BSNT. Vicksburg

Another sunny warm day with gusty winds from, wherelse but from the South West.

The section of the trace we next encountered was closed to cars. About 15 feet has subsided but as there are few entries and exits 8 plus miles were closed. Open to bikes though.

In Palo Alto the disruption would have been marked with a bike beware sign.

So, a nice bike ride on a private road. Being Sunday morning few were on the road. QB got to walk without traffic.

Speaking of traffic we have noticed that the roads here are are outstanding. Wide, divided roads, four lanes, often with additional portions being added. Small towns in porkville as best as we can tell. California could sure use some of these roads.

A side trip. Off to Vicksburg. The national battlefield is a stomach churning experience. First it is huge. The driving tour tales 1.5-2 hours over 18 miles. The government film is actually a good one. Shows the carnage and pointless deaths in perspective as well as covering the repeated strategies of the extended battle and siege.

The battleground is high up on a bluff overlooking Vicksburg. Steeply rolling hills. Walked a good section and got a feel for what the carnage must have been like. Inconceivable. Mud, dirt, rain, cholera, malaria, starvation and hand to hand fighting apart from the incessant cannon fire.

Found an historic mansion for the evening. Cedar Grove mansion. Large rambling house.