General

My Solo Parkway Adventure

I wanted to explore part of the Natchez Trace Parkway this week but didn’t have anyone to go with me.  The Parkway runs through mixed wood forests and I wanted to see if the trees were changing colors for autumn before the wind and rain that was expected the next day emptied the tree canopy of leaves.

I am not one to take off by myself.  I have done it before and I have even driven hundreds of miles alone in the past, but not often and not in the last several years.  I normally do not enjoy solo adventures.

My original plan was to leave early in the morning, drive towards Tennessee and stop at an attraction called Tom’s Wall (Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall).

I hesitated when I found out I would have to go alone. I spent some time online, checking email, my site, FAA/Pixels discussions and the weather.   Every minute that passed took me that much closer to lunch time and a decision to stay home.

Finally, I made myself get up from the computer, grabbed my camera, purse and some water and out the door I went. 

It was a gorgeous day with the sun shining and only a slight breeze as I started out.  I had no problem getting to the Parkway but missed the road to view the wall.  That was not a problem as I knew that I could stop there on the way back.

I ended up stopping several times to take pictures and to simply enjoy the sound of birds and rushing water as creeks flowed over the rocky creek beds.  When I got to Collinwood, Tennessee I left the parkway to stop at the Wayne County Visitors Center.  Unfortunately the center was closed but it was a great location to snap a photograph or two of their emergency siren. 

Getting back in the Jeep I drove a block further and parked.  I wanted to walk around until I had a clear sight path to their freshly painted water tower.  As I was getting back in the Jeep the earsplitting siren went off to announce the noon hour.

Collinwood is a small, sparsely populated town.  I only saw one restaurant with two cars in front.  I decided that if the locals were not flocking to that eatery it may not be the best place to stop.  In hindsight I should have either taken food with me or bought snacks at the local dollar store.

Getting back on the parkway I headed south, going back towards Florence, Alabama where I had started.  I did find Tom’s Wall, stopped and spent a short time taking photographs there and texting two photos to my sister who is a rock hound.  I knew she would love that place.

By the time I left the commemorative wall the wind had picked up and was blowing leaves everywhere.  Although the color was not as vibrant as I had hoped it was still a pleasant, fall scene along the parkway.

It was a nice way to spend a gorgeous day enjoying God’s natural beauty and I found that I didn’t mind being by myself.   

I did, however, mind being so hungry!  Note to self:  take food next time!

To view a larger image of the photograph above, click here: 

As always, comments are welcomed and encouraged.