We Are In Coker, Alabama

Coker, Alabama

Weather: low 41 degrees in Vicksburg, high 73 degrees in Coker, clear skies, light breezes

After a good night's sleep in Vicksburg, we awoke early and decided to get on the road as soon as we had everything ready. As a result, we hit the road by 0745 hours, which is a couple of hours sooner than normal for us. The road was rough for the first 30 miles east of Vicksburg, but finally smoothed out for the rest of the trip. Just west of Jackson, Mississippi, we noticed that an entrance to the Natchez Trace Parkway was coming up. After a quick discussion on whether we wanted to change our course, we decided to take the Parkway north to just weat of Starkville, where we could get onto US 82 for the rest of our trip to Coker, Alabama, which is where Terri lives.

Taking the Parkway was a good decision, because even though we could only drive 50 mph, the drive was through a park-like setting on both sides of the road. Peppered along the way were wayside areas where drivers can pull over and view historical plaques and sights important to the history of the area and Trace. We saw several instances of the Trace, with some of the ruts being up to six feet deep. Even in the areas where the ruts were not that deep, there were not any trees growing in the Trace. It must have been extremely difficult to travel in those days, even with the Trace showing the way. The route was developed over time as the most direct route from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi, and was used for many years.

Along the way, we saw several examples of the wildlife, including turkeys, deer, bluebirds, squirrels, and much evidence of wiild hogs rooting in the ditches and fields. Trees included oaks, pines, maples, hickory, flowering pears, plum, red bud, dogwood, and others. Traffic was very light, and we were able to mosey along, enjoying the beauty and quiet of the Trace. Someday, we would like to travel the rest of the route. We think the fall time would best.

After setting up the RV at the RV park, we went to Terri's. She asked us to go with her to Tuscaloosa because she had the duty for her job and had to go in to take care of a problem. After the problem was resolved, we went to Ruby Tuesday for dinner, which was great. Then it was back to Terri's where we visited a little while and I wrote today's entry for the blog. The signal at the RV park is too weak to use the air card. Now, it's time to go home and rest.

More later, be safe.

Today's Town - Masthiston, Mississippi: Welcome Home

Not all who wander are lost.