Vicksburg, Mississippi

We high-tailed-it out of Indiana on Sunday before a wet winter storm rolled through with rain and snow. Back to Memphis to move back into the RV.

Crossing back over the Mississippi River. Uneventful, even pleasant drive back--except for missing the kiddos all the way!!  Closer we got the darker the sky got and actually did drive in rain the last 60 miles or so but no storms. Is cold, however, night time temps hovering around freezing.

So up this morning and off--South--hoping for warmer temps. 

Vicksburg, Mississippi for two nights. Interesting river town with a more interesting historic district full of old victorian homes that speak of a rich heritage. Just had time for a short drive through this evening but looking forward to discovering more of it's history.

Found a large display of murals that tells story of Vicksburg and the Mississippi River history.

This one depicting Vicksburg before there was a bridge across the river and trains were ferried across the river to hook up with tracks on the other side. I don't even understand how that is possible but according to signage they did it for 30 years until a trail bridge was finally constructed in 1930.

Oh, and sky was clear here. Still colder than we would prefer.

Nice gesture at this campground!

Thanksgiving in Bloomington

Our destination for this trip all along had been spending Thanksgiving with Steph and Reynard. We made arrangements with this RV Park to store our RV here and drive the car up north to Indiana. Just a little nervous about chance of bad weather and freezing temps-not good on motor home, best to leave it here.

  We planned to leave first thing in the morning but a rain storm came through in the middle of the night and rudely woke us up so just got up very early and drove to Bloomington.

  Steph made a delicious meal featuring Roast Duck. For a woman who never liked to be near the kitchen as a teenager, she can sure teach her Mom a thing or two now!!

Wonderful Thanksgiving.

The weather was a little crisp but still ate dinner outside on the patio.

Lovely, quiet day with just the four of us, visiting and being Thankful.  We truly have lots to be thankful for inspite of this crazy world right now.

The weekend project was hanging a stained glass window on her wall. Will made it for Steph for the front door of her house in Bloomington so when she moved out she didn't want to leave that behind. Someday it will go in the front door of their dream home but for now it has a home on her kitchen wall.

Out for a long walk, past a farm on the outskirts of Bloomington complete with goats and chickens and a duck.  

Memphis

Probably my favorite RV park so far. Turns out it is right on a levee on the Mississippi River in West Memphis, Arkansas. Across the river from Memphis, Tennessee.  Wide open spaces to just sit and watch river traffic go by. 

A string of barges being pushed up river--15 barges tied together.

Adjacent to the Interstate 55 hiway bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Mississippi. A mile across and great views. Couldn't help but remember that earlier this year we walked across the Mississippi in a few steps at it's headwaters in Minnesota.

State line goes down the middle of river.

Across town in a park/cemetery in Memphis we found this "Crystal Shrine." The artist who built the Grotto died in 1955 after he spent the better part of his adult life building it out of concrete to look like wood, and sculptures. Including a cave he dug and then filled with biblical scenes and homemade crystals that reflect the colored lights for a sensory experience for the viewer. 

Onalaska and then Hot Springs

Next stop, Onalaska Texas on the shores of Lake Livingston. A very large lake with an impressive bridge across a narrow part.

View from our site up on a hill at sunset. Look closely to see that bridge.

Streaming our Sunday morning church from St Andrews as we are driving. Actually, it worked pretty well but so much road noise and distraction that we turned it off and listened to the recording once we landed. Head phones would work but don't want to drive with them in.

Hot Springs, Arkansas. Two nights here. A National Park which includes historic hot spring resorts of all shapes and sizes, some restored, some turned into breweries or botique hotels, etc. And actual hot springs all over the main street. Lots of exploring.

Water is crystal clear and drinkable. Fountains around the area where you can bring a jug and fill up and bring some healing waters home.  Tons of hiking in the hills above the town. A fun trudge threw new falling leaves.

Need to come back when spas and pools are open after this virus is gone so we can actually have a good soak.  One of my favorite things to do and have to pass it up this time. It's a pretty setting in the fall and can only imagine how lovely the trails would be in spring.

Lynden Johnson country

Went back to see Lynden Johnson's Ranch. A few exhibits open but mostly driving around the ranch and walking the grounds. He and Ladybird are buried here along with a slew of Johnson ancestors.

The biggest Live Oak tree!!

Ladybird has a city park dedicated to her and her conservation work. Nice trails along the Pedernal River. Good birding here.

Really clever "bird blind" that was fun to just hide and watch.

A Black Crested Titmouse. New bird for me, only find it in small area of West Texas.

We just had to drive out to Luckenback, Texas. . .singing the song all the way--or trying to remember the words, actually. Waylon Jennings was one who sang it.  It is nothing more than a bar and dance hall out in this "town" that boasts a population of 3! Bar was open and people enjoying live country music but we did not stay.

Enchanted Rock and LBJ Historic Site

We went to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to hike around a very seemingly popular area. The central attraction is a huge pink granite dome that begs to be climbed to the summit for bragging rights. I had no desire to do that but there are plenty of other trails. We chose the Loop trail that went along great until we decided to take a bit of a short cut back through a scenic canyon. That narrow canyon turned out to be a rock girls--actually a boulder field, and it was a hard scramble to the end. Got more of a workout than we planned.

That's the Dome.

Johnson City is just down the road. Surprisingly, it was open and spent afternoon walking the grounds. We are going back tomorrow to do LBJ's ranch.

Fredrickburg plaza is lit up at night now for the Holidays. Nice evening taking it all in.

Now this is an idea I am taking home. Silk flowers on the Prickly Pear for forever blooms.