Bell Witch Cave

Bell Witch Cave is located in Adams, Tennessee about a 45 minute drive east of Clarksville.
This cave may well be occupied by some kind of spirit. It is truly an original cave. Not an easy walk. There is a small stream running through the cave. Wet rocks are very slippery and head room is a little short. Walk down to the cave entrance is steep and though not far, it seems like a long way back up the hill. Several pictures follow to show there is quite a variety of colors when lights are on. Original owner of the farm where the cave is located was John Bell and his family back in the 1800's. The family was harassed for some twenty years by some unseen force until John became deathly ill and the voice said "She" had poisoned him. Upon his death the strange activities stopped.

 Appears to be a face on top of the flow.

 

Returned to Clarksville and went to Miss Lucille's  Marketplace. This 42000 sq ft building is nicely arranged with isles of rare antiques, shabby chic, handmade gifts and home décor. 

 Carol checked out every booth with great interest. She really enjoys looking!

 

Fort Campbell & Fort Donelson

July 19th was a busy day taking in museums and historical sites. First Stop was Fort Campbell which is a very active military base in Clarksville, TN. On the base is a museum focused mostly on the Vietnam era. Keith made it especially real and interesting as he is a Vet having served two tours with the Sea Bees. His time in Vietnam was not pleasant.

Keith drove us to Dover, TN which is west of Clarksville about 35 miles, also located on the Cumberland River. Dover is where major fighting took place during the Civil War. Fort Donelson was made up of earthen mounds to hide behind and protect canons. Confederate soldiers and slaves built the 15 acre fort over a period of seven months. Confederate Troops were attacked from the river as well as on land. Union had converted boats, used in transporting of farmers products, into steel coated vessels with guns and canons. Confederates inflicted a lot of damage to the gunboats from their well located canons over looking the river. But not enough to stop the land attacks by the Union troops. After two days of battles in the severe cold in February, the Confederate troops were overpowered. On February 16, 1862 General Buckner surrendered to General Grant. Dover Hotel overlooking the river was the site of unconditional surrender. Hotel was then recognized as the Surrender House. Some 13,000 Confederate troops were loaded on transports and sent to northern prisoner-of-war camps. Mostly located in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and as far away as Boston, Mass. This was a major turning point in the Civil War.

 Monument representing the site of mass grave of Confederate soldiers. 

 Example of earthen fort.

 Confederate canons overlooking Cumberland River.

 More canons facing the river located behind hand dug earthen mounds for protection.

Dover Hotel became known as the Surrender House. Cumberland River can be seen beyond the building.

 

Tourists-July 18, 2016

 Fort Defiance

 Story of the fort.

Maryann

 Carol

Dunbar Cave

 Deer near the cave.

 Barrel at Beachhaven Winery

Field of grapes. About 10 % of their grapes for making wine are grown locally.

 Machine to cork and seal the bottles.

Replica of grape sorter.

Tourists-July 17, 2016

 Keith and Maryann

 Allen and Carol

 Nice walking paths along the Cumberland River.

 Scale trains on display in Custom House.

 Trains are running on several tracks. Lots of detailed background.

 Allen curious about what is being read.

 Maryann is happy to have her picture taken with statue titled "Day After"

 Custom House located in historic downtown Clarksville, TN

 

 

 

Downtown Clarksville, TN

Keith drove 4 mcgees down town in the rental car. Just getting familiar with the area. Planning to make like tourists for the next few days.

Mike Home

July 13, 2016  Days go by rather quickly! Thought I best give an update. Mike and Carol Kluver drove all night and arrived home in Mechanicsville, Virginia at 5:30 a.m. We sure enjoyed their company and look forward to the future when they may join us again.

 Mike is studying how the lock works. Keith tending the line.

 On return trip through Old Hickory Lock, Mike tended the line.

 Gate coming open so we can leave Old Hickory after a 60 foot down.

 Airplane stuck into the cliff always attract attention.

 Two Carols!

 Returning to Nashville in the distance.

 Carol and Keith as she and Mike are getting ready to depart.

 Carol, Mike, Carol, Allen

Mike thinks they packed far more than was necessary!

July 14th the 4 mcgees spent time wondering the streets of Nashville. Mostly on Broadway  often called Honky Tonk Row. Sounds of country music can be heard coming from the many joints on either side of the street. I am sure each of the musicians is hoping for their big break. Eating is always a priority. Having eaten hamburgers at several places we decided the best were found at Paradise Park. Fries left something to be desired though. Capped off the evening with an open air ride in a hearse on Nashville Ghost Tour.

 Taken in the Visitors Center.

 Art work represents much of the industrial growth of Tennessee. Rail, bridges and boating.

 Good burgers!

 

 Ghost Tour. Most ghostly thing we saw is this picture! Lol

 Nashville on stormy day.

Ascend Amphitheater-two different concerts were held here last week that we could hear from the Dream  Manor across the river. Does that suggest loud?1?1

July 15-left Nashville (mile 190.5) behind as we traveled down river with a good current. Went thru Cheatham lock at 148.7 with no waiting. Gate was opened as we arrived, and it did not take long to get lowered 26 feet. Another boat joined us in the lock. We had been traveling about the same speed for about 20 miles. Continued to Clarksville at mile 127.4 dodging around lots of debris. Glad to be tied up in the marina after traveling 63.1 miles in 7 hours.

 Headed down to Clarksville the hill tops were partially hidden by fog.

 If Bobbie is going to help Keith drive the boat she should be looking forward!

 Maneuvered around debris in the Cumberland River.

 Steep cliffs can be seen all along the river.

Boat ahead we caught, passed and went through Cheatham lock together.