This part of our journey began in Natchez, MS. Wow! I learned so much about the area and the history of this region. I think I must have been napping in school when we learned about the Civil War, because I had no idea that so much of the war took place in these states. The Mississippi River had a huge impact on the history here . . . and what a river it is! First time we ever saw it. Now I understand the term 'mighty Mississippi'!
Most of you probably know about the Civil War battle that took place in Vicksburg, MS. The battlefields and national cemetery sites in this area tell the tale in great detail.
Being west coast kids, we also learned a great deal about the Native American history in this region. I couldn't resist photographing the motion of the dancing feet at a Pow Wow we attended . . . somehow I could not get them to stop for my pictures, though!👣
Our history lessons continued as we explored more of Mississippi . . . somehow, I thought all of our major historical areas were situated in the east - - - I was WRONG!
We were fortunate enough to travel the entire 444 mile Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, and decided that this has to be among the most amazing and beautiful pieces of roadway in the country! It began as a foot path for folks to walk back to their homes in Tennessee and Kentucky, after floating their products on rafts down the Mississippi to the Gulf in the 1700's. Later it was used to move troops during the Civil War. Finally, it was paved and is managed by the National Park Service, and for days, we traveled the Trace, (with no commercial vehicles), through a park-like setting with historic sites marked every few miles. (Yes, we're old and travel slowly to take time to explore and photograph each area - - spent about 3 weeks traveling this byway when it could easily be done in a couple of days.)
Fields of buttercups, red clover and dogwood, all in bloom along the way, as well as lots of LBJ's. (That is our generic word for blue flowers we can't identify due to our limited knowledge of horticulture stuff - - you know, 'little blue jobs' = LBJ's!)
No mountains here - - the highest point in Mississippi is 603 feet!!! Very popular with the bicycling population though.🚴 When I say 'no' commercial vehicles, I mean it!
The Trace begins in Natches, covers Mississippi, a small part of Alabama and about half of central Tennessee, stopping on the approach to Nashville.
When we got to Nashville, we decided to proclaim that among the southern states we have visited, (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee), Tennessee wins the 'drawl' contest - - hands down!!! Young and old, city folk or rural residents, all have "Tennessee-speak" down to a science! Love listening to them, but if you're in a hurry when talking with the natives, you are out of luck! HA!
Also observed that 99% of all homes in Tennessee, large or small, have porches with sitting furniture on them. Many have swings, but lots just have chairs or couches of various sizes and designs. Pretty comfy way to take on the heat and humidity of summer, I think.
For anyone old enough to remember 'The Dukes of Hazard", I just want you to rest easy and know that I FOUND THEM outside of Franklin, TN!!!!
As for recent things we've learned about RVing, (I say 'we', but I think Jerry got the 'learning' this time) - - it is possible to re-fiberglass your rig tub to fix multiple cracks/leaks! It's not pretty, but it works; although, I doubt he is going into the fiberglass business anytime soon! Maybe in another life . . . ?😜
After we finish with our travel respite visiting with family, we're heading to the bluegrass country of Kentucky where we'll connect with the world of Stephen Foster and Camp Town Races . . . do dah, do dah🎼
Until next time . . .
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