Visitors to Under-The-Hill Saloon Under-The-Hill Saloon holds the distinction of being the only business still operating under-the-hill that portrays the early days of frontier saloon life. Visitors enjoy looking at artifacts, pictures and memorabilia that adorn the saloon’s walls. Only here can they visualize what saloon life must have been like in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Under-The-Hill Saloon has its regular customers, along with visitors from France, Germany, and England stopping in almost on a daily basis. As for U.S. visitors, we have people from practically every state in the nation. We would like to thank all of them, along with our regulars, for their visit and their business. If you would like to share your time at the saloon with our web site visitors please send them so we can include them here. If possible, please provide the names of individuals in the picture, date of the picture and any comments or stories you would like to share with the Under-The-Hill Saloon gang.   Wonderful Time Under the Hill John David, Thanks for showing us a wonderful time while visiting Natchez and Under The Hill Saloon. You truly made our night. Thanks, Eugene & Tammy   Carlee Hi Andre, We stayed at the guesthouse in January. Got a great picture of John David and want to share it. Hope all is well and we hope to be back soon! Cheers, Carlee (and Marty by proxy)   Tannia - Tammy for short England Hi, there! My name is Tannia ("Tammy" for short) and I am emailing you from England. I recently visited your wonderful establishment (about a week and a half ago) during a whistle -stop overnight stay in Natchez with my two sons on a driving holiday from Louisville to Miami. Your Mayor of the saloon made us most welcome and your customers were amazingly kind and friendly. We only intended staying for one drink but ended up staying for most of our evening! It was a big mistake to only stay in Natchez for so short a period as I fell utterly and completely in love with the area! Of the entire holiday of a lifetime I loved Natchez so much that I am going to move heaven and earth to raise the money to return to Natchez again next summer, and, hopefully, be lucky enough to get in at the Mark Twain. I intend to book the room at my earliest opportunity in the New Year. During our visit to your saloon I got talking to a great lady called Stacey with blond hair and a deep tan. She gave me her contact telephone numbers and partner's email address so that I could contact her on my return to England. Unfortunately, to my disappointment, I have lost her details which were written on a napkin. As she told me that the saloon was her second home I wonder if you might possibly be kind enough to pass on my email address to her so that, if she wants to, she can contact me? I would be so grateful and delighted if you wouldn't mind do this for me! Thank you very much. Kindest regards -- Tammy   Wolfgang & Martina Hamburg Germany Hi John & Andre, I hope everything's well with you in Natchez. We are back home in Hamburg, Germany and finally got the photos we took on our southern-USA-holiday filed. We are sending some pictures we took at the saloon. We really had a great time at your wonderful Under The Hill Saloon and the guesthouse. In fact it was our favourite place on the whole journey! We loved Natchez! And we hope to come back some day with a little more time to stay than just two days. Send our regards to "the Wolfe". Take care, our best wishes from Hamburg Wolfgang & Martina   Vittorio and Silvia Prono Dear Beth, As promised I’m sending you some photos made in your saloon. I and my wife had a very nice impression of you and of your saloon. I hope to have others opportunities to come to Natchez and, if so, I will come to you again and with more time. Vittorio and Silvia Prono   Bill Stevenson Wrote Us Andre' Last week my wife and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in Natchez. The weather was super, the food was real good, and the highlight of our visit was a trip to the Under the Hill Saloon. I have read about this place for a long time but there's nothing like experiencing it first hand. We live in Picayune, MS, which is about 45 minutes from New Orleans. Since N.O. is so close to us, we have spent many week-ends there and have frequented many of the watering holes, but nothing there compares to the Under the Hill. The atmosphere, the patrons, and the employees are second to none. It was so much fun to sit at the bar just to see who was coming through the door next. And by the way, thanks for introducing us to the "praline lady." Maxine treated us like we were regulars and what can I say about J.D. When he walked in the door I told my wife that this guy was "somebody" and boy was I right. I love the way he wears that hat. You run a great place and I can't wait 