Awakened to the wonderful news that our neighbors, Val and Steve, refugees from flood-threatened Vidalia, MS, are going to adopt the abandoned camp dog, Hobeaux (as Bill named him). Both Bill and I found an attachment to the gentle black and white dog. He was good buddies with Max and very caring about Isabel. He did not beg food. He just settled in with us as we sat outside and came along with us on our walks. I began to wonder if we could possibly become a three dog family. Bill, the wiser, said no. I started to think about how to put him on a plane to Nashville and to ask Marcie Williams if she'd have him be part of her rescued brood (about 15 now) if we'd sponsor room and board. Neither of us looked forward to leaving him behind, though Bill pointed out Hobeaux was living a pretty good life. When Bill offered to pay for a vet visit, Val and Steve laughed and explained that their niece was a vet. Hobeaux would get good care. The last thing Steve said to us was, “Be sure to watch your speed limits on the Trace!”
Had a small nail in one of the Casita tires. Bill had it fixed at WalMart while I shopped for groceries.
Our excitement was palatable. We were going to follow the Natchez Trace! We entered at the very beginning (or ending) in Natchez city.
Flat Stanley was interested in hearing about the post riders who carried mail and news on the Trace starting in 1801.
They took only 10 days to ride between Nashville and Natchez. They were chosen for the National Parkway logo.
The Mimosa really stand out
Mile Post 8.7 – Exhibit Shelter
Mile Post 15.5 – One of the oldest structures still standing.
First built in 1780. Operated as a farm (plantation) by 5 generations until 1944. The National Park Service began restoration in 1954, returning the home and “stand” or Inn to its 1820 appearance. The 1820 census lists 24 enslaved people here. By mid 1800s the number had reached 51.
In the parking lot we met this young couple, planning to bicycle from Natchez to Nashville! The young man's dad, Eric, a retired chemistry teacher from Mendenhall, MS, restores Model T cars and trucks. He's their crew for the week.
Eric asked to see inside the Casita.
Mile Post 17.5 Coles Creek Picnic Area
Mile Post 41.5
After two centuries, deep erosion has affected the Trace in some places.
Here we met up with 24 college students and friends who were also biking from Natchez to Nashville this week. They had driven from Indiana to start their big adventure.
They had 2 vans and a car for support.
Mile Post 54.8 – Rocky Springs
We settled in for a wonderful afternoon and evening. There was no electricity but the fee was $0.00.
Cut firewood, which we do not use, was very pretty.
This is the Natchez Trace. For many years it served [hu]man[s] well, but as with many things when its usefulness passed, it was abandoned.
Over the years, this time-worn path has been a silent witness to honor and dishonor. It bears the prints of countless [people].
Walk down the shaded trail – leave your prints in the dust, not for others to see, but for the road to remember.
Bill, Max, Isabel, Flat Stanley and I walked a mile of the old trace (to the left of the sign) emerging onto a paved road. We could only guess at which direction to go. Thankfully we ended up at the entrance to the campground. We always knew we could retrace our steps.
It seemed a privilege to be able to take a late afternoon's walk in the woods and think of all the people who had done so so many years ago.
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