The storm you see going on down here is not by us. We had thought we would go to Jackson MS, but made a hard left to come here, not even knowing about the weather. Bright outside, doesn't look like anything coming.
Day 35, Natchez Mississippi
That morning we cut across the top of the lake to go to Memphis that evening. We stopped at the visitor center in Mississippi and picked up information. Here I found out that Jackson was the Capital, knew that once I guess but forgot. Shirleen was reading the info on Natchez and said it sounded neat. I saw a sign that said Natchez to the left, a hard left was made and we went through more scenic sights to the city.
Day 35, Natchez Mississippi
That morning we cut across the top of the lake to go to Memphis that evening. We stopped at the visitor center in Mississippi and picked up information. Here I found out that Jackson was the Capital, knew that once I guess but forgot. Shirleen was reading the info on Natchez and said it sounded neat. I saw a sign that said Natchez to the left, a hard left was made and we went through more scenic sights to the city.
When we pulled in the clouds were heavy and dark but a bit north of us. We picked up info and went to eat.
The Magnolia Grill under the hill was suggested. We got down there and the river is right there. A half block down was a gambling river boat, with a tug against the side and sandbags along the road. We could tell tings were different than usual. The river was running fast and flooding across the river could be seen. There was a Comfort Suites sandbagged over there and I thought we could probably get a heavily discounted first floor room that was vetoed. We went in for lunch and ordered, Shirleen a Samburger with American cheese with deep fried sweet potatoes. She asked for grilled onions and he didn’t know what they were?? I another crawfish Etouffeé over rice, yummy.
We went to the Johnson free-slave house. He was a barber and became a respected citizen but not equal to the white respected citizens. He had a great business and earned the respect. His problem was over a border dispute and the other guy killed him at the early age of 42 he was buried in the town cemetery and was the first black buried there.
With the rain coming we thought lets find a place to stay. A local renovated hotel was suggested; never know what they are like. After driving around and through the driveway but not being able to figure out how to get in, even front door didn’t look right. In this small town they have one way streets like St. Paul and to get anywhere was at least six blocks away. I went to the desk of the Natchez Eola Hotel http://www.natchezeola.com/ and saw that there was a physician meeting was being held there, figured out of my price range. I was able to get weekday rates with a queen balcony room, small but adequate and lovely. We had to get a suitcase in because we needed warmer and more respectable clothing. This is where the clothes I left on the bed at home would have come in handy. We also decided to eat there, they had some neat little biscuits that I liked; Shirleen a six ounce filet great tasting and I three pieces of catfish, although I ordered a fried catfish Etouffeé suspect my accent got things mixed up, he was also a little slow, glad we got there before the crowd came.
We took our car to a town presentation ‘Historic Natchez Pageant’ it has been put on for many years about 16 times a year.
It depicts scenes of the Antebellum South of long ago, recreating the diversity and grandeur of historic Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. Young people played most of the parts, hoop skirts and handsome gentlemen. A four piece orchestra, with two violins and piano and something else?? played before and all during the event. 
Children from around four and up played parts. They a skit with 10 to 14 year old girls and boys do a ribbon dance around a May pole, braiding the strips down the pole, neat.
Children from around four and up played parts. They a skit with 10 to 14 year old girls and boys do a ribbon dance around a May pole, braiding the strips down the pole, neat. 
A ballerina made us think of Abby.
Poor picture but the best part was when one of the town blacks 
came out and sang ‘Old Man River’ what a powerful voice, hesitations in the right places emphasized the plight. It struck us, as yesterday when we were standing along the river in New Orleans I said; it just keeps running, meaning the water goes to the gulf. Much like the song implies. It just keeps rolling along. Toward the end the confederate flag came running across the stage and the band struck up the confederate song. The crowd rose to there feet, three of us remained sitting.
came out and sang ‘Old Man River’ what a powerful voice, hesitations in the right places emphasized the plight. It struck us, as yesterday when we were standing along the river in New Orleans I said; it just keeps running, meaning the water goes to the gulf. Much like the song implies. It just keeps rolling along. Toward the end the confederate flag came running across the stage and the band struck up the confederate song. The crowd rose to there feet, three of us remained sitting. 
A little later the flag came out and all sang the Anthem together. During the presentation the rain and thunder struck with flashes of lightning. We did not know that the cities Vicksburg and Jackson were getting beat up by the storm. We went to the car and it was a light drizzle, but warm. jerr
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