'till the next time we're over there. Bill Stevenson   Byron Lemoine and Jolie Roussell To Mr Miagi and Andre, and all the rest of the gang, We had the best time listening to "The Dishonorable mayor of Under the Hill" during our time there Friday night as well as Saturday when the bar was open. We were very pleased with our stay in the guest house upstairs, too. Jolie and I will definitely be returning to your great town and staying at the guest house. Thank ya’ll for all of your fun and entertainment, and for keeping the old times and history alive for all the visitors as well as for yourselves. Your Friends, Byron Lemoine and Jolie Roussell   Kaye Foster and Randy Arendall Florida Here are the pics……Thank you again for a memorable weekend..Kaye Foster and Randy Arendall from Florida   Retired Military Officers Vicksburg Harold Morgan and a group of former Army officers and wives who were stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany during the 60s were in the saloon while attending a reunion. The group of 34 met in Vicksburg where they toured the National Military Park and other sites before coming to Natchez for a tour of some of the antebellum mansions during Pilgrimage week. Harold emailed these pictures and said the group enjoyed the drinks and saloon’s laid back atmosphere, but they were disappointed that the parking was so limited Under-the-Hill. Harold closed his email saying, “We hope Natchez Under the Hill will not fade away as have so many of our historic places”.   Brossolette & Dupont France We had a great group of visitors from France in August 2005. Philippi Brossolette emailed us a picture to remember them by. They live about 30 kilometers west of Paris in Plaisir (pronounced ‘pleasure’ in American as Philippi said). On the left is Michel Dupont in the yellow shirt, Morane Brossolette who is Philippe’s son is standing behind John David, next to J.D. is Mirielle Dupont, next to her is Audrey Dupont who is Morane’s pretty girlfriend and the daughter of Michel & Mireille, Brigitte Brossolette, Philippe’s wife is next, and on the right is Philippe Brossolette who sent the picture. Philippe, thanks for the picture and we hope to see ya’ll again.   Junior & Monique Netherlands Junior and Monique are from the Netherlands, and they were in the saloon not long ago. They sent JD an email saying how much they enjoyed meeting everyone. They also sent a couple of pictures for us to post on the saloon’s website. The band “Ready or Not” was playing the night they were in town and Junior pitched in by playing the harmonica along with the band. Everybody had a blast. Junior and Monica plan to come back to the saloon in April and JD and all the regulars will be looking for them.   Dave & Mike North England Just like to say what a great time we had in your saloon back in Oct 2003. JD kept us amused all night with his jokes and magic tricks! We come from the north of England and were touring the Southern States and the night at the saloon was a highlight of the tour. Thanks Dave (me at the back) and Mike   Homer Brockner Columbia, LA April 7, 2005 Hello There JD, Just wanted to say thank you and tell you how much I enjoyed the visit last week. It was such a bonus to find you there that day. I’m sending a couple of photos I found of previous visits with you. You are a precious and gracious host. Good luck with the court proceedings. Long live the Under the Hill Gang! Until we meet again… Your friend, Homer   Rocco e Alberto Italy Dear John David, Back in Italy -- we remember with great pleasure the evening spent in Natchez with you and surrounded by the warm and charming atmosphere of the saloon. We will, as promised, send you the recipes for ravioli and spaghetti (I actually asked my woman's mother that is a great cook to give them to us) but now we want to send you the pictures we took there with two of them showing what we would like to be but it is actually not our job or way of life; and that's why the title of imposters! (We read about Eric Burden). By for now, Warmest wishes, Rocco e Alberto   Dr. Reggie Clifton Iowa I did the Trace from Jackson to Natchez in Sept 2003. While riding on my Harley I ran into a couple from LA whose names have been forgotten. They invited me to join them for a drink at what they called "a bar you will not soon forget." I wasn't on a schedule so I was looking forward to seeing this bar for myself. Your place was more than what they could have ever put into words. The bartender and patrons were friendly, and on a perfect day we were able to sit right at the front and enjoy the view and warm weather. We spent about an hour just sharing life's travels and they soon were on there way home, but I wasn't to excited about leaving so I spent another hour just looking at the walls and discovering the history of the bar. In this stressful world, those 2 hours in Natchez was about the most relaxed I had been in over a year. I need to return.   