21 on 21

 

Nov 20 - 24


Beginning of the Trace Parkway


On our way into Natchez on the 21st we observed 2 important things (to us). First was the start of the Trace. Second was the temperature on Smiley's dash - 21 degrees Celcius on the 21st of November (hence today's title). Because the American Thanksgiving falls on Thursday Nov 22nd the park was filling quickly with hunters (hunting is allowed in the park forests). We walked on the roads so our fellow campers didn't have to explain our premature departure in Mississippi.

Took the above to remind us how much the Daughters of the American Revolution did to help the Trace Parkway become reality. Thanks to all - we loved the trip down the Trace and recommend it to anyone wanting away from busy highways and a return to more peaceful travelling.



Didn't see any daredevil gamblers or quick witted lawyers in Natchez but we did get a great walk downtown, a view of the Mississippi from the hill, a shot of the casino boat berthed at Under-the-Hill, and a number of antebellum homes. Here a a few pictorial momentos:

OK - not historical but it is seasonal
 

Are the extra gangplanks for losers or winners?

Didn't get the name (shame)

Sad events sometimes generate magnificent songs.
These Mississippi Blues plaques are numerous and informative.

Stanton Hall



After the downtown walk we jumped back into Smiley and drove out to Longwoods - a magnificent octagon shaped beauty on 90+ acres in south Natchez. But here we found beauty is skin deep - only the basement is finished - construction was interrupted by the civil war. 

This exterior...

looks like this inside.

When the money stopped so did the work.
Workers dropped their tools and left.

Locust Hill

We still had one more place to see before leaving the Natchez area for the Big Easy. About 15 miles up the Trace is a restored "stand" (overnight stop) manned by Debi and Scott - National Park volunteers just brimming with historic knowledge. While not majestic or architecturally impressive this was one of the best historic sites on our trip to date.

 

Scott in period costume. Tried not to provoke him (armed)

Heading out tomorrow (25th) to Fontainebleau State Park on the north side of Lake Ponchartrain. Just about 1/2 hour to New Orleans over the causeway. No snow in the forecast.