Friday, February 14, 2014

Trace the Path

April 25-28, 2011 saw one of the largest, and deadliest tornado outbreaks ever recorded. In all, 358 tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service in 21 states.

Photo courtesy of Wunderground

I was in awe of the damage that is still visible, almost three years after the date, as we drove along the Natchez Trace, an historic road that runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, TN.

Natchez Trace
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

The National Park Service has left the damaged trees along the 20 mile path of destruction as they provide food and shelter for countless animals. 



The history of the Natchez Trace goes back 10,000 years ago, when ancient peoples followed the traces (hence the name) of migrating bison and other animals, creating a path that was also used for foot travel between villages. The trace avoided many hills and valleys making it less taxing to travel. Later the route was used by farmers, traders and boat men. Driving along the trace takes one back to simpler times with no bill boards and a maximum speed limit of 50 mph. There are a number of pullouts with informational signs for points of interest and access to the original path where it deviates from the road, as well as a museum and craft center. But I wouldn't know much more than that because someone, whose name I won't mention, wouldn't stop along the way! To be honest and fair to him, the pullouts were a bit small for our coach and car and we really did want to get where we were going! 

Things I might have seen had we stopped:

The sunken trail created by countless feet
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia


Graves of Confederate soldiers along the trace
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service


Ancient Indian burial mounds
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service








9 comments:

  1. This is the kind of half-way out of civilization travel that I really love. You have inspired me to hit the roads around here a bit more often.

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    1. It would be nice to be able to stop and smell the roses. We shouldn't be in such a hurry, but such is life! I hope you do get to go on some of those lovely roads around you!

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  2. Neat! I'd love to make that drive sometime.

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    Replies
    1. Gee, maybe we can swap places for a few days! I'd love to come visit the sheeps!

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  3. Too bad you couldn't stop. It looks like it would be an interesting drive:)

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    Replies
    1. I think Mr. Dreamy would have liked the places too, but he was so intent on getting where we were going.

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  4. You're letting my husband drive? Point A to Point B, just get there is Hubby's travel plan.

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    1. That is kinda how things go... Hubby has gotten a bit better about asking if I need to stop at a rest area, and he doesn't roll his eyes (as much) if I ask him to stop at one, but generally it is go-go-go!

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  5. Hi Dreaming! I've been catching up on all your adventures ~ maybe I should say misadventures. I'm glad that you are enjoying your new coach despite all the glitches! Heated floors are awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed your GOO photos and info. I'm not a very knowledgeable country music fan, but I've been learning more by watching the CMA and Grammys. So your Mr. Dreamy doesn't like to stop at pullouts? ~ funny, my E-P doesn't either. Of course I'd have him stop at every one, so maybe I understand his hesitation. I thoroughly enjoyed the Puppy Love commercial. At first it wouldn't come up on your post, but I went back later and watched it several times. Love the Passenger soundtrack too. I've played that song 100 times this week. Happy, safe travels to you!

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