Charlotte Frans Marij Netherlands These people are from the Netherlands. They sent J.D. this picture along with a short note. ___________________________________________________________________________ Hello John David, How are you? We are back in Holland and we send you and Jerry many greetings and kisses. We had a wonderful time in the States, we love your country and we will come back one time. We had a very nice evening in the under the hill saloon. Vicksburg and Memphis were nice too. We were also in Nashville, Ashville, Raleigh, Philadelphia, Buffalo (Niagara-falls), Washington and New York. How is Christmastime in Natchez? Maybe you can send us a picture. Best wishes also for Jerry. Hope to hear from you soon Charlotte Frans Marij From Holland   Frank & Manfred Schorder Germany Frank Schroder and his dad were in Natchez in September of 2004. He emailed JD a couple of pictures of their time in Natchez, one of himself at the Antebellum home Longwood and another of his dad enjoying a cool one at he saloon. Frank has a web site, Rolling Stones Coverband some of you may enjoy. It’s in German, but those of us that can’t read the language can understand the pictures. Hi JD, My daddy and me were on a trip through the southern states in September, (before hurricane Ivan sent us to Dallas!!). We had a great time in the southern states. We really enjoyed Natchez and we did enjoy lots of beers in your saloon. Till the next time I say goodbye and keep on and on and on... Manfred & Frank Schröder Berlin/Germany   Stephane & Marion France The couple on the right in this picture is Stephane and his wife Marion who are from France. While they were in the saloon they met a couple from Frankfurt Germany and they are shown on the left of the picture. Stephane and Marion were in Natchez during September of 2004 and when they returned to Germany Stephane emailed this picture to J.D. along with a short note: Hi JD, Really loved the day we spent in Natchez, especially the evening at your place. The next day we we're, my wife and I, at Natchitoches and met a friend of yours who told me you were the mayor of Natchez under the hill and he was the vice mayor. It was our first time in Natchez. We really enjoyed, it's a beautiful town. See ya stephane   Leila & Cyril France Leila and her husband were in the saloon during the summer of 2004 and they sent us a picture and short note of their visit: Hi, For you the pictures we took in your saloon. We spent a very good time with you. Barry was especially nice with us and he will missing us keep your smile. Leila et Cyril from France PS: sorry for my English I probably made some mistakes. Leila we understand you very good. Your English is much better than our French. Stay in touch and come back to visit us one day. Barry said he'll be looking for ya'll.   Tish, Mary, Joan & Sassy Memphis & Meridian Joan, Sassy, Mary and Tish came to Natchez for the first time in July 2004. Joan and Sassy are from Memphis, TN and Mary and Tish are from Meridian, MS. They rode their motorcycles down the Natchez Trace to Natchez. While at the saloon they told us they had a great ride, and then to top it off, a great visit in Natchez. They stayed at the Mark Twain Guest House, so they were able to help close down your saloon that Saturday night. In her email, along with this picture, Tish said, “The band was great and we had lots of fun with everyone there. It just happened to be the Blue Moon that night, which was absolutely unforgettable over the Mississippi River. Thanks for the great time, and we hope to come back to Natchez again soon.” Tish   Frans, Andre’, Charlotte and Mary Holland This group is from Holland and they visited the saloon on 2002. During their visit one of the locals, Jerry Cupit was wearing his cowboy hat and this group really liked it so Jerry gave them his hat. They must still be thinking about Natchez and the saloon because they recently sent this picture with a short note on the back and it is dated April 8, 2002. It said: “Greetings from Frans, Andre’, Charlotte and Mary. We love Natchez and we love you!!! “Thank you Jerry for the hat. It’s standing in the living-room so we can look and think about the nice evening we had together. Hope to see you again. Your friends from Holland.   