We were rolling out of Atlanta by 8AM
which is awful, awful early for us,
with an overnight stop planned in Montgomery for. . .you guessed it!
The Alabama State House. . .very nice
and then on to the River View RV Park in Vidalia. . .
right across the Mississippi River from Natchez. .
.
but. . .it seems as though we’ve entered the rain belt. . .
now truly. . .that is not a complaint, because after the drought of the past few years,
this entire area can really, really use some rain. . .
but it does sort of put a “damper” on sightseeing. . .if ya know what I mean?
a driving tour won’t be so bad. . .you know you’ve truly arrived in the South
when the spanish moss is dripping from all the oak trees. . .so beautiful. . .
a view of the Mississippi River from Bluff Park
the American Queen Paddle Wheeler was in port on her way from New Orleans to St Louis. . .
the Isle of Capri Casino is in the background. . .
back in the day, when I used to read 4” thick novels about southern plantation days,
I remember reading stories and descriptions about the sordid, Under the Hill area of Natchez. . .
no self respecting citizen would ever be found down there. . .
it seems pretty innocuous these days. . .not much there at all.
Fire destroyed several of the original buildings, and I believe
I read they have been trying to revive the area with tourist shops. . .
didn’t seem to me to be much going on. . .but then again,
we have arrived when tourist season is winding down. . .
The Natchez Trace Parkway begins in Natchez. . .so I wanted to see that.
Our intention in 2011 had been to start at the beginning of The Trace,
and explore most of it. . .due to the severe flooding of the river that spring,
we rerouted our trip. . .so when we return for the Annual Spring Pilgrimage
of the Natchez Mansions. . . perhaps we can explore more of The Trace then. . .
a lady at the Visitor Center highly recommended the lunch buffet at the Historic Eola Hotel. . .
and boy was she right on the money. . .delicious. . .the best cornbread dressing I have ever had. . .it had shrimp in it. . .delicious. . .
and all the southern eats to go along with it. . .including Sweet Tea. . .life is good!
Friday, Nov 1
on to the next destination. . .we’ve made it through Georgia, Alabama, and into Louisiana
in less than a week’s time. . .coming up today. . .TEXAS!
close enough to see some of the kinfolk. . .Uncle John and cousins
Karen, Lynn, and Justin with their grandaughter Cara. . .
Karen, Lynn, and Justin with their grandaughter Cara. . .
thanks for driving over from Shreveport for a visit. . .loved getting our hugs!
it surely was great that Justin had a basketball game scheduled in Longview,
Saturday, Nov 2
Our longtime friends, the Clarks, have built a new house in Longview. . .
so of course we needed to see that. . .I was so excited to see them
and to visit, that I forgot to take a single picture. . .just crazy. . .
Sunday, Nov 3
Sunday gave us the opportunity to see on of our “adopted” girls. . .
Tamara and a couple of other girls stayed with us during their
Bible College summer break way back in the day. . .goodness. . .
since we’ve seen her last, she’s become Mommy to four precious angels. . .
so wonderful to have lunch with her and Michael, and the rest of the family!
Monday, Nov 4
Monday and Tuesday brings us to Granbury
to see our precious Aunt Barbara. . .
she belongs to Dave really, but I claim her as my very own. . .
She came over to see our “castle” and have chicken tortilla soup. . .
what a wonderful afternoon. . .
We’ll see her again today before we head out in the morning for Austin. . .
Mr Jaden (our newest great nephew) was scheduled to put in an appearance
on Nov 4th. . .but he’s decided to take his time. . .so perhaps today, Nov 5th. . .
We were planning to see him at home. . .but if he keeps up this
lollygaggin’ around, we may visit him in the hospital on Thursday. . .
either way, it will be great to get our hands on him. . .
and to see his Mommy and Daddy of course. . .
and Grandpa, and Grandma, and the other Grandma. . .
and all Jaden’s aunts and uncles
. . .see. . .
family reunion. . .one way or the other.
See you in Austin. . .
Janice and Dave
more pics
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