MISSISSIPPI

We began our time in Mississippi with Mechanic Man fixing a leak.  It was nothing major, thank God, but it delayed our travel time.  Since we were only an hour away from our destination, no tears were shed.  

Removing bumper to get to the engine-oil cooler

Tightening the oil fitting ... then the bumper is bolted back on RV

Next morning, we finished our trek to Vicksburg and spent the day exploring Civil War territory.   It was an educational day ... walking the soil, seeing the trenches, and realizing what the soldiers endured.  History was brought to life at this memorial.

After time in the Visitor Center, watching a movie and viewing displays, we drove the Tour Route.  It was estimated to take about 2 hours.   First we drove through the Union's side.  The end of the route was the Confederate's side.

 

One of our favorite spots:   THAYER'S APPROACH

During one assault, the Union soldiers dug a tunnel beneath the road to avoid being seen by the Confederates as they crossed the ridge.  (The tunnel was reinforced as part of the park.)

 

Picture taken from the road where the tunnel is located.  The top of the hill is the Confederate side.

Brown speck at bottom of hill is my youngest boy, who felt the need to run!

Me and College Girl at same spot by tunnel (with Mechanic Man climbing stairs behind us).

 

 

 Also located at this park is the salvaged USS Cairo.

The remains are held in place with newer wood ... in case you were wondering about this picture.   ;-)

USS Cairo's bell and many items were salvaged

Vicksburg National Cemetery

After learning so much about this Civil War campaign, I felt like I knew these guys!  :)

 When there was nothing left to visit, we headed back home ("home is where the RV is parked") to plan the next leg of our journey.  It was our last day east of the Mississippi!


Interesting observations about Mississippi:

1.   Road kill has been nothing but armadillos.
2.  The "pollen" floating around the air in this state are the seeds from the cottonwood trees.  They collect on the ground in corners and look like snow!