Andi, Mag, Peter and Christina Austria We are from Austria. We’ve never been to Natchez before. But it wasn’t our first trip to the U.S! I read about Natchez in a travel guide and was immediately impressed about it. Our trip started at New York City. After a few days we flew to Atlanta-Georgia. From there we’ve been going by car to Chattanooga, Nashville-Tennessee, Memphis-Tennessee, Tupelo, Natchez to New Orleans! It was an exciting tour but Natchez had been the number one place!!! Was nice to meet you all in your saloon. We’ve never seen such a funny , cool and nice place ( you Guys included ) . So i will send you this photo for your guest book. Hope you are well and enjoy the beautiful sunsets at the Mississippi river in the future. Greetings from Austria to all of you. Best regards Andi , Mag , Peter and Christina August 1, 2004   Henk, Paul, Anne and Benny Netherlands In April 2004 these men visited Under-The-Hill-Saloon for the second time. Their first visit was in 1999. Since they are from the Netherlands we can understand the long delay between visits. They emailed J.D. these pictures along with a friendly note. Hello JD "5 years ago when we did spend some great evenings in the Under the Hill Saloon. "That is why, when we visited USA again this year, we absolutely wanted to see you and the Saloon again. "And again we had a very good time. "Thanks!!!! "Kindest regards from 4 guys from the Netherlands." Henk, Paul, Anne and Benny   Henk Dekker Netherlands Henk Dekker is from the Netherlands, and this was his third trip into the U.S., but his first trip into the southeast. He visited the saloon August 2nd through the 4th. Henk said he likes to travel alone, not in tour groups, which allows him to meet “real people”, so he always rents a car so he can travel at his leisure and stay somewhere longer if he wants. Henk flew into Miami with a travel book that described different areas people may want to visit and it showed several routes people could travel. Henk speaks fluent English and everybody at the saloon had questions for him. As Henk told us, “I had never heard of Natchez before I arrived, it was simply the next destination on the travel schedule in the travel guidebook.” “When I first arrived in Natchez in the evening the first thing I wanted to do was to visit one of the old bars ‘down the hill’ that I read about in the travel guide.” On Henk’s third day of visiting the saloon John David asked him what was keeping him here and he replied, “Well, it is not those large, old Victorian houses that kept me here for longer than the planned one single night,” Henk said. “Once I had seen a couple of them, and they are very nice, I felt I had seen them all.” Henk continued, “Everyday I’m in doubt whether to continue my journey or to enjoy another day here. I know that I’ve got to be in Miami in time for my return flight overseas to the Netherlands. I’ve spent three nights here now, and I think that I’ve decided that I’ll leave tomorrow. I guess…” “J.D., what's keeping me here is the hospitality of the locals I’ve met here at the Saloon. People that I just met, half an hour ago, asking me to go fishing the next day, inviting me to stay the night at their place instead of a campsite full of mosquitoes, and inviting me for a family BBQ…I find that very special. I’m not the only tourist around here. In fact, Natchez must be making a living out of tourism. That makes it even more special that you guys pay attention to and are interested in every single person that you meet.” “The Saloon is a nice place to hang out. Some of you guys are characters that could have come straight out of some old American b/w movies I’ve seen on TV.” “I’d like to thank y’all for the great time I’ve had here with you. Maybe we’ll meet again someday!”   David Kennedy California John David has friends from all over the United States. David Kennedy was at the saloon on a day when J.D. was off, so he left this note for John David.   Ed and Lynda Hi to the Under-the-Hill-Saloon gang, Greetings from the StinkyKat Bar & Grill in Petal, Mississippi. Ed & Lynda here. In our never ending search for the perfect watering hole, Lynda and I finally made it back home, with a little bit wear and tear. After we left your place in Natchez, we migrated south to New Orleans where Lynda insisted on leaving her hand prints on the hood of that cops car (see photo). Of course, in my opinion, Bourbon Street could roll up and blow away. The better bars are nowhere near Bourbon, except maybe Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, which has a colorful history and shares a lot in common with Under-the-Hill. Lynda and I really enjoyed our stay at the Mark Twain room above the Under-the-Hill Saloon. I couldn't help but feel, as we were making love in the antique bed above the bar, with the balcony windows open and that gentle Mississippi breeze blowing in from the river, that we were a part of history. That and hoping the bed wouldn't break. Oh yeah, we secretly carved our names into a private place, right next to Mark Twain and Steamboat Sally, whoever she was. At first we were a little disappointed that you had to cancel the band Saturday night, due to the street construction going on, as well as the "other" little problem. However, as it worked out, we enjoyed ourselves more just meeting and chatting with the unique blend of loyal regulars that congregate there. And of course there was JD. If it had been crowded and noisy, we would have missed the pleasure of his company. Cherish him; he is also the last of a dying breed. