When Em and Merry flee a certain mode of transportation in the rain, they find themselves on the shores of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. 33,000 acres of water. A full eight miles of Natchez Trace along its banks.
I was lucky enough to walk its length in daylight. No rain. Majestic herons flew along its shoreline, while geese lounged on one bank. I asked several folks if they had any luck with fishing, and I marveled at power boats that disappeared on the horizon.
While Em and Merry skirt the lake in record time, it took me several hours to walk its length. I listened to their voices splash with the waves. And I breathed deep. I even paused to survey all that glorious water.
I wasn’t running from anyone. Maybe that’s why walking The Rez was one of my most peaceful days on the Natchez Trace.
Click here to see the best photos from Day 11 of my Natchez Trace trek:Â Andra Watkins Tumblr
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Now, a very tardy answer to an early Reader Question.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rU6-i0vnsU&w=560&h=315]
41 Comments
What a gorgeous photo to remind you of a peaceful day. Very cool.
It’s great to get a few decent shots every day.
Nothing like sunshine dancing on water (unless it’s that lovely sepia-toned bend in the road). Glad that, unlike Merry an Em, you were not in fleeing mode and could enjoy all of that beautiful expanse. Mile marker 148 – a most impressive feat you’re pulling off, m’dear. 🙂
Tell my feet. They’re still screaming at me. Worst blister so far today. I thought I’d prepped well.
Peaceful walks complete with herons and geese are wonderful. I used to live a short walk from the Welland Canal, and there was a lovely creek that led to a pond, and I used to go walk there in the mornings to try to catch a glimpse of the Great Blue Herons that nested there.
I saw a solitary heron in a swamp today. They’re supposed to be lucky.
I have me REZervations. Ha! Get it. Man I amuse myself. 😉
Glad the weather is better for you.
If you call 30 mile per hour wind gusts out of the north better………
Great photos, Andra! And as usual, a great question from a reader.
I’m having a lot of fun answering the questions. It’s good for me. I can’t stand to do videos, so it’s making me do something I don’t enjoy and get better at it (I hope.)
I love the little videos! And that adorable accent! Yes, to Ohioans it is an accent. 😉
To some people in Charleston, it’s an accent.
😀 !!!
Mmm…almonds. Best heartburn cure on the planet. I’m guessing a lot of stories come and go through your head each day as you walk along the Trace.
I wish I could come up with stories, Jim. I’m too busy making sure I don’t get hit by a big truck.
I love walking along the water. I’m glad you’ve had such lovely weather. Hoping you have a way to carry soup on the rainy days that surly must come somewhere in this month of walking.
No way to carry soup. Alice brought me hot tea last week when it was freezing.
Looks so peaceful and warm there, Andra; the antidote to our six more inches of snow. Oh, I know I’m whining, when you are out there beating your feet up and eating bananas and almonds.
Keep on trekking, dear soul.
Six more? I bet my mother-in-law is glad she’s here this week.
Reservoir Overlook is one of our Top 30 Favorite Sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway. http://www.natcheztracetravel.com/types-of-trace-stops/natchez-trace-favorites.html
Dad and I sat there after I finished my most difficult day to date. Getting through Jackson was exhausting with the traffic.
I can feel the peace. Glad you keep keeping on Andra. Every single morning I look forward (always have) to reading your blog, and now…now I get to see you and hear your voice also. 🙂 Win/Win.
Comments like this one keep me going, Lori. I’ve wanted to quit several times now. 🙂 Thank you. xo
Hey Andra, do you pick up the trash that you see along the way? I’m sure you’d have a HUGE garbage full at the end of your fifteen mile trek…just curious.
I’m going to answer this question here, because you asked me another question via twitter this morning.
I’d still be in Natchez if I picked up trash. It’s everywhere. I only photograph it if it is touching the road. You’re not even seeing the trash that is down the embankments and further off the roadway. Makes me sad. I eat my lunch every day while I walk, and I pack out my trash and throw it in a trash can. Why can’t everyone do that?
Lovely stretch of water there! But no crocodiles, right? Have another peaceful lovely day!
Alligators, most likely. I don’t think there are any crocs.
No fried chicken in your bag? No wonder you are starving! 🙂 Love the pics and the updates. You got this.
I ate some fried chicken last night, though it wasn’t the heavenly version I had last week.
Reblogged this on The Quotidian Hudson and commented:
The continuing adventures of The Accidental Cootchie Mama
Thanks for the reblog, Robert.
This post made me want to pee. But then again, I was listening to this song and already had about two pints of water, so that probably didn’t help maters much:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anjT71N4PGM
Ha. I wondered why I had the urge to go so many times that day.
What a lovely day for you! I imagine today’s walk was a little bit easier than yesterday’s.
Today’s was windy, but the clouds parted for me early.
We’re keeping an eye on you, Andra! What an adventure:)
Andra,
Checking your position on Google maps, I’m a couple of days ahead of you in your book, which I am throughly enjoying. I love how you have structured the chapters and the different perspectives of each of the characters. The story has really drawn me in and has helped me to escape all the crud I’m dealing with in real life. Now I will be waiting for your next book!
Patrick
Sounds like a really idyllic place.
Fantastic pictures Andra. And mile 148!! You are smokin’ it, speed demon!
Hey, your lunch looks like my lunch!
🙂
it sounds like it was a very nice day by the water. and happy you didn’t have to run. sorry my responses are all over the place and out of the water, i’ve been trying to catch up since i’ve been back. walk safe.
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