Ramblin' by the River

We've had a great beginning to our 2nd year as 'full-timers.' We learned while watching a local news station out of Shreveport that the tri-state area in northeastern Louisiana is referred to as "The ArkLaTex." We tasted fried pickled green tomatoes for the first time and liked 'em. We found that the correct way to pronounce Natchitoches is "Nagatish." (This is a town in Louisiana that was established in 1714...and is located due east of Nacogdoches, Texas...which is pronounced, I believe, just the way you would suppose - except the 'g' is silent!)

After following a suggestion of Denny's son, Denny, we decided to stop for a few days in Natchez, Mississippi. It was a terrific idea, Den - thanks for the tip! Our campground is wonderful; it sits right on the bank of the Mississippi River in Vidalia, Louisiana, across from Natchez. We thoroughly enjoy watching the barges moving along the river. Actually, just watching the river is pretty impressive in itself. We like to get out and walk on the paved walkway along the bank of the river. Between all the activity on the water itself and the goings-on of the campers (volleyball, swimming/hot tubbing, picnicking, etc.), I can't think of a better place to take in the sights.

This morning we were enveloped in a thick fog. As it began to clear, the fog hung close to the surface of the water. This was the view of the water traffic...

Yes, that is a barge nestled into that fog! Later on, after the fog had long cleared and we'd returned to the campground from our explorations, I snapped this shot near the same spot on the river...

The Mighty Mississipi is a busy place, no matter the weather! We spent Saturday on a city tour called the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage. People from all over the world come to experience the month-long festivities, and they've been doing so since 1932. We enjoyed listening to our bus driver, James, fill us in on some of the history of Natchez, as he delivered us to several antebellum homes. The homes (mansions!) were glorious and the tour guides, decked out in period dress, entertained us with stories of the families that lived here...fascinating!

Longwood was one such home. Unfortunately, it was never completed. The 6-story, 30,000 square foot octagonal-shaped home to the Nutt family was begun in 1860. The basement was the only level that had been completed by the time the Civil War began. The builders and their workforce had come down from the northeast; when they heard news of the war, they literally dropped their tools and went home. Mr. Nutt died 4 years later of a stroke (at age 48). Julia, his widow, raised their 8 children and remained in the home until her death in 1897. Now, it is true that they lived in the basement, but it was 10,000 square feet of absolute opulence! My camera could not capture the beauty of this home; you'll have to check it out for yourself. =]

The grounds at Longwood are spectacular as well, as was the case all over town. The azaleas are beginning to show themselves, as well as tulips and wisteria. I loved the combinations of flowers with the live oaks covered in hanging moss.

We've only just scratched the surface of this area, but our time here is running out. We'll attend Easter service on Sunday at the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church in Natchez. The following day we'll be off to New Orleans. Someone mentioned that we could see Twelve Oaks (Ashley Wilkes' home in "Gone With the Wind") during that portion of our trip. We'll look into it and let you know!