The Great Smoky National Park and the battle of Vicksburg

Since fall was upon us, we were on a quest to see the phenomenon of the fall colors. We drove through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and we were not disappointed! Though the leaves had not turned completely, we were able to get a good sampling of all the different colors. At the park, we took a long hike next to a stream, saw beautiful views and climbed on a huge petrified rock formation. We thought the kids needed to hear some country music so we took them to a fun variety show called "Country Tonight". They played old and new country songs, and also did a nice tribute to gospel music. What can we say... we are a little bit country!!!

On our way to Texas we went through Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. We visited the Civil War battle field at Vicksburg, Mississippi. There were many great things to see. The few that we found particularly interesting were some great remaining earth works (large mounds of earth built for protection), several large cannons, and a network of tunnels to help move the Union soldiers closer to Confederate lines. The battle at Vicksburg was one of the longest in the Civil War, lasting 47 days. There were a few attempts by the Union to overtake the Southern Army, and unsuccessfully, but most of the time was spent in a "stand off". The Union soldiers had cut off the supply line to the Confederates, and wanted to "smoke the out". The battle ended in a surrender of the Confederates. They were so sick and hungry, they could not fight. The Union Army's plan worked well.....

The highlight of the visit was the ironclad gun boat - the USS Cairo. This boat was struck by underwater mines in 1862, sinking in less than twelve minutes, with no loss of life. Because of the silt and sludge in the Yazoo River, the boat and her contents were preserved for over 100 years. The Cairo was raised in 1964 and later restored. Some of the artifacts that were recovered looked almost brand new including leather shoes, a thermometer, tools, and a large bell that had an air bubble trapped in it when they raised it over 40 years ago!

We hope that everyone is doing well. God bless!!