De Sota National Forest

Every single place we've stopped has been more interesting than we imagined. We've realized we could spend much longer on this leg of the trip than we have available to us. We have friends who we're meeting in south Florida for Thanksgiving, so rather than breeze over Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Natchez trace trail, Selma and Montgomery we made the decision to postpone these notable destinations for the return trip so that we can give them the time they deserve. 

With that change in the books we had the space to spend a few days in the woods of southern Mississippi. 

We had never heard of DeSota National Forest, but it was perfectly situated on the route towards Florida. Once again we pulled into the park after dark. At the pay box there was a large sign alerting us that alligators were present in the lake and listed the precautions. It was a dark night, and we had no idea how close the water was to our site was to the water so we kept the firewood gathering to a cautious minimum. All night we were certain we heard the sounds of large creatures splashing.

In the morning we woke to a beautiful sight. Tall pine trees, low grasses, and a quiet lake. It was breathtaking. We were a little hesitant about the gators, but the only other camper told us that in the 16 years he had been coming they had never seen a gator. He and his wife were bundled up in winter clothes, but our kids were in shorts and tee shirts. It was seventy degrees!

It was a beautiful day so we got on our bikes to explore. 

The kids couldn't resist a dip in the lake, all fears of alligators had passed (although they didn't stay in long)

A couple of quiet days in the woods gave time for the kids to play while Steve and I progressed on a few projects.

Like hand sewing curtains.  The sewing machine didn't make the cut. 

An evening walk along the lake provided some precious moments of solitude as well as a stunning sunset. I had no idea Mississippi had such beauty. I tried, but I didn't spot a single alligator.