OP
The Flying Kiwis Return: American Road Trip Part 2.
- Thread starter Kiwi cop
- Start date
Protocall_Design
Vendor
Reminds me of one of my favorite songs. It goes like this - Pardon me boys, is this the cat that chewed your new shoes?...
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZLPJuy9oyQ[/ame]
As you head towards Nashville.. consider The Loveless Cafe for a meal.. it will take a bit of time, but the campus is fun to explore and the biscuits are amazing.. highly recommend... hope it works out for you...
The Loveless Cafe, Real Southern Food in Nashville, TN
The Loveless Cafe, Real Southern Food in Nashville, TN
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OP
This morning I was awake again in the early hours. It took a while (2 hours 
) to get back to sleep and I really only dozed until just after 6.
Up at 7 for the usual morning routine. with the car packed it was down to breakfast, toasted bagels and yoghurt for Karen, a muffin for me. Checking out of the hotel we made our way back into downtown Chattanooga, about 20 minutes drive, to the Walnut St Bridge, the "world's longest pedestrian bridge".
I tried looking for a mural celebrating Martin Luther King Jnr, but couldn't find it on iMaps so decided to let it go. Then we were on the road for Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.
Once clear of Chattanooga we headed up I-75 reaching Knoxville in just over 2 hours. Onto I-40 then TN66. At Sevierville I stoped off at Smokey Mountain Iron Works, the "worlds biggest knife shop". I didn't realise from the outside just how big it is, and over two levels.
I saw a great display of S&W knives, and almost bought one, but I already have a first edition S&W knife. Still I bought a couple of tin BBQ signs to go on the wall on our deck, a small Henry knife set and a pocket sharpener.
Next stop was just down the road. On our last visit I had seen the giant guitar outside Music Outlet too late to stop and get a photo. This time I was ready and pulled in to the carpark. The store was shut so I didn't get to look inside.
By this time Karen was hungry, and she's still on a "healthy" kick, so it was Subway for the third day running. Then it was on the back road to Pigeon Forge as the Parkway was bumper to bumper heading out of town. We later found out that there had been two car shows in town over the past two weekends and they were all heading home today. Mind you, traffic into town was also steady and constant.
Once in Pigeon forge we kept going to Gatlinburg. A big mistake. Traffic was so heavy, and the town so crowded with pedestrians, that we had to go all the way through and out the other side to turn around to return back the way we had come. Karen tried to get some video, but her relationship with the camera is a difficult one at best. I'll have to see what video can be rescued later.
Back in Pigeon Forge our next stop was The Boot Barn. Buy one pair of boots and get two more up to the same price free. Last visit we managed to get three pair of $199 boots. This time I saw only one pair at that price, I found a nice pair at $229 but decided to wait until we get to Nashville as there is an outlet there too.
Next door to The Boot Barn is Duncan's and I went looking for some jeans as decent ones are impossible to find back home. I found only one pair in my size (big boy) and they were button up. I decided to leave them for now.
Stages West was shut today (Sunday) so my new hat shopping will have to wait until tomorrow. We drove around to Patriot Park but there was nothing happening there today.
By this time we were able to check into our motel, right on the Parkway. We got up to our room and then discovered there is no guest laundry. And I was wearing my last clean shirt. I knew I should have done the laundry last night
Karen suggested we go back to Duncan's and get a couple of tee shots to last me until Nashville. I have enough under garments to last so we returned to Duncan's where I bought two tee's a short sleeved shirt (the only one in my size) and the jeans.
Back at our motel I had my first swim in America
The air temperature was somewhere in the mid 80's. I guessed the water temperature at around 70 F. It was "incredibly cool" in the water, so I only swam for about 10 minutes before getting out and returning to the room for a shower.
Karen had seen the local Golden Corral across the road from the motel and decided she wanted dinner there again (so much for the healthy eating ).
