On the afternoon of the 21st day, you reach Cave Spring on the Mississippi-Alabama Territorial boundary. The dark coolness of the cave is an inviting refuge from the hot sun of a cloudless day. Canteens are rinsed and refilled from the clear trickling spring within and much time is spent ferrying water up from the cave for the horses. Grinder's Inn, located about 60 miles south of Nashville on the Natchez Trace. As the journey resumes, the Trace seems to be gaining altitude, with long, steep inclines and descents.
Some areas cause the horses to puff and lather despite a rather leisurely pace.
On the 23rd day, the Tennessee River comes into view. Christopher calls a halt and explains what is ahead. It'll cost us ta cross this h'ar river. Thar's a ferry run by George Colbert. Anyway, let's ride on in 'n find out jist how much the red scoundrel is gonna take us fur ta cross his ditch.