bstage

Drove at height of COVID just before Christmas 2020 from NJ to pick up new travel trailer (Outdoors RV) outside of Dallas. Built in Oregon, the RV was not available East of Mississippi R. On the four day pedal to the metal 1550 mile drive we stayed self contained in old 5th wheel that served us well over the years then traded it in. We came down on West side of Application Mts. (Shenandoah Valley) and returned on East side of range. All the way, I was struck by all the Civil War history.
Not ever crossing the Mississippi R., I wanted to put my feet into the Mighty Mississippi. We could not have picked a better location. We where the only ones there and had the run of the place. Two major naval battles took part there where the Confederate fort at Grand Gulf defended Vicksburg repelling seven iron clad Union ships coming up the Mississippi. You can feel the history and still hear the canons. We camped right next to a Confederate battery. A short walk, I got to put my feet in the Mississippi. Looking up and down the river, you saw no civilization but working tugs navigating the swift current. You can hear their powerful engines straining going up river. I could not believe how cold the water is, the strength of the current and the signs on a pole signifying past floods which climbed to 35’ above where I was standing.
The area is steeped in history. I found it ironic that the once thriving river community was not only ravished by War but soon after Yellow Fever as we combat COVID.