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again for your hospitality. Andre Jr., I appreciate you giving up your private parking spot so I wouldn't have to crawl as far. In all honestly, of all the gin joints in all the world, you guys are the greatest. Of course, Lucy's Tiger Den in Bangkok has a sexier barkeep, but JD ain't too bad looking. Love & kisses, hang in there, fight the good fight. Ed and Lynda   Annaick & Raphael France On Sunday, May 8, 2004, a couple, Annaick and Raphael, came into the saloon, ordered a couple of drinks from J.D. and they were sitting quietly at the bar enjoying their beverage. As usual J.D. greeted them and discovered they were from France, which brought up an interesting conversation, with Napoleon being one of J.D.'s favorite subjects. J.D. visited for a while and then had to drift off to tend to other customers needs. Upon checking back with the couple to see if they needed another drink J.D. noticed Annaick was sketching something on a bar napkin. Annaick showed J.D. a drawing she was doing of him. J.D. couldn't believe his eyes. Immediately he retrieved a sheet of Under-The-Hill-Saloon's stationary and asked her to do it again on a better 'canvas'. Annaick was glad to oblige and this drawing is the results. Annaick, thank you for the wonderful drawing of our - and half the world’s - favorite bartender.   Jaymi Alice & Christy Nashville During March of 2004 three people, Jaymi, Alice and Christy, from Nashville, Tennessee visited the saloon. Barry was working the night they came by, and they send him a short note along with a pair of handcuffs as a gag gift. They said… “I hope you have fun with these, or at least a good laugh! They are just toys, I couldn’t send ya the real ones, sorry about that! We had a great time in Natchez, thanks for making us feel like locals! Remember us always Jaymi (your cop friend from TN) & Alice and Christy (from Georgia) PS: Say hi to Toby from Jaymi   Raymond from Scotland 11A Baker Street Stirling FK8 1BJ Scotland, Phone: 01786-464492 November 10, 1999 Hello J.D. As the New Year comes closer there is a feeling of New Century – New Start. My business, Dunroamin Guest House has been busier than ever in 1999 with many old friends coming back to visit and new friends being made. It has been a hectic year with lots of changes. The history of Dunroamin has been translated into different languages, as have the stories of the room characters. The books in each room now have far more details and points of interest than previously. Like Under-The-Hill-Saloon we here in Stirling will be having a band to bring in the New Year, but the rock/pop band will be playing outside at the foot of King Street. On a more personal note, my eyesight has improved dramatically after finally getting round to buying new spectacles! Well my friend, I have come to the end of this short letter and all that remains for me to do is to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love and Best Wishes,   Graham and Gabriel from England Rock Road Storrington, W. Sussex, U.K. , RH 20 2AG August 16, 2002 Dear John David (Alias “Little Godfather”), We are back in England and getting ready to find some work – the first time my brother Gabriel has ever really had to, and as you would expect he is moaning constantly about how unfair it is that everyone, especially him, must work. I’m only joking, he moans probably less than I do. The photos we took in your home have not been developed yet, but I’ll send you a copy of you standing in front of your Napoleon picture when they are. I hope this letter finds you well, and we both remember well your hospitality, advice, kindness and cheeky American humor – or Irish if you would prefer – I like the flags outside your front steps. Take care J.D. and we both sincerely salute the ‘Little Godfather’.   Jorel and Freuf Wien, Italy May 18, 2002 Dear John D. We thank you very much for the nice evening. Take care of the nice American girls, because we'll come back.   