Monday, March 22, 2021
Texarkana, Arkansas to Madison, Alabama
Highlights: Highways, byways, and the Natchez Trace Parkway
We wanted to make some miles today, but not badly enough to get on the interstate. We took US 82 across Arkansas and crossed the Big Muddy in a new place for us, at Greenville, Mississippi. It was a much more pleasant crossing than taking I-40 through Memphis yet again.
Midway through Mississippi, we got on the Natchez Trace Parkway for about 60 miles, following it as far as Tupelo. The parkway was not only scenic, but it was also the most direct route toward home. Bonus! The Natchez Trace was especially nice today as the trees blossomed into springtime. Such a change from the desert.
Bynum Mounds, Natchez Trace Parkway
Springtime on the Natchez Trace
Now on the GPS-recommended fastest route, from Tupelo we took a series of US and state highways as far as Decatur, Alabama, then drove a few miles on I-565 before stopping for the night in Madison. Along the way in Russellville, we came across a memorial to victims from a 2011 tornado at a Chevron when we stopped for gas.
Tornado victim memorial
Lodging: Quality Inn in Madison, Alabama, just west of Huntsville. A lot of hotels in the area had no vacancy, so we were happy to get a room here, even though it was on the second floor and smelled of cigarettes.
Driving distance: 531 miles
|