Dreaming the dream

I have been wanting to return on a visit to what I call the Southern tour. I always return to Shiloh, hopefully once again to experience the mist rising from the Tennessee. This time as I explore Vicksburg I want to also visit a site of an early Native American civilization in Louisiana. I want to take time to visit more of Grant’s Vicksburg campaign, especially Champion Hill. I want to glide down the entire length of the Natchez Trace Parkway. A stop at Fort Pillow and again back to Dover TN and Fort Donelson on the way home.

Poverty Point

World Heritage Site Poverty Point LA

Poverty Point name comes from a plantation established here in 1800’s. The site preserves earthworks built over 3000 years ago. This era would align with Egypt’s Old Kingdom or Middle Kingdom. Constructed over many generations the concentric semicircles form a marvel of engineering made with baskets and stone tools.

Place for a tent

Recreation.gov — I stay in my tent and sometimes motels. My journeys are often without my wife. First she has had a real job, second she would not stay in a tent, and she wouldn’t really enjoy the places I go. I try to stay economical as I can. I save for the more luxurious, at least real beds and real bathrooms, when we are together. Far too many campsites are all for RVs. A good shower house a little isolation, I do snore, is all that is required. If campgrounds had charging stations for phones and computers that would be all the electricity anyone would need. National parks are great and I get to use my senior pass for discounts.

Pass not accepted at state parks, but is at Corp of Engineer sites.

Champion Hill was an important battle in U.S. Grant’s campaign to capture Vicksburg MS. Preservation efforts have increased in recent years.