Day Four

Sorry there are no pix, but after our adventures today we were too tired to do anything but park. This was our longest day-160 miles. Ridiculous way to see the Trace, but the nearest campground was too close (40 mi) and the next one was at Jackson, so away we went. There are less historic spots along this stretch, but a couple of sites require some time to explore. One of these is Jeff Busby. This site is primarily a picnic/camping area, but it also boasts one of the highest points in MS along the Trace. At 603 feet it afforded a very nice view. The road to it was like all the pull-off roads--narrow and twisty, but manageable and the view was worth the drive. The next must-see site was French Camp. This is a living history settlement with historic buildings moved from nearby sites and sometimes costumed interpreters. We pulled in front of the parking area and stopped to contemplate. Too small for a turn-around, even without the cars. Hmmm. Then some guy in a car says that there is a drive around the outside and we should be able to make it. Throwing caution to the wind we pull in and start around the drive. It turned out the parking lot guy didn't pull a long trailer. Go figure. The drive was just wide enough for our wheels and very curvy. All went well until we got out of the curves. Then we found a very low hanging branch. I stood outside while Duane put the left hand wheels in the grass and inched under it with 3 inches to spare, then went in front and guided him safely away from a parked car with 4 inches lea way. Good deal. On to the road and freedom--almost. Just before the road is a small gravel pile, then a 3 foot culvert. Across the road is a similar culvert with a driveway across it. After three failed attempts at missing the culvert with the trailer wheels, Duane drove over half the gravel pile, put the outer wheel halfway over the ditch, and got us out of there ! Back at the parking lot we finally got wise, parked on the street, and toured the grounds on foot. After lunch we got on more narrow roads because of repaving, then turned into Myric Creek site. Too late we saw the sign that said it wasn't a turnaround. Forward we went, found a field to turn around in, got back on the drive, back on the road and kept on going. Phew! A couple more stops and we were glad to exit the Trace and head to our campground in Clinton, just outside Jackson. We had enough energy to set up, drive the truck up to the corner to gas up, and then called it quits.

Basta!

Louise and Duane