Natchez

Today we left Pensacola on our way to Natchez, Mississippi for the antebellum home pilgramage. As we left, we realized that we are racing away from the gulf coast which is looking out for a tropical storm which might turn into a hurricane. We passed through Mobile, Biloxi, and Gulfport and the weather was just perfect. Okay, it was a little humid. While we are now still just a couple hours away from the gulf coast, we have been told by locals that this area has not really had significant adverse affects from hurricanes. We were attracted to Natchez as we were told that they have tours of private, antebellum homes and thought that it would be very interesting. We toured two houses and it was fascinating. This wasn't like going through the Hearst Castle, but more like going through a person's house and seeing all of their family's history for the last 150 years laid out in front of you. The tour was conducted by the owner of the home and one of the owner's asked us to send regards to the other since they are cousins. After the tours, we had dinner at a local restaurant called Pig Out and guess what we had? Yes, that is right, more ribs. It was very good. I could get very used to southern barbeque. We then drove around the city, which took about 15 minutes. I have attached a picture of the view of the bridge over the Mississippi River to Louisiana at sunset. It is beautiful.

Tomorrow we are heading north and west through Louisiana and Texas. That should take us further away from the potential hurricane. Today we had our first significant travel on a non-interstate roadway. While it was fine, with a little lower speed limit, it helped me recognize how wonderful our interstate roadway system is. It is incredible how many different interstates there are in the country. We have had so many choices of roads to go west as an example. We have already used I-10, I-20 and I40. It is funny that when we drove to Arizona in 1963 it seemed like there were very few alternatives and now it seems like there are a bunch. In this time of government shutdown, I for one am thankful for the interstate freeway system started during the Eisenhower administration. We are still looking for things to do between Dallas and Mesa. I had been considering Carlsbad Caverns, but it is shut down as it is a part of the National Park System. If anyone has a suggestion, please email us. Gary and Felice