit. It will either be the "fat" cola that we bought him (not to mention the burgers, chicken wings and sweets!) or the Alabama Dept. of Justice. The race is on!

You both kicked off your shoes..

Hello Mississippi! Quote of the state: Tourist to Police Officer in Information Centre "Can you tell me where to get a coffee? Oh yeah, what are the laws concerning hand guns in this State?" We didn't stay to find out the answer!! Biloxi - 24-hour money wasting is available here! You can feed one-armed bandits all night long! We stayed in a casino/hotel on the 23rd floor. The gaming tables and slot machines never close, we spent a whole $3! (Joe went without breakfast to make up for it!)
Some things we have learnt - In Britain we spend British dollars. (source - shopkeeper)

Man, I dig those rhythm and blues

Hello Loiusiana! We've been in New Orleans, the "Big Easy" The home of blues, steam boats and Cajun cooking! Top bars with top beer, top music, top atmosphere and top prices. ($11 for two small beers) Saw a horse with a hat on, an amp in a bucket, a lady wearing her sweater as trousers, graves above ground and a museum.
General opinion could do with more swamps!!

With a pink carnation and a pick-up truck..

Texas, it's like a whole other country. Welcome to the Lone Star State! This is a beautiful place. We managed to avoid the tornadoes but met a great waiter called Larry (Hi Larry!)
We visited our friends in prison and it went amazingly well, for both sides, we were made very welcome.

And they were singing.....

What it feels like to leave our friends behind, not knowing if we'll ever see them alive again.

* For those who don't know what they are - Go Get Grits!