And the journey continues . . . nearly eleven months now!

 
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 . . .

Greeting everyone!  Still hangin' in the south land . . .


Ferry boats in Texas?????  Who knew!  There are several in the gulf area, all FREE (my favorite word💰) to ride.  And they travel 24/7!  Noticed that this one had quite a following . . .

Bet you can guess where we were this day . . . enjoyed the Houston Space Center, and was amazed that the Mission Control Center looked exactly like it did in all the movies!

The trees all along the Gulf Coast have been really interesting to this NW gal used to seeing straight, tall evergreens!  They really tell a tale about the forces that formed their shapes.

This is our first visit to Louisiana, and the 'Cajun Country' in the southwest part of this state did not disappoint.  Kind of felt like I've was transformed to another world, though.

 
Had some camera fun on a cool, foggy morning . . .

Even the old, historic above-the-ground cemeteries have been a fascination . . .

The culture, history, food, music, language, plantations, swamps . . . and, oh, did I mention the food???? were all delightfully foreign to us, but all here to enjoy!  We have tried to get used to the unusual language down here, (a merging of French Canadian, Spanish, and Louisiana 'south talk'),but I must admit to a few embarrassing moments!  Like the time we were in a restaurant and the server asked if I wanted my entree 'bawled'?  Thought I should ask how that was prepared . . .  I caught a very slight eye roll on her part, then a little sigh, before explaining to me that you just put the meat in a pot, add water, and 'bawl' it!  Oooohhhh, now I got it!  We had quite a giggle over that one . . .

We've also tried to eat like the Cajun folks do . . . tried Craw fish Ettaufee, Boudin, a variety of Gumbos, 'bawled' craw fish and all sorts of shrimp, crab and catfish fixins'.  I didn't go for the turtle or frog, and really backed off when Alligator balls were on the menu!  Now, let me say that they probably just took the ground gator meat and made meatballs out of it, but just it case they meant something else, I decided to let that culinary pleasure pass me by😱  Not quite that courageous!!!  I am sure that if my big bro had been here, though, he would have enjoyed trying that dish.

We had the pleasure of having several conversations with a born-n'-raised Cajun fellow who runs a local coffee shop nearby, and he told me tales of how he and his buds free-dive into the bayous and place catfish traps on the bottom.  Then they dive back and retrieve them another day.  Now, after finding out about the poisonous water snakes, not to mention the gators, that hang out in those same bayous, I was a little amazed that he would do this!  Said his 'granny' taught him how!  He also showed me a photograph of a frog he caught - - probably over three feet long, all stretched out!  I'm sure each of those frog legs could have fed a family!

Speaking of bayous and swamps, we had a wonderful day touring with a young man who has lived here all his life, and had many interesting facts about the Cypress and Tupalo trees - - the only ones that can grow in standing water.  Really beautiful with the Spanish Moss hanging from their branches.

Also saw MANY Alligators - - this one really seemed to enjoy laughing at us when we were making his portrait, about six feet away from our boat!  Only saw one Cottonmouth (aka Water Moccasin) hanging on a branch  - - that was enough, thank you very much!

Under the heading of 'things I have learned' while on our RV adventure, this is a reminder to all our travelin' friends out there - - be sure when you are getting ready to turn on your shower that you face the shower head away from your entry area.  Showers in most rigs are very small, and if you don't make this a practice, you should at least make sure you store lots of 'mop up' towels in your rig!☔️  'Nuff said!!

Just about done with our 'Cajun' holiday - - tomorrow we'll be heading north to Mississippi and the Natchez Trace Parkway (scenic byway) that leads from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN.  Hope all is well with you and yours.  We can be pretty sure that spring has finally sprung, but, then, so have the tornados!!! Ugh!  We'll be dodging those at all cost when we're traveling . . .  more later from Jerry, Lynne, Kodi and Kermit!

Still on the road in Texas . . .

Many of you have asked 'where are you now'?  Still deep in the heart of Texas, and still having FUN!👍

After spending time exploring the east Texas area near Tyler, we headed to McKinney, north of Dallas, where we spent a wonderful holiday season with family.

Very interesting area - - lots of growth going on.  Got to see a Texas Longhorn cattle drive down a street in Fort Worth, had some great eats (yeah, my Texas kids are foodies!!!) and did lots of exploring.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised.  Really enjoyed the sites around Dallas and my kids did a great job of showing us around . . .

 


Next stop was along the Guadalupe River outside of San Antonio.  I actually lived there when I was a young whipper snapper, but can't say I remember much!  (Heck, sometimes I can't remember much about yesterday!)  The River Walk is great, as was the Alamo and the historic Mexican Marketplace.  Weather was FAB!

After keeping a keen eye out, as we were exploring the River Walk, I finally spied the famous 'new breed of  cowboy'!  Yep, things have changed . . . never did see his horse though.

Since leaving San Antonio, we've been hanging out along the Texas Gulf coast, near Corpus Christi.  I was stunned to find myself enjoying an OUTDOOR pool on the afternoon of January 28th!

 

Right after we arrived we drove to North Padre Island beach to watch volunteers place about 300 rescued adult Green Sea Turtles back into the Gulf waters.  Quite a sight!  When the water drops to 50 degrees, these turtles are stunned and float to the surface.  They rescue them and take them to a rehab center on the Island, then put them back into the surf when the water temperatures gets back to 60 degrees.  I was hoping for some better photo opportunities, but the area was roped off so the 500+ onlookers were not in the way.  Rather than putting the turtles on the sand to go into the water, the 100+ volunteers hand-carried each one into about two feet of water and let them go.  Really enjoyed the whole experience and we did get a few good images.

 Waiting for the turtles to arrive . . .

The trees in this part of Texas are pretty amazing.  Much greener than I expected.  One day we were out exploring and we saw this stand of leafless trees in an area that could only be described as a plain.  For a moment there, I thought I had been spirited off to an African safari, but then I saw it . . . a sign that said "Belt Sander Races this Saturday", and then I knew . . . yep, we're still in Texas!  (Hey folks, I'm not smart enough to make this stuff up!)

Wildlife in this neck of the woods is plentiful . . . had to stop and photograph this pelican picnic, Texas style.🐜

Then there was the 'gator' that was napping on the bank of a pond - - yes, he is real and in the wild!

 This area is known for its blue crab, so had to show this one off . . .

And, I FINALLY got to see my first Armadillo walking along the side of the road, but he refused to stop to have his portrait done.  Also saw some wild boar and lots of birds, among them a pink spoonbill.

Had some recent sadness - - my brother just lost his wife to lung cancer after being diagnosed only two weeks before, and my wonderful daughter-in-law just lost a brother as a result of several medical issues.  Thinking of them, and thinking enough, already!!!

Next stop - - further east, but still on the Gulf, near Galveston, TX.  Then it's off to Louisiana for some bayou treks (as long as it is still winter, maybe the snakes won't be out yet - - hoping that is  so!) and good eats and sights.  Planning to visit Washington in May and look forward to seeing some of you when we're in town.  After that - - turning north!

More later . . . Lynne and Jerry, direct from 'Kodi and Kermit', the "rig".