Isle of Capri, Vicksburg, MS
November 13 - 19, 2006 - Left Tishomingo State Park near Florence, Mississippi around 9:30 am. We arrived at Diamond Jack’s RV Park (now Isle of Capri) near the Mississippi River around 3:00 pm . Had a very scary ride on some of the Natchez Trace Parkway, bad road and low bridges. Then once we got to Diamond Jack's Casino, we went down a steep grade for their entrance ramp looking for the RV park. Found out we had passed the (small) sign that was for the RV Park a block away. Bad news was the park is right off the highway, between two industrial-type buildings, but the price was right. Barebones camping. Friendly front office staff. Every site is 30 amp, water, sewer, and pull through. Get a players card or coupon and the daily rate is only $14.50 and has free shuttle to Isle of Capri Casino. - Found out our galley slide wouldn't work. Called National and they walked Ray through the steps to find two plugs that had come loose due to the terrible Mississippi roads. - Ray ran errands to get meds today at local Walgreen's. Waited for over an hour. People move at their own pace in Mississippi. Ray removed the bike from the truck and covered it on the cement slab next to the RV to protect it as much as possible from the wind gusts. We were in a tornado watch until morning. We had showers and lightning and the tornadoes touched down just north of us. It was scary to know they were so close. With everything else going on, we still took the time to see Vicksburg National Military Park on Clay Street, one of the area’s biggest tourist attractions, receiving about one million visitors each year. Run by the National Park Service, it dates back to 1899, making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States. All through the park there are memorials placed honoring the soldiers from the individual's state and many were Ohio, Indianna, and Illinois. Their museum has the Confederate swords, uniforms, and other memorabilia from the Siege of Vicksburg. Aside from the history, the park also offers paths for bicycling, hiking, and walking. We drove through the park and took some pictures along the way. Vicksburg has a lot of history, some places to see in the future would be The Old Court House Museum; The Biedenharn Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia on Washington Street; and Historic Downtown District to name a few. Went to the Pemberton Square Mall cinema and was disappointed with how run down it was inside. Found out they plan a major upgrade soon. Saw the new James Bond movie – it was entertaining at best. Some things to get used to:
- First we had to change all clocks/watches to Daylight Savings Time, Eastern Standard Time, now we have to change clocks/watches to adjust for change to Central Standard Time.
- Zip Codes are needed for each destination to get a weather report for the area we are going to. Also need the zip code to set up the satellite upon arrival at our new destination.
Ray's Reflections. Vicksburg sits high on a ridge bordered to the west by the Mississippi River and overlooks the low flat lands of Louisanna to the east.
The large commercial barges loaded with many items are heading both north and south, being pushed by tug boats. The lower Mississippi is a wide, fast moving river that is heavily used.
Motorcycle riding in Vicksburg - I usually search the GPS for an interesting motorcycle road. Hilly and twisty, especially since Mississippi roads are mostly flat. I selected a twisty farm road. After riding about 50 miles out of Vicksburg, I found myself on top of a single-lane, paved road at the top of a 15 foot high dike with NOTHING in sight anywhere. The feeling of being "alone" was prominent, especially with no cell service. Since this time, I have been more selective when mapping out a road to ride.
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MS - Vicksburg / 11/13-19-06
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