We knew it was a long drive today so we started early.
Gassed up and off we went, headed for the Natchez Trace. Virtually at the entrance to the Trace we had a breakdown. Karen Thompson and Sue Dummermuth's car lost power. Reg was ahead, turned around and came back to offer assistance. The Texas gang was following along with us too. 
Seems the trouble was a stuck float in the fueling system. Reg diagnosed the problem, rendered some old fashioned ingenuity and repaired it. Reg is a handy guy to have on these trips. 3-cheers.
The Natchez Trace is a beautiful two lane road with no commercial traffic (no trucks), a strictly enforced 50 mph speed limit and limited resources. It is thought giant sloth and bison beat the path more than 10,000 years ago. There is evidence mound builders traveled the route 2000 years ago. The heaviest use though, comes from 1785 to 1825 when "boatmen" returned north from Markets in Natchez and New Orleans. These boatmen brought their wares down the mighty Mississippi with the help of its strong currents, sold their goods and their boats and walked home to Tennessee.
Along the way this morning the Buckley's encountered some cows along the route... the cows seemed to enjoy their unique little Morgan Roadster.
The Natchez Trace route follows the original trace closely, but is somewhat different in places.
These pictures, taken by Judy and Pat Buckley tell some of the tale...
Seems the trouble was a stuck float in the fueling system. Reg diagnosed the problem, rendered some old fashioned ingenuity and repaired it. Reg is a handy guy to have on these trips. 3-cheers.
The Natchez Trace is a beautiful two lane road with no commercial traffic (no trucks), a strictly enforced 50 mph speed limit and limited resources. It is thought giant sloth and bison beat the path more than 10,000 years ago. There is evidence mound builders traveled the route 2000 years ago. The heaviest use though, comes from 1785 to 1825 when "boatmen" returned north from Markets in Natchez and New Orleans. These boatmen brought their wares down the mighty Mississippi with the help of its strong currents, sold their goods and their boats and walked home to Tennessee.
Along the way this morning the Buckley's encountered some cows along the route... the cows seemed to enjoy their unique little Morgan Roadster.
The Natchez Trace route follows the original trace closely, but is somewhat different in places.
These pictures, taken by Judy and Pat Buckley tell some of the tale...
It was a long, hot day. The Marriott had a managers party for its guests.... and the pub crawlers took advantage of their hospitality.
Tomorrow, more Trace and Murfreesboro.
Tomorrow, more Trace and Murfreesboro.
