GO......

We are on the GO.... If you are an American History buff, or are into Civil War history or follow American Indian lore, or just enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, you must make a trip on the Natches Trace. The Trace is an early interstate highway prior to automobiles. The earlier settlers used to take their goods down the waterways from the north to the southern ports then hike back up the trace. The preserved road/path runs through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee for over 400 miles. The original was over 500 miles long and has a curious story to tell that includes robbers, Indians, mud holes, Meriweather Lewis (Head of the Lewis and Clark expedition) and many more. Here is a snapshot through the front window while driving on the Trace.

In some areas you can walk the actual path that was the Trace. We did that in several locations. Of course, John followed Sydney's example and left his mark.

The story of the Trace is told along the way at stations or should I say stands. Thats what the inns along the trail were called by the pioneers. These stands offered meals and a bed for weary travelers. Only one stand remains.... at French Camp in Mississippi.

We stayed at several campgrounds along the way. There are 3 free camping areas as well as state parks, a Corp of Engineer park and even a Thousand Trail park. We stayed at 1 free one, the Corp park and the TT. The corp park called Piney Grove had the best sites we've ever had... really large and all situated with a lake view. While wandering around I kept seeing these white buckets hanging in the trees or on hooks.

 At first I thought maybe it had to do with fishing since every third site had a boat..... but eventually I had to ask someone and learned that they were lights. The campers in this area attach a light to the inside of the bucket lid. They say it gives a nice light and doesn't attract the bugs. I'm having John make me one..... they work great!

I think we also found the friendliest campground. We stopped for a few days at the TT in Tennessee - Natches Trace. We pulled in and were setting up when Roger and Betty, our neighbors brought us dinner (cornbread salad and hot wings). There is a high number of annual campers at this facility and everyone is one big happy family. Very friendly place. Then John discovered this homemade still....

I suspect this may be the source of the "happy" attitude!!

We are still on the GO.... back to Pa. We should be there in a few days. Time to see Lucas, check the house, touch base with family and friends and so much more.

SET.......

We spent 3 days in San Antonio at Iron Horse RV. These guys were great to work with. They are not a dealership....  all they do is work on RVs. We had an oil and filter change, new air filter, belts replaced, grease job as well as have our slide problem fixed. It appears that we had a hydraulic celinoide go bad. We had to wait 3 days for the extended warranty company to approve the repair. We stayed right in the lot with full hookup while we waited.
The following morning we headed north on I 35 towards Dallas. In past years, we traveled east on Route 10, last year was route Route 80 (because we were in Yellowstone), so this year we decided to do Route 20 and hit the Natches Trace Parkway. More about that when we get there.
We stopped for a few days, at a Thousand Trails preserve that we haven't visited yet. It's called Lake Tawakoni and it is about 55 miles east of Dallas. Just like Medina Lake outside San Antonio, it is a man-made recreational area. Unlike Lake Medina it has water in it. And....Water Lilies..... thousands of water lilies.....just beautiful. Sydney and I walked the nature trails and then Syd went swimming in the lake. He hasn't had an opportunity to swim for months so he has been going every day.... and loving it.

It is a large and beautiful area and as we have found with most TT parks it has been neglected recently. There are boat slips, 2 pools, 2 recreation buildings (one designated "family" and one designated "adult only") and all the usual recreational games. Golf carts are almost a necessity here because the place is so large. We ran across this one that John immediately coveted....

They do like their Jeeps in Texas.... even golf cart size.

One of the reasons we stayed here for a few days is because 20 some miles from here is the largest Flea Market in Texas and supposedly the world. It encompasses over 200 acres on a daily basis. But in May and October it is even bigger. We spent most of Saturday walking around it in 95 degree heat. I was exhausted by the end of the day. And, yes Ray, there were plenty of idiots who brought their dogs to walk around in that heat among all those people.

 We carry 3 propane tanks in the RV, so John bought a charcoal grill. So after John goes to the store to buy a bag of charcoal, we are going to grill steaks for dinner tonight. Tomorrow morning we are set to head out for Mississippi and the Natches Trace.

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