Eric & Lee Ryding From England England 74 Ralph's Wifes Lane Banks Southport Lancs PR9 8ER, September 15, 2001 Dear J.D. Wanted to write and let you know how much we are thinking about you and the people we met in Natchez and of course the American people across the U.S.A. Our prayers are with you each day. When I think of how lovely and friendly all the American people were when we met them, I can’t believe that someone would want to hurt any of you and to do it in such a vile way. Words escape me to describe the horror at what happened. I ask that God will bless you all and help you get through the dark days ahead. Take Care. Thoughts & Prayers from, Eric & Lee Ryding   Pet From Germany January 4, 2002 Hello J.D.!!! At the end of September 2001, I spent a wonderful weekend with you. You sang your monstrosity rocking two farewell and close-out-the-bar songs for me in your saloon. Marie was my lovely host for the weekend. And Jacob and his Rock-N-Roll band, as well as other late night people supplied me with booze, food, friends and great talking BS all night long. You ALL and Natchez rocked the hell out of me!!! Thank you very much, Pet – (Peter)   Mary and Tom From Ireland The Hunters Rest 66 Syke Road Rochdale Lancs, Phone: 01706-646010 Fax: 01706-640826 Mary and Tom Spence wrote J.D. telling him they enjoyed him and the saloon and to come to Ireland so they can take him sightseeing.   Martha & Melissa New York City Martha Holmes and Melissa Sorman, from New York City, came by the saloon on January 7, 2004. Melissa is a gardener and Martha writes a column for The Independent, a Journal-Register Company newspaper in the capital area of NY and Berkshires area of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Part of Martha's latest column talks about their trip with part covering their visit to the saloon. It reads in part: ...There was the magical night with Bill and Jerry and Barry and Linda and LeGran and EW and Bobby ("shut up, Bobby") and their darling friends Clayton and Love (yes, Love) who arrived in that Under The Hill Saloon by the river with a potful of his homemade "deer chili" which he shared without cost or benefit. And when we left they thanked us for lifting their expectation of New Yorkers. They are my America, and they make me proud. Read Martha's colume in its entirity.   Montreal River Travelers Jenny Kaufman and Louis Lessard, both from Montreal, which is in Quebec Canada, had been paddling down the Mississippi River for five months when they reached Natchez around 7:00 p.m. on November 17, 2003. They are paddling on to New Orleans and then further south to Chili.   Francois Roche France Francois Roche, from Marseille, France, was in the saloon in August 2003. He is a great fan of American music and he told us, “All my life I have dreamed of playing boogie piano in Natchez Under the Hill.” The picture he sent proves he has accomplished that dream. Francois also told us, “The bartender gave me a beet for free after I played the piano. It’s kind of like getting a PhD for me”. Francois said, “Natchez is MAGIC, I really fell in love with the town, walking by the streets, by the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and staying on top of the wonderful saloon. It all has so many shades of the past. But the real people I met were really nice!”   Gene & Nancy Brearton Gene and Nancy were tarveling from Ohio to Texas and stopped by the saloon last week. We wish they could have stayed longer, but we appreciate the time we had to spend with them. We took this picture of them using Nancy's digital camera and she emailed it to us. Thank you Nancy, and if you have any more, please send them too.   Daniel & Anna 977 Rue St. Naur 75010 Paris France , Here are a couple from France, Daniel Affolter and Anna that stopped in the saloon in January of 2003. Daniel is a big fan of Jerry Lee Lewis, who grew up in Ferriday, about 10 miles from Natchez. Anna was a delight to talk to and she referred to the U.S. as a “teenage country”. We told them how to get to Ferriday and Jerry Lee Lewis’ sister’s house. Lewis’ sister, Frankie, has a museum in part of her house dedicated to Jerry Lee. They sent us a letter after they returned to France and they said they really enjoyed Jerry Lee Lewis’ sister and her museum. They spent the night over the saloon in the Mark Twain Guest House and said it was wonderful. They said to tell everybody at the saloon hello, and if we ever come to France we’ll have a place to stay. Thank you Daniel and Anna, we really enjoyed your visit.   French Group This is a group from France. We didn't get their names, but J.D. said they really enjoyed themselves. If anyone can supply their names, please send it to us.   Russian Girl This young lady was on one of the steamboats that docked under-the-hill, and she walked up to the saloon to take a few pictures. We didn't get her name, but we learned she was traveling alone, just touring the U.S. to see our country and meet the people over here. She said she was from Georgia, which is actually part of the former USSR. She was pleasant to talk to and spoke very good English. We hope the rest of her visit around the U.S. was enjoyable.   