2001-10-26: Chill In The Air
We were about 70 miles south of Nashville at the Thousand Trails Natchez Trace campground when the weather turned cold on us. The first night it took us by surprise and the water in our hose froze - luckily we had plenty of water in the tank so we went about our business as usual. Some of our neighbors weren't so lucky! Despite the weather, Al donned his quilted jacket and went out to his trusty Coleman to cook us one of his mouthwatering camping breakfasts.
2001-10-26: Frosty Toady
That same morning "Toady" was covered in frost. The ground which is covered with fallen leaves was also white with frost. Hey it's supposed to be fall not winter!!
2001-10-27: Natchez Trace
Natchez Trace is the story of people on the move. It was the route used by the Natchez, Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians as they followed their traditional way of life. The French and Spanish probably used it as they ventured into a world new to them. People building a new nation (the pioneers) probably traveled this route too. The Trace goes from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville Tennessee (442 miles). The National Park Service has been constructing this modern parkway that closely follows the course of the original trace since 1930. The result of their work is an unhurried road with many historical turnouts. This section was a two mile stretch that followed the original trail exactly. We felt like pioneers driving "Toady" down the old trace.
2001-10-30: Opryland Hotel
The Opryland Hotel features three interior gardens under glass roofs. Here we are in the Cascades which is a lushly planted area with a waterfall and fountains. It's a most beautiful place to wander and enjoy.
2001-10-30: The Delta Area
The Delta is designed to give the illusion one is in New Orleans. It covers 4.5 acres and is highlighted by a river and lake system complete with flatboats. There was even this area of dancing waters which had a geyser that went at least 50-60 feet in the air.
2001-10-30: The Conservatory
This area of the hotel is a botanical garden with more than 10,000 tropical plants and lovely waterfalls.
2001-10-30: Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium, built in 1892, was originally a religious tabernacle. It then served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974.
2001-10-30: Grand Ole Opry
The modern Grand Ole Opry House.