Natchez parkway and beyond

I visited the Acadian/Creole cultural center in Vermillionville outside of Lafayette, LA.  This is a reconstructed village with old buildings moved to the site demonstrating Acadian and Creole life.  Volunteers demonstrated crafts and music. It was interesting! 

There was a group having a Cajon music jam session that was fun.  All ages were playing.

After that I headed for the Palmetto Island state Park near the Gulf but when I was almost there I was blocked by a bridge being out!  I tuned around and headed for another state Park, but that didn't have camping!  It was getting very windy so I headed back to Baton Rouge. I stayed the night in a Walmart parking lot because I wanted to check it out.  It felt safe enough, but a car alarm went off incessantly at 4:15am!  I doubt I'll do that again.

The next day I headed for the Natchez Parkway. This is a beautiful road along the path used first by Indians and in the late 1700s and early 1800s by people walking home after taking their boats laden with goods to Natchez or New Orleans.  It is one of the prettiest roads I've ever driven!  It goes through parts of Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee.

There were lots of magnolias in bloom.  And the cicadas were so noisy it was like an orchestra turning up.  These insects come out every 7 or 13 years, depending on the type, living most of their life underground. 

The old trace was walkable in many places. There were lots of historical spots to stop and see.

There are Civil War battlefields along the way.

I camped for the night at Lake Davis along the Trace.  It was a beautiful spot on the water.  But there was a thunderstorm and heavy rain and I was glad to be in a rv!

The next day I drove more on the Natchez Parkway, for a total of about 300 miles over the two days.  It was a relaxing drive at slower speeds, beautiful views, and limited access. 

Then I headed to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and a great visit with my cousin Nancie and her husband Bob.  I had a great time catching up and admiring their beautiful home.  Nancie showed me some of her beautiful quilts and I look forward to taking another class when I get home and learn more.  Nancie is a master quilter and was president of the state wide quilt guild.  Bob cooked a wonderful meal and induced me to 18 year old scotch!  Wow!

Since rain was forecast, I headed out a little earlier to the Great Smokey Mountain national park.