Birmingham, AL to Vicksburg, MS was basically a wet trip along I-20.  Got into Vicksburg early afternoon so decided to visit the Vicksburg National Military Park straight away.  The site is huge with a 16 mile drive through the fortifications of the North and the South, which includes the USS Cairo Museum.  For some reason this old ironclad Cairo is pronounced “Kayroo”!  USS Cairo was sunk on the Yazoo River on an attack on the Confederate batteries by underwater mines, and became the first ship in history to be sunk by an electronically detonated torpedo.  The museum is very well done and you can walk over and around the restored vessel.  The weather deteriorated as we progressed throught the Northern lines and fortifications, so by the time we got to the Confederate defences it was a steady down pour.  Ann braved the weather to have her photo taken at the main Alabama fortifications. The site is impressive, though you need a good understanding of the seige and battle of Vicksburg, to get the most out of the visit.  What really hits you is how close the North and South lines were in many places – basically trench warfare.  By the time we checked into the Hampton Inn, right across the road from the Military Park, it was getting dark and the rain was still coming down.  Our plans to eat at a local restaurant were converted to Pappa John’s wings and pizza with a bottle of Cameron Hughs Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon in our room!  Hit the spot – very enjoyable.