Turning our backs to the Turnpikes

Nov 16-17

Camping World here we come. Just off I-65 at Bowling Green Kentucky is our holy grail of camping stuff. CW was like a candy store (or Costco) to us. Got out while we still had a few bucks left with lots of new essentials: surge suppressor, water filter, stove cover, etc.. Still no internet connections or phone – we’re feeling a bit isolated but plan to fix the problem in Memphis.

Back on the interstate. Norene observes that I’m having less fun than expected being constantly passed by trucks and makes a brilliant  suggestion. Instead of continuing to Memphis Tennessee for a little sightseeing, then heading to Jackson Mississippi to get on the Natchez Trace Parkway why not jump on the Trace at it’s northern end just west of Nashville. Sorry Elvis. Goodbye interstates.

With the help of a friendly gent in the Tennessee Welcome Center we avoided Nashville and found the northern terminus of the Trace (part of the National Park System) which is a 2 lane, 444 mile long, 50 mph max stretch of beautiful scenery ending in Natchez Mississippi. We stopped at Birdsong Hollow (mile 438) and stayed for the night. The Trace is very popular with cyclists and in the very chilly morning we were surrounded by men in tights and helmets.

Days are getting warmer but not far enough south yet.

Our objective today (the 17th) is to get to a park with water and electric facilities so we can de-winterize (summerize?) the big box so it can be more than a bed and fridge on wheels. Decided to stop partway at Collinwood to visit the Welcome Center and also to get some gas (there are no gas stations or stores on the Trace – very cool). The Welcome Center is a lovely older building staffed by friendly folks who suggested we might like to drop into the next room to watch the dulcimer concert. Huh?

 

A delightful hour later we pulled up stakes, filled up and grabbed a couple of ice cream cones (yeah it’s now ice cream weather – 65+F). Off to Tishomingo State Park and summer! Arrived around 1pm and connected the umbilicals. Running water! Real a/c electricity! (not that dc stuff). Hot (actually lukewarm) showers! Nice concrete pads and lots of room – ‘specially since the park was sparsely populated. Here’s our neighbour:

 

 

In case you’re interested these are very cheap places to stay - $18 a night for electric and water. We seniors pay $13! Ontario Provincial parks are typically $43($38) for electricity alone. Ontario could take a tip from Mississippi in this department.

Before you get the impression we never got out of our seats on the way down I should mention that we stopped many times to take in the sights and took a lot of pictures. When we get to a more stable wifi spot than a Mickey D drive through we’ll post an album or two since we promised some pictures in return for having to wade thru this writing.