The Natchez Trace

Heading North, we made good driving time today through heavy road construction but light traffic.

We saw several armadillos before crossing the Mississippi River into Mississippi at Natchez.

                          There are many beautifully restored antebellum homes here.

                              Watching the paddle wheelers on the river always reminds me of Mark Twain.

We entered the Natchez Trace at its Southern end and soon came to a tree across the road.

After a slight detour we decided to proceed on the Trace although our refrigerator, running on propane, has gone out two times today. After cleaning out the flue, we think we have it running again. Hopefully this works, as there is no commercial activity of any kind on the Trace. The speed limit has now been increased from 40 to 50 mph but the solitude of the seemingly endless roadside forest is still there. The roughly 500 mile parkway gives travelers an unhurried route from Natchez to Nashville. There is so much history here, from American Indians, French and Spanish explorers, the Civil War and early settlers traveling on the road that was then the most heavily traveled in the Old Southwest. The path became a deep depression in many places that can still be traveled today.

Tonight we are camped at Rocky Springs Camp, one of several free camp spots along the Trace. Weather still comfortable in the 80's but everyone is talking of an impending storm.



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