Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi

During our stay at Grand Gulf Military Park in Port Gibson MS (October 12-22, 2016), we took a trip to Vicksburg National Military Park. What an educational and inspiring park!  

One of the more somber highlights was the National Cemetery, 116 acres holding the remains of 17,000 Civil War Union soldiers, more than any other National Cemetery.  

The soldiers were buried close to where they died so when this cemetery was established in 1866, the remains were exhumed and reinterred.   However, since record-keeping was haphazard, many soldiers' names were lost. About 75% are unknown.  

   

Another highlight of our tour was the restoration of the USS Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that sank when it hit a mine.  

It was found, raised and restored over more than 20 years.  It was finally transported to Vicksburg where it was placed on a concrete foundation across from the cemetery. It went on display in 1977. 

As you can see, I'm fascinated with the angles and mechanisms of this boat.  

 

What a great area - hopefully we'll be back. 

But in the meantime, we're off to Murfreesboro AR and Crater of Diamonds State Park!

Our Stay at Grand Gulf Military Park, Port Gibson MS

October 12-22, 2016.  Grand Gulf Military Park, 
Port Gibson MS

Travel to Grand Gulf was mostly uneventful, but there were a few high points.  

A cotton field - my first!  

First we had to find the park which was at the end of a 7 mile road, not well-marked I might add.  I was a bit nervous as we navigated the narrow road in our motorhome and fearful that we would probably fall into a ditch.

We didn't, and finally arrived at this beautiful and scenic park.
  

As we drove down the road, vines were taking over the landscape. They were eating up trees, homes and buses. 

We had to see the Mississippi River right across the road from the park. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the pole showing the high-water mark from prior floods.  However this river is mighty indeed! 

As a result of the floods, many local residents elevate their homes.  

We toured the military park taking in the sights of which there are many!  A small museum is housed in the office and surrounding grounds.  

We saw these hearses and then the cemetery at the top of the hill.

I wonder what the story is behind this stone.

We took a ride into the town of Port Gibson MS and this abandoned factory and theatre caught my attention.

This abandoned theatre, a relic from times past. 

Next time, Vicksburg National Military Park

See you soon!

Our Stay in Pensacola FL

September 22-October 4, 2016 - Ocala RV Park, Ocala FL
October 5 - 12, 2016 - Pensacola RV Park, Pensacola FL

After we left Myakka State Park, we returned to Ocala RV Park for 2 weeks before moving on to Pensacola FL.   

The host was very nice and even brought us dog treats to welcome us once we were set up.  We were on the outer edge and best of all, the lake was directly in front of us!  It was a great place to walk the dogs and just sit in the shade under the giant trees.  

We were only there for a week, but we visited the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Fort Pickens Area and the Pensacola beaches.  

I thought this vacant house was a stark silhouette...

Most buildings were abandoned and fenced.

Pensacola Beach

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We met our neighbors in a vintage RV but it looked new.  
They let me see the inside and gorgeous doesn't even describe it.

We hope to meet them again again someday...

Next Stop:  Grand Gulf Military Park and Vicksburg MS!