Wales These visitors are from Wales in the United Kingdom. They were in Natchez in May of 2003. From left to right is; Graham Bevan, his wife Mavis, J.D., Janet Osborne (Mavis' sister) and a friend of theirs, Ann Faulkner. They had a lot of questions about politics. It seems Mavis is involved in the political arena in her home district. When asked exactly where Wales was located in relation to England they grabbed a pen and paper and began drawing maps showing everybody. They were an entertaining group and we hope to see them again.   Jody Bowman jody@jody.freeservers.com Joseph (Jody) Bowman paddled down the Mississippi River to raise money for the American Diabetes Association and was in Natchez in November of 2002. There were some companions also paddling separately from him and they would run into one another occasionally. You can read all of his journal entries here. “This summer, around August 20, 2001, I will be departing from Lake Itasca in Northern Minnesota, at the starting point of the Mississippi River, my destination being the mouth of the river near New Orleans if all goes as planned. This journey will be both difficult and dangerous but, at the same time, a journey of great self-exploration. I have chosen to dedicate my trip to raising awareness and money for the American Diabetes Association. This 2,340-mile trip will be the trip of a lifetime.“ Wednesday, November 23, 4:30 p.m. I have been stuck on the side of the river for several days because of the weather. There was a bad tornado 50 miles from me. I guess I was camped on somebody's farmland because there was this herd of cattle/Texas Longhorns/beefalo (who knows?) there with me. I was a little worried about them as they approached to check me out. I still had my mace, but I didn't want to harm them or make them mad. I guess they tired of me or were spooked by me because they finally left me alone. I have been bored for these last couple of days...stuck in my tent. Joshua has the rice, the pot, and the grate for cooking, but that is okay because it was too wet to cook outside, anyway. I have been eating a lot of beans inside my tent. Anyway, the weather let up today. I saw what I thought was a 2-hour window, and I went for it! I am in Natchez, Mississippi at Bailey Park. It is a neat area, and I am camped behind a saloon. When I told Mom that, she said, "It's the Under the Hill Saloon!" She said she knew that because of Brendan Battenfelder's e-mail. He had camped at the same place a weeks or so ago. I knew that because owner, Andre, told me about Brendan! My plan is to hike into town (all uphill) and get some groceries. I plan to be in Baton Rouge in 3 days if the weather allows. I will visit with my friend, Keith, there and hopefully watch some football on TV. I plan to meet up with Joshua there. Mother and I are working on the ending plan. She and Dad will pick me up in New Orleans on/around December 6th. It has been a wonderful trip, and, as much as I know it is time for it to end, I hate to see it be over! Jody   Rachel & Rob Rachel Carpenter from Columbus, Ohio and Rob Crawford from Christchurch, New Zealand were in the saloon in December of 2002. They travel all over the world and when they have the time they send us updates on their travels. Here are a few comments on their stop in Natchez. "We walked into an old saloon from the late 1800's in the small city of Natchez, which faces the Mississippi River, for ONE beer at 6pm. Well; we didn’t get home till the sun came up! The locals took us out for a night on the town and insisted we pitch our tent on the small patch of grass behind the saloon (thanks for the hospitality JD, Andre and Bill)!" "We were then (unpleasantly) awakened a few hours later by the unforgiving sun, sweltering humidity, and the excruciating thuds of nearby construction workers pounding nails (into what felt like our heads!) Despite our self-induced suffering, we were still overly amazed by all the Southern hospitality and welcoming nature of nearly everyone we met." "Well...say hello to the JD, Andre and the whole gang." "Oh, we somehow lost Dave’s (from California, the one doing his PhD in Southern studies) address to send him a proper thank-you. We should’ve never written it on a napkin, which looks like a dirty one and probably tossed out! If you ever come across him or his address, let us know!" Smiles, Rachel   Cartoon We have bands almost every weekend and are going to begin having some Blues music on Sundays. When we saw this cartoon we got a chuckle and thought we would share it with you.   Students From Virginia Here are three students from the University of Virginia that were in Natchez July 24, 2003. Catherine emailed this one to us. From left to right are: Devon Knudsen, Barry, Catherine Neale, and Dustin Batson. Barry was working when they got to the saloon and he showed them the art of bartending. We hope Devon, Catherine and Dustin make it back to Natchez in the not to distant future; they were a lot of fun and great to talk to. PS: Catherine, thanks for sending the picture.