When Em and Merry flee a certain mode of transportation in the rain, they find themselves on the shores of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. 33,000 acres of water. A full eight miles of Natchez Trace along its banks.

I was lucky enough to walk its length in daylight. No rain. Majestic herons flew along its shoreline, while geese lounged on one bank. I asked several folks if they had any luck with fishing, and I marveled at power boats that disappeared on the horizon.

While Em and Merry skirt the lake in record time, it took me several hours to walk its length. I listened to their voices splash with the waves. And I breathed deep. I even paused to survey all that glorious water.

I wasn’t running from anyone. Maybe that’s why walking The Rez was one of my most peaceful days on the Natchez Trace.

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