We haven’t experienced thunder and lightning for a long time but last night we got some. That must be a sign of spring! It wasn’t severe at all and we slept well.

At Milepost 10.3 of the Natchez Trace Parkway and across the road from Natchez State Park where we are camped, is Emerald Mound. This an old Indian mound about eight acres in size and is the second largest temple mound in the United States. Two secondary mounds sit on top of the base mound.

Emerald Mound

This is a really big mound! It remains a mystery as to how many people, days, or years of labor it took to build it back around year 1200, and how they did it. Archaeologists believe the mounds were the setting for elaborate civic processions, ceremonial dances, and religious rituals.

Emerald Mound

A path takes you up the mound and then 50 wooden steps to the top of the secondary mound. It does make you think what life must have been like for them back then.

Emerald Mound

Tomorrow we break camp and continue driving on up the Natchez Trace Parkway.

• Gasoline Expense:  $40 @ $3.24
• Lodging Expense:   $13
• Admission Fees:   none