by Melanie McManus | Apr 21, 2021 | Alabama, Mississippi, Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
My itinerary called for a longer, 21-mile (33.8-km) day from about mile post 299 to Buzzard Roost Spring. But first, about last night. We were camping at Pharr Mounds, and I chose to pitch my tent under a covered area on a concrete slab. Amy pitched on the grass. It...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 22, 2021 | Alabama, Mississippi, Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Today we were aiming to reach the Tennessee-Alabama state line. And we did! Here’s how it went. Well, first I must recap the previous night. The overnight low was about freezing (32 F. / 0 C.), so it was chilly. But we were warm in our tents. However, we...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 23, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Today’s hike to Collinwood should have been great. After all, it was our shortest day, at 13.2 miles (21.2 km). Also, we had booked a night’s stay at Miss Monetta’s Country Cottage, a lovely spot run by lovely people whom Ed and I met eight years ago. But the day did...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 24, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Oh, what a day reaching Dogwood Mudhole! Actually, that wasn’t the main problem. So, Amy and I are both suffering from tendinitis. She decided to take the day off. I was going to do the same, then dive back into 20-mile (32.2-km) days. But the more I thought about...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 25, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Today’s goal was Metal Ford, just 15.5 miles (25 km) north. We are punting with our schedule every day, trying to make it these final miles despite our painful tendinitis. Since Amy has plans to hike in the Grand Canyon with her husband shortly after this trip, she is...