David Crockett to Nashville - Natchez Trace Day 5

We made it! All the way from milepost 0 in Natchez to milepost 444 in Nashville (actually there are no mileposts for 0 and 444). We got our normal 9:30 AM or so start and wandered the remaining 70 or so miles up the Trace stopping along the way to see a few sights and take a few pictures. Today's highlights were probably Grinder's Stand where Merriweather Lewis met his death and is buried and the Double Arch Bridge over Highway 94 right before the end (or beginning) of the Trace.

We also took the time to hike the "Gentle" 1/4 mile trail to the overlook mentioned in this sign.

Well let me tell you ... those folks lie big time. That trail was neither "gentle" nor "1/4 mile." It was another one of those "straight up" walks in the woods that was at least a 1/2 mile!! Nonetheless - the views were pretty breathtaking.

For all you naturalists out there ... what tree/bush produces this beautiful bloom?

After completing the Trace we drove a few miles west to find some gasoline for Winne and then a few miles more to Montgomery Bell State Park where we found us a spot to stay for a few days ... and lo and behold ... Gene and Judy Curp just happen to be parked just a few sites away ... how about that!


After getting set up we visited with Gene and Judy for awhile catching up on our respective exploits since we last met in Florida a few months ago. After a short break back in our rig we returned to the Curp residence for a yummy meal of Whitt's BBQ Turkey, Baked Beans, and Pasta Salad, completed with a glass of ice tea

Of course I like a little Sweet and Low with my ice tea ... so Gene found a package. And then claimed that he and Judy are the original "Sweet" and "Low." I'll leave it up to ya'll to figure out which is which.

Today we are moving kinda slow, taking advantage of our non-traveling day. We do need to accomplish a few errands later -- like a trip to the grocery and to a laundry facility. In between and around all that we hope to visit some more with the Curps before we both leave tomorrow heading east, they to Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and we towards Bristol, TN to continue our Trek back home.


Looks like a fun day.