ALONG THE NATCHEZ TRACE

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a beautiful 444-mile highway roughly following the ancient trail from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. It is managed by the National Park Service. The Trace, as it is known by the locals, passes through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Native Americans used it for hundreds of years before the arrival of European settlers. The Trace became part of the National Parks system in 1938. Presently it is used for recreation: pleasure driving, hiking, biking, and camping.

Old Natchez Trace

On the night of October 11, 1809, at the Inn at Grinder's Stand, Meriwether Lewis died. The official story is that he killed himself. He did have a history of depression. On top of this emotional problem, Lewis had massive financial problems. He was traveling to Washington from St Louis to try to get repayment of expenses incurred on his and William Clark's famous journey of exploration of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, a trip that took them to the Pacific Ocean. He had, in fact, tried to kill himself earlier in the journey but was restrained. President Jefferson and Lewis' partner William Clark accepted suicide report. However, his death still remains a mystery for many. How can a person shoot himself multiple times? His money was also missing.

Meriwether Lewis Monument

2005 CAMPING TRIP

Meriwether Lewis Park is a National Park located at mile maker 385.9, about half way between Nashville and the Alabama boarder on the Natchez Trace National Parkway. Meriwether Lewis Park is the place where Meriwether Lewis of the Meriwether and Clark Expedition up the Missouri, died under mysterious circumstances. Officially it was ruled a suicide. He was on his way from St. Louis to Washington. The trip was easiest done by going down the Mississippi River to the city of Natchez, Mississippi then up the Natchez Trace to Nashville. They stopped at the Grinder's Stand Inn. That night there were two gun shots. They found him with two gun shots: One to the head and one to the chest. It is argued that either one of those would render him unable to take the 2nd shot. 

The Park is relatively small but has a number of easy to moderate trails. Camping is free but has few amenities. It is well maintained. The campground does have water and restrooms. It can be used for RVs and Tent campers alike... even though there are no hookups for RVs. There is a monument to Meriwether Lewis near the the Welcome Center. 

In 2005, I took my two youngest children of an overnight camping trip. It was April and few other campers were there. I have been there a number of times on photo tours but this was the only time I camp. I took my best pictures of my son and youngest daughter during that visit. 

NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH STAINED GLASS WINDOWS

These windows were made by my father, Fred Hawkins Jr., shortly before his death. In his honor, the Church named their new Sanctuary after him.

RADNOR LAKE STATE NATURE AREA

I spent some time recently at a beautiful little area at Radnor Lake. The Radnor Lake State Nature Area is a wonderful park with an abundance of wildlife, trails, flowers, and friendly people. It is located in what is considered the traditional borders of the city of Nashville. The trails range from Easy to Difficult although none of the trails are longer than 1.5 miles.