We had a long travel day today so we were on the road pretty early.
Still a few hills and valleys:
COTTON!: – I was so excited to see the field. It looked like fluffy snow:
Traffic, Traffic, and more traffic – my Andy did an Awesome Job Driving!:
Into Mississippi:
Off the interstate, heading to the park.
It was a long day of travel. We made it here late afternoon and it was HOT AND HUMID. We are in the south – LOL!
Even used the AC for three days!
We are staying at Hernando Point Campground on Arkabutla Lake near Hernando, MS. We are about 40 miles south of Memphis. But such a difference in scenery.
Our site:
Very spacious:
However, there is no lake – just a river. I will have more pictures below.
Stats for today:
Miles Traveled: 346 Miles (Long Day)
Routes Traveled:
Tennessee: US-321; US-441; I-40; US-127; US-70; TN-53; I-40; I-840; I-40; I-240;
Mississippi: I-240; I-55; TN-304; US-51; Wheeler Road
We had planned on spending three nights here and then heading west. However, there was a big storm coming thru on Monday that was bringing rain, flooding and colder weather. A few of the places we planned to stay had snow in the forecast.
SOOO, I spent Saturday rearranging our trip to go on a more southerly route and booked two more nights here. Thank God we are able to change our plans. I usually only make reservations for a week or so out so if we feel like doing something different, we have that ability. (Yes, I know..I am taking a chance but there is always a Walmart to overnight!)
On Sunday, we decided to take a little road trip to see the area and maybe even find the dam.
I love these signs…
The first time we saw this sign was at the end of a 5 mile gravel road. It sat near the top of the levee so we stopped! I got out to follow the road to see if the campground was still there. It was and we continued. What a hoot!
I wrote about it here: https://thehitzels.blogspot.com/2007/05/may-9-2007-travel-thru-illinois-part-2.html
Then we saw this sign. Now beyond that SHOULD be the lake:
And here is the boat launch – Yikees!
No lake here:
Another marina area and the beach:
The Arkabutla Dam was constructed after 1942 to help in flood control of the Lower Mississippi Delta Region.
But.. On May 10, 2023, the United States Army Corps of Engineers warned residents to stay away from the reservoir as "potential breach conditions" had been found at the dam. A “sinkhole” developed near the outlet on the south side of the dam. At that time, the lake was at 228’ and they were trying to get it down to 210-feet.
The lake is very low now because although some emergency repairs were done, it is not complete.
We did find the dam and surprising we were able to drive across it – strange????
The dam:
Arkabutla Lake:
“In 1942, the U.S. Government moved the town of Coldwater and approximately 700 residents, at a cost of $250,000, to its present location 1-mile (1.6 km) south of the original site. Today a monument dedicated to the old town of Coldwater, which was flooded and submerged by creation of the dam and reservoir, stands just west of the Coldwater exit off Interstate 55. A few remnants of the old town are visible, but a majority of the site remains underwater year round.”
We could not find the monument or the town.
A sad piece of news since the lake has been lowered:
“Officials report that “widespread looting” of Native American burial objects, disturbance and desecration of human remains and theft of artifacts happened in the overnight hours between June 12-15, 2023.”
As of now, they have not found the artifacts taken or who desecrated the site.
Another boat launch – sad.
I could not find any information on if or when the dam will be repaired.
On our way back, we found these two beautiful creatures:
Love the look – LOL!
It was a nice day out!
That night the clouds rolled in and the rain started. It continued to rain thru Monday and the temps started to dip.
Friday was air conditioning and Monday was heaters. What a change.
Monday, we finished our laundry and Tuesday resupplied.
I am glad we had more down time especially with having to rearrange our schedule. But I am ready for warmer temperatures.
So tomorrow we continue our travels west and south. Arkansas and Texas had the same storm but forecast is for warming temperatures this weekend so that is where we are heading.
2 comments:
Interesting area. People write and post pictures of their trips to California, Zion, Yellowstone, etc., but rarely to Mississippi. You find the less touristy corners of America that are just as fascinating but often overlooked. The campground 40 mi. south of Memphis looked like a winner. We have traveled through the Gulf Coast part of Mississippi but never ventured into the northern parts of most southern states. Thanks for showing us places we've never been. Hope you find warmer weather ahead.
Thanks, We do like to get off the beaten path every so often. This country is so so beautiful!
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