October 30, 2005.  We have entered the Natchez Trace Parkway.  The Natchez Trace is a trial that was used in the early 1600's to travel between lower (Louisiana) to Tennessee.  This trail was used by the Spanish, Frenchmen, Englishmen and Indians.  The trail was used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Father Jacques Marquette, Jim Bowie, Sam Houston, Andrew Jackson and more.  During the Revolutionary War both the Loyalists and Rebels moved into eastern Tennessee.  The capital of the southern territory was Natchez which is at the end of this trail or beginning whichever you start at.  There were different modes of transportation going south riding or walking over the trail or boats over the waterways but the return trip always followed the Trace.  In the 1800 the trail was the designated U.S. mail route.
The Natchez Trace Parkway goes through Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.
We are camped on the Meriwether Lewis CG.  It is free and the weather is good.  I think we will stay here for a bit.  This area is mainly rolling hills and they have been in a drought.  The ground here is really dry and dusty.  We are still allow to make a campfire in which we are surprised.  They would not allow that in Ontario.  The people have been really nice.  We even met someone from Quebec who camp with Blondie Lachapelle, someone we know from our home town.  It sure is a small world.  I also met 3 women from Orillia to-day.  It sure was nice to bond with women for a change.
"if you hear a voice within you saying, 'You are not a painter,' then by all means paint...and that voice will be silenced." - VINCENT VAN GOGH

It is warmer here but the scenery is not as dramatic. 

This is the part of the original Natchez Trace Parkway.  See how grooved in it is, that is from years of use.
Wednesday, November 2, 2005.  Crossed the Tennessee line today and entered Alabama which will shortly take us into Mississippi.  Saw our first ever "Cotton Field".  They look like little cotton balls.  Could not help but pick one.
I am having a hard time getting use to the weather.  Last night it was 8C, today it is suppose to be 26C.  From one extreme to another.  To save on propane we have now set the temperature for the propane to kick in at 12C.  I sure do look forward to the warm days.
Sunday, November 06, 2005.  We have just spent a relaxing 4 days at Jeff Busby CG on the Natchez Trace Parkway.  During this time we just relaxed and meet some really nice people here.  Some Americans and some Canadians.  We have had a lot of laughs and campfires.

2 cotton plants.  They look just like cotton balls.  We passed a few cotton fields but others were already picked.  The lighter was put there just so that you could determine the size.

The graveside of unknown confederate solders by the original Natchez Trace.  Their simple grave markers face backwards--toward the Trace--so travelers might read and remember.

The home where Elvis Presley was born in and lived until he was 4 years old.  A picture of him with his parents on the left corner.

Had lunch here at French Camp.  Gooood lunch.

We went to the museum there on our way south.  It is a must to see.  They are funded by donations and government funding.  This is actually a working/living private academy for girls and boys.  They all work the farm and learn quilting/sewing.  Originally it was a military school in the 1880's.

The artefacts were old and authentic.  A lot were donated by previous students.  Donna H., you would have loved the quilting.


Denis has enjoyed the driving on the Blue Ridge and Trace so much that he cannot see anyone not taking this route.

 


Elvis in the middle, and his mom and dad.

Met Jeanie and David on the Natchez Trace.  They were really nice and took me shopping.  You know Denis hates to shop but Denis bought a really good walking stick that David had made and he has put it to good use.
Monday, November 7, 2005.  We are now in Vicksburg (off the Natchez Trace Parkway) to see the Vicksburg National Military Park, tomorrow.
The weather is now in the 80's.  We even had the air on in the truck today.
We had a wonderful stay at Vicksburg.  They certainly take care of the tourist.   There is so much to see there.  Our first night we stayed at the Rainbow Casino, by the Mississippi River.  What a nice casino/hotel very well run and courteous.  The parking lot was totally level, when you have a trailer that is important.  They also have two entrance ways.  The second is not at steep.
We did go see the National Military Park the next day, it was quite the site.  They allowed us to leave our trailer where the buses usually parked.  It was off season and not very busy.  Denis visit the "Old Court House". He said it was one of the best museum's he has ever visited.  All authentic including the building.  There were places just for tourist to park in the town along the driving scenic tour.  We also went to the where they first bottled Coke.  There we were parked at a spot that said only 15 min. parking, which we did not know at the time.  A note was left on our window stating this is "15 minute Parking!! Move along please.  We were there at least 2 hours before we got back to the truck.  There was a great old fashion drug store there.  All the signs were easy to read for the tourist. 

This is the Mississippi River, the boundary separation between Louisiana and Mississippi.

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURE OF NATIONAL MILITARY PARK & COURT HOUSE MUSEUM

 

A picture of the Confederate President Jefferson Davis in 1861-1865.  During this time there was two Presidents, before the civil war.  I think the Union President was President Abraham Lincoln.  (If I am wrong please let me know.) 

 

 

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