Tupelo, MS was fun in the morning! It may not be the same laid back Southern town tonight after the tornado hit it! We took shelter in the basement of the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center as a tornado was bearing down on us. The last people in reported the “arriving train” sound and we filed into the shelter where we promptly lost electricity (used cell phones flashlight app). Helpful, calm and friendly Park Rangers and some nervous tourists in a small room for about an hour. Heading back to the campground took a long time since many roads were impassable. Saw heavily damaged homes, exploded trees, scattered debris…but everything was fine at the campground.

We are in Mississippi (did I put enough ssss and pppp?).
Safe and sound. Saw Elvis birthplace in Tupelo this morning. Huntsville, AL Rocket and Space Center yesterday: very interesting.
Some adventures along the way to spice things up. Note to self: do not try to empty sewage tank with sewer hose disconnected…

A little Honky Tonk at Leyla’s on Broadway and good food at Southern on 3rd.

Hungry Mother to Chester Frost Regional Park. We are camped on the lake formed by the dammed Tennessee River. Went to Lookout Mountain for incredible views of Chattanooga and a visit of the Civil War sites and a drive through the neighborhood of mansions bordering the cliff. Impressive!

The big adventure started at 9:15 this morning. Smooth drive to far Southern VA. At Hungry Mother State Park. The name comes from a little child in the 1700’s whose father was killed by Indians and mother died of starvation after escaping with the child. Upon rescue, all the child could say was “hungry…mother”. The name stuck.
This is also on Rte 16, a famous motorcycle route called “the tail of the dragon”. On weekends, this route is popular with bikes.

Winter is over for good. It was a long one. Happily, we spent a wonderful week in Sanibel with Alicia and Josie. Now we are looking forward to a new adventure…more in a few days…
In the meantime, some long overdue photos.