Natchez, Mississippi
October 24, 2019
Dear Family & Friends:
The big storm arrived in Vicksburg as predicted. I departed Vicksburg on October 22 after thanking Jill for the great hospitality she showed me. I also thanked my taxi driver, Leonard, who ferried me all over Vicksburg.
My plan was to spend the night with the Andrews family in St. Joseph, Louisiana. Unfortunately, the distance was a little too far to reach in one day. Instead, I had lunch with Sharon in St. Joseph on October 23. Ron was working in Vicksburg. I spotted my first gator (or croc?) in St. Joseph.
I paddled 7 hours and camped on a sandbar. On October 24, I arrived in Natchez. I decided to spend two days in Natchez because another big storm is moving fast to catch up with me.
As I paddled into Natchez, I spotted another paddler breaking down his camp. Aaron Schmidt is an ambitious young man from Indiana who paddled down the Ohio River until it merged with the Mississippi River at Cairo, Illinois. His destination is New Orleans. We shared stories and paddled into Natchez together. I could not believe the amount of gear in his canoe. It included an umbrella that he uses as a sail and even a cayenne pepper plant that he harvests for hot peppers! A hot sauce soul brother for sure.
I found the perfect spot to dock my canoe and locate a lodging house. I am booked in the Mark Twain Guest House above the “Under the Hill Saloon,” which is the oldest operating saloon on the Mississippi River. I have a balcony that overlooks the River. The saloon keeper warned me that the band plays until 2am. I told him I’ll be the last patron out the door.
The Under the Hill district was once known as one of the most dangerous areas in Natchez because of the pirates, ruffians, ladies of the night and cut-throats that frequented this area from the 1840’s to the turn of the century.
The Mississippi Queen paddle boat was docked in front of the saloon. I enjoyed watching the guests depart from and board this magnificent vessel. This River boat accommodates 418 passengers and 116 crew. It will travel North to Chattanooga Tennessee. If you are interested, here is the pricing: (i) fifth deck, $10,000 for seven days, (ii) fourth deck, $4,000 for seven days, (iii) third deck, $3,000 for seven days, and (iv) second deck, $1,500 for seven days. I asked Brenda, a housekeeper, if I could sneak on board with her. Her reply: “only if you marry me.” The Mississippi Queen departed with great fanfare at 5 pm. I was sad to see it leave.
I enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the Pearl Street Pasta restaurant. Tomorrow, I plan to eat at Fat Mama’s Tamales. What are the chances of ordering tamales in the South.
Here is a nice piece of information: Natchez has banned fast food restaurants.
We’ll see what tomorrow brings in the rain.
Bill
Jill
Loenard
Sharon Andrews
My first gator
Aaron. Note the cayenne plant in the back of his canoe
Aaron. Note the cayenne plant in the back of his canoe
Aaron & Bill
The Under the Hill Saloon and motel
The Under the Hill Saloon and motel
The Under the Hill Saloon and motel
The American Queen
Brenda
Jammin’ at the Under the Hill Saloon
Really enjoying your posts Bill. You trip has been History AND Geography class for me.
Kari
You’ve developed some rather strong arms and shoulders by now, I suspect, Bill. Don’t want to arm wrestle you! Continued good wishes as you approach the Gulf. k;-)
Today, Bill, I not sure if it is your narrative or your pictures which captivate!. Aaron’s canoe seemed top heavy– maybe it was the pepper plant!
You’ve encountered an interesting cross section of new people at each stop on your trail– love their stories.
Paddle blessings,
Rick
P.S. Louisiana temperatures have dropped
Significantly.
Bill….I want to go with you on your next adventure!!! Keep in touch….Your fan…..Jane
Bill
Dang steer clear of the Gators. Loved your comment “you would be the last patron out the door”!
Are you surprised you have not met more paddlers? I sure am as this sounds like an awesome trip.
Keep on smiling and enjoying your trip. Great photo of gator. Maybe get a front shot next time, or maybe that was close enough. How fast are you anyways? Mikebudd
Oh Bill…it is me, one of your Canadian followers for sure. I just love love love getting an update everyday or so…I savour your email until I allow myself some sit down time, to read with excitement, what has happened to you or for you. Thank you for the great geography and history lessons about the states as you go through them…being a Canadian, I am appreciating all of this..we are never too old to learn something new. Continued safe travels..BTW, I loved the tip about carrying an umbrella in the canoe/kayak to caught the wind…Alana
I just watched a documentary on Netflix about a Natchez brothel owner named Nellie Jackson. Very interesting place that we hope to visit sometime. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!!