A little doggie history...

Jasmine:

OK, for those of us who are a bit more erudite, I have decided to opine on the topic of the Trace. Well, I felt like it was time for a post and mom and dad have not taken us out in a while.

Anyway, I was searching online (which is harder than one might think with paws) and found this map. There was a great site with it too that gave some history on the Trace. Here is some of the text:

"In 1801, the United States treated with the Chickasaw, and obtained the right to build a road through the Chickasaw Nation. From the 1801 treaty: “The Mingco, principal men and warriors of the Chickasaw nation of Indians, give leave and permission to the President of the United States of America, to lay out, open and make a convenient wagon road through their land between the settlements of Mero District in the state of Tennessee, and those of Natchez in the Mississippi Territory, in such way and manner as he may deem proper; and the same shall be a high way for the citizens of the United States, and the Chickasaws.”"

Interesting start. Too bad the Native Americans did not realize that this was just one more step in the loss of their lands. Makes me sad to think of it. In volume 7 of "Dog's History Bark" they talk about the good relationship that those native American's had with their dogs, although it was a tough life for both back in that day.

Anyway, I like looking at the map and seeing all the old posts along the road. I am hoping we can see the SheBoss stop this weekend. It just sounds like a nice place. Just has a good ring! ;)

Jackson:

Nice OLD map there Jas. Well check out this site (I use my tongue for greater ease of surfing the web) to see a good map! It gives all the places you can go, bathrooms (for those who can't just stop and squat), and horse trails (for those who like those giant scary creatures!).

Well here are some pictures I like. The first is sort of a dog's eye view, but I like to imagine what it would be like to fly high over the Trace. This is a picture of Birdsong Hollow (where the Pampered Pooches live. You can't see The Farm in this picture, but I have always dreamed of getting to stay there when mom and dad go away for vacation. It is quite close to Birdsong). Anyway, I have been enjoying my rest time since our last hike, but it is getting hard to scratch my neck and I can barely lick my bu....well, nether regions. So I guess I could use some exercise. And mom and dad definitely can. But isn't there a *HE*Boss we can go to?

Baker Bluff Overlook hike

Continuation of tails from the trails:

Jasmine: After our trip to Jackson falls, we hiked up up up (Jackson could hardly make it! Hee Hee). We got to the top and had a beautiful view of the Duck River and a bunch of farms and fields. Oh, how I love the smell of cows in the afternoon! But they were too far away to chase, unfortunately. It was like being on top of the world. I liked this hike, plus it was all down hill until we got to the car to head on home. All four paws way up on this one!

Jackson: Well, I thought that this trail was overkill, I mean we had just hiked the beautiful Jackson falls, come all the way up the hill from the falls, and then had to keep on going. Whew. But I think it was good for my physique. And maybe I was huffing a bit more than Jasmine, but not as much as mom and dad! The view was great, but the overlook was right by the road, which made me very nervous. But it was all worth the view, and the day was so much fun! It is great being with the family. I give this trail 3 paws, just because of the road being so close.

And the pups came home and crashed for a nice little nap. Dog hikes are fun..good for the pups, and good for the dog moms and dads, and good for the heart!

Jackson Falls

After the Gordon House, we went to see Jackson Falls.


Jackson: Jackson Falls! I like that name. This was a great hike. A nice smooth paved trail, although it was pretty steep. We walked down the long hill to find a beautiful pool at the bottom. Nice cool water to drink. And a nice falls to look at. But OH! the long walk up the hill. But it was worth it, so I give it 3 PAWs up.








Jasmine: Well, this was a trail for beginners, but it was fun. We had fun going down and up the hill. Lots to sniff and see. I couldn't stop looking around. 2 PAWs up because it was just not tough enough! I would rather hike down the creek next time and explore some unpaved territory, but if you haven't been to Jackson Falls, you really need to go. By the way, in spite of what Jackson may think, this place was NOT named afer him! He had such a big head when we were done.

Gordon house and Ferry hike

This week we did three hikes in one day! The first was the Gordon House and Ferry hike. .

Jackson:

This hike started out with a lot of promise. We walked up to a big house, but we could not go in. But we walked around and took lots of pictures. See me showing my handsome side below? The hike was great...a creek to cross and get a little sip, one big hill, but then a little hike through the woods and a glen, then down to a river. Really nice. Great history on this one and nice scenery. I give it 4 PAWs up!!

Jasmine: I like this one too, but it was way too short with too little to show for it. There was one or two nice spots. I would have got me a squirrel, but dad would not let go of the least!! We also got to walk a portion of the "original Natchez Trace highway". Can you imagine how many dogs have walked those paths before us? It is mind boggling. This hike was good fun, but I only give it 3 PAWs up because it was too short!

Burns Branch There-and-Back Trail

Jasmine's review:

This was a great trail...our first hike ever! This was a nice woodsy hike. We went in mid-summer, so the shade was great. It was about a 2.8 mile hike, so we were dog tired at the end, but I enjoyed it. I was lead dog for the way back, since Jackson was so pooped. He needs to lay off the doggie treats!

Mom and dad got a bit confused when we got there and we climbed a big hill and wandered in the woods with no trail. Mom and dad almost started fighting, but thank goodness we sniffed out the right direction! Just follow the signs with the white arrow on it.

Overall I thought this was a great trail. Good exercise and a lot of fun. 4 PAWs up!!

Jackson's review:
Don't forget the creeks! That was the best part. We got too cool our feet and take a drink at the same time. Could have had a snack too, if I could have nabbed those little fish swimming around! But I did not get why, when we got to the end of the trail, we just turned right around and went back. That was weird, but it was mostly downhill on the way back, so that was better.
Jasmine likes to talk about how much fun it was, but I think it was a bit long, so I am only giving it 3 PAWs up.

We definitely agree that this was a good trail, good exercise, and it inspired us to keep on hiking! More hike reviews to follow!

Woof woof!