Jackson, MS

I've pretty much had the campground to myself the entire time I've been here ... nice.  Today a group came in and took over about 28 sites.  They are a group of Airstream trailers that meet once a year.  Some of them were pretty cool to see.

I also came back to find the two sites next to me occupied.  I was surprised when they packed up and left the next day.  In talking with the Park Ranger he said he's sometimes surprised when people come in and set up with what looks like they will be there for a month and then pack it all up again the next day.  For me, that's just too much work.  If  I'm only staying one night, I'm boondocking and maybe putting out the one slide next to my bed. 

First stop was my last stop at the local post office.  I made a trip into town yesterday for the final mail, only to find that the post office is closed on Thursday afternoon.  These small town post offices often don't keep full time hours so I try to check, but I missed them not coming back from lunch on Thursdays.

On my way to the Pocahontas Mounds I saw another, cleaner sign for the Cactus Plantation so turned to follow the signs.  I drove 15-20 miles and didn't see any other signs ... oh well.  But at the Mississippi Petrified Forest I learned that parts of this area was sandy at one time, so that explained how they were able to grow the cactus.

I also looked for the Giant Tepee Bbq Restaurant for a meal, but didn't find that either.  Big D's Teepee B.B.Q is housed inside of a giant tepee that seats 83 people. I thought it might be fun.

I did find this ....

Washington Monument Replica - off I-55 near Ridgeland

And this ...

Built in 1848, the Chapel of the Cross was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Visitors to the church can tour the inside and outside of the building, which was created by the English architect Frank Wills. It was closed when I arrived, so I missed the inside.

The cemetery was interesting.



I drove around the area of Jackson quite a bit (about 100 miles), on County roads, State road and back roads, just getting a sense of Mississippi off the beaten path.  The roads all seem to be in disrepair, but then if you've ever driven in LA or Texas .... It is a pretty state; green, swampy, lots of nats and other flying insects (apparently mosquitoes too because I am chewed), but with an old-time charm different from the other Southern states... almost like time has moved slower here without the "modern" progress of the years.

The Mississippi Petrified Forest, a collection of logs and rocks that were jammed into a river 36 million years ago...

Although the logs are frozen in time, the birds and sounds of nature are full of life and offer scenic, tranquil views.  The walk is about 6 blocks long, in a circle, but it was a pleasant outing.

The geological name of the red sands in the wall is "Forest Hill Formation".

Earth Science Museum

Instead of taking the Interstate back to Port Gibson, I opted to take the Natchez Trace one last time.  Although much slower, I find it peaceful and serene.

Sunday I drive I-20 to Louisiana.  Since I'll only be there a week, I don't "qualify" for a state stamp on my map.  Oh well ... I'll have to stay and see the state when I drive the I-10 trip from the Florida Panhandle.  I decided to postpone a longer stay this trip because of the travel to Seoul and London in June that wasn't previously in the schedule.