Saturday was our first day in Vidalia. And it was the first glitch of our
caravan. The bus was late. It had not happened yet. And it is something that is always a
possibility out of anyone’s control!
Once it was all worked out, we juggled some things around and were able
to do lunch at the Eola Hotel in Natchez, MS and visit several antebellum
estates. The tour of Frogmoor Plantation
was re-scheduled for the next day.
Lunch at the Eola was a buffet that had a good selection of
vegetables and entrees, as well as salad and dessert. We do eat well on caravans – much to my dismay!
The historic homes ranged from one that remains unfinished
to this modern day and one that had a fantastic view of the Mississippi. It Is impressive that all of this
architecture and history has endured for over 100 years. Natchez mansions were nearly untouched by
Civil War devastation. All this is a
good thing.
Frogmoor plantation is a working cotton plantation, as well
as a historic site recreating some of life on a cotton plantation during the
slavery era. It was a wonderful tour of
a great plantation. The rain of the day
before left the grounds with rivers of water and lots of mushy ground. But, the owner and tour guide was able to
find the slightly raised walkways that were dry and walkable! This was a most
interesting look into plantation life of the past and plantation life of the present. While we have all had our history lessons
about slavery, mine were clouded by the history as seen through the eyes of the
north. The eyes of the south saw it
differently. And now I question all of
the “facts” that I was taught. Whatever
your perspective Frogmoor is not to be missed.
The remainder of our free day was spent driving through the
National Cemetery in Natchez and walking the downtown. The cemetery is a small one, not at all to
the scale of Arlington. But, still it
saddens me to see all the markers, so straight and so staunch, as they mark the
graves of so many, many soldiers of all wars.
There was even a memorial area, recognizing a few of the many soldiers
that were missing in action, buried at sea or otherwise not able to return to
their home. It was a sobering
experience.
A drive through downtown on Sunday afternoon did not yield
much. Most stores were closed. But, we were able to walk through Darby’s
Fudge shop – an eclectic store with a little of everything from fudge to
furniture. And an interesting bookstore.
At the end of the day, we were ready to
travel on to our nex stop Baton Rouge.
