Natzhez Trace Parkway, MS

Sunday, March 16 to Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Woke up to sunny skies and were back on the Trace for another day of taking in the landscape and historical sites. Chatted with a couple who were biking the route and had been on the road for eight days. Saw many cyclists along the way. Were told of a great lunch stop off the road at French Camp. When driving through the Tombigbee National Forest section, we learned that Tockshish was the halfway point where post riders in the 1800s would exchange mailbags and would either return to Natchez or Nashville. Ended the day by staying at the Tombigbee State Park in Tupelo, MS. This city was the birthplace of Elvis. Next day continued the Trace and one of the stops was at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, known as the Tenn-Tom Waterway which is a major route for barges and other boating. It is part of the water route from the Mississippi River to Mobile Alabama on the Gulf. Checked out the Meriweather Lewis Campground which was one of three spots on the Trace where free camping is available. It was such a nice spot that we decided to stop for the day here, although we had planned to drive further. Met a couple who were from Wiarton and had a friend who keeps a boat at the end of our dock. What are the chances? The weather was cold and we knew it was only going to get worse, so decided to winterize the water system again to keep the lines from freezing. Reality is starting to set in. Finished the Trace the next morning and planning to stop in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sunday, March 16

The Parkway led along the Ross R Barnett Reservoir.

A short but pleasing walk around the Cypress Swamp

Reflections

This is one of the last areas this far north to have the Bald Cypress trees.

One of many arched bridges along the way.

It was such a tranquil setting to drive in, with little traffic.

We were told of a great lunch being served here, but to our dismay, it was closed on Sunday. Will have to go hungry.

That's some long fishing pole!

This was right off the Trace

Sure sets your mind in the past.

Another state park setting with water and electric hook up, as in most parks.

 Monday, March 17

Have always read about boaters taking this waterway to get to the Gulf and thought it might have been great to do this
trip by boat. Guess PeeWee will have to do.

This tug was pushing seven barges filled with wood chips.

The crew were tightening the cables on the barges before entering a lock system.

This was such a great little park, we decided to finish our day early to enjoy it.

This spot had historic significance since this is where Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition died in 1809, but it didn't say how. 

A bit more history on the Trace

The cabin where Lewis died.

This would be an exceptional spot in the fall when the colours change. Will stop there again. The very friendly
camp host who is there for a month, was from Ontario. 

 Tuesday, March 18

Jackson Falls

This Tom was strutting his stuff. There were about a dozen wild turkeys along the road.

This double arch bridge called Birdsong Hollow won the 1995 Presidential Award for design excellence. This was our last stop before ending our trip on the Trace before Nashville, TN