As we move south on the Natchez Trace we stop to see the sites and learn of the local history. Our latest venture took us through an area known as the Sunken Trace where frequent use took its toll on both the path and travelers alike. During muddy periods the pathway would bog down wagons and create snake infested mud pools, moving the travelers off the path to make a new, safer way through. In this area you can see three - four separate paths. In many areas of the Trace the paths are so deep you can stand in the bottom and not see over the rim of the pathway. Jack and Cassie informed us that the Bison also used the Trace during migration to new feeding grounds. The action of the heavy, wet and muddy Bison contributed to the depth of the Trace as they carried away the soil in their fur.
We also stopped at Bear Creek Mound, a site that once had a structure built on top for ceremonial purposes. The site (also once a village) is thought to have been occupied as early as 8000 BC.
Now in Mississippi, we found our current US Army Corps of Engineers campground after crossing the Tennessee/Tombigbee River on Bay Springs Lake. The sites have beautiful views of the waterway and we have enjoyed a rainy day watching barges move up and down the river. Before camping, we stopped just the other side of the Jamie L Whitten bridge for lunch at Colbert Ferry, operated by George Colbert (a Chickasaw) in the early 1800's. Colbert looked after his own well being and once charged Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his Tennessee Army across the river. As we ate our lunch, a river boat paddled downstream under the bridge.
Today is too soggy for a cat walk, so Blue has enjoyed several naps and the activity of the squirrels just outside the rig. This never gets old.
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