With an early dinner over we went for a drive. Karen found several shops she wants to "explore" tomorrow. Originally we were going to spend most of the day at Dollywood, but there are some other things we may do instead ao she can enjoy a bit of "retain therapy".
) to get back to sleep and I really only dozed until just after 6.Up at 7 for the usual morning routine. with the car packed it was down to breakfast, toasted bagels and yoghurt for Karen, a muffin for me. Checking out of the hotel we made our way back into downtown Chattanooga, about 20 minutes drive, to the Walnut St Bridge, the "world's longest pedestrian bridge".
I tried looking for a mural celebrating Martin Luther King Jnr, but couldn't find it on iMaps so decided to let it go. Then we were on the road for Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.
Once clear of Chattanooga we headed up I-75 reaching Knoxville in just over 2 hours. Onto I-40 then TN66. At Sevierville I stoped off at Smokey Mountain Iron Works, the "worlds biggest knife shop". I didn't realise from the outside just how big it is, and over two levels.
I saw a great display of S&W knives, and almost bought one, but I already have a first edition S&W knife. Still I bought a couple of tin BBQ signs to go on the wall on our deck, a small Henry knife set and a pocket sharpener.
Next stop was just down the road. On our last visit I had seen the giant guitar outside Music Outlet too late to stop and get a photo. This time I was ready and pulled in to the carpark. The store was shut so I didn't get to look inside.
By this time Karen was hungry, and she's still on a "healthy" kick, so it was Subway for the third day running. Then it was on the back road to Pigeon Forge as the Parkway was bumper to bumper heading out of town. We later found out that there had been two car shows in town over the past two weekends and they were all heading home today. Mind you, traffic into town was also steady and constant.
Once in Pigeon forge we kept going to Gatlinburg. A big mistake. Traffic was so heavy, and the town so crowded with pedestrians, that we had to go all the way through and out the other side to turn around to return back the way we had come. Karen tried to get some video, but her relationship with the camera is a difficult one at best. I'll have to see what video can be rescued later.
Back in Pigeon Forge our next stop was The Boot Barn. Buy one pair of boots and get two more up to the same price free. Last visit we managed to get three pair of $199 boots. This time I saw only one pair at that price, I found a nice pair at $229 but decided to wait until we get to Nashville as there is an outlet there too.
Next door to The Boot Barn is Duncan's and I went looking for some jeans as decent ones are impossible to find back home. I found only one pair in my size (big boy) and they were button up. I decided to leave them for now.
Stages West was shut today (Sunday) so my new hat shopping will have to wait until tomorrow. We drove around to Patriot Park but there was nothing happening there today.
By this time we were able to check into our motel, right on the Parkway. We got up to our room and then discovered there is no guest laundry. And I was wearing my last clean shirt. I knew I should have done the laundry last night
Karen suggested we go back to Duncan's and get a couple of tee shots to last me until Nashville. I have enough under garments to last so we returned to Duncan's where I bought two tee's a short sleeved shirt (the only one in my size) and the jeans.
Back at our motel I had my first swim in America
The air temperature was somewhere in the mid 80's. I guessed the water temperature at around 70 F. It was "incredibly cool" in the water, so I only swam for about 10 minutes before getting out and returning to the room for a shower.
Karen had seen the local Golden Corral across the road from the motel and decided she wanted dinner there again (so much for the healthy eating
).With an early dinner over we went for a drive. Karen found several shops she wants to "explore" tomorrow. Originally we were going to spend most of the day at Dollywood, but there are some other things we may do instead ao she can enjoy a bit of "retain therapy".
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5-Shot
Member
Bet you saw a lot of old cars in Pigeon Forge. They were having their "Rod Run".
Ed
Ed
While you are rattling around in Tennessee, Gus's Fried Chicken is a real treat. Knoxville has one near the airport. I believe there are a couple of them in Memphis.
OP
Last night I had difficulty in making our daily phone call home. No matter what I did my phone would not connect a call. We used Karen's phone to call Ryan and then I logged a fault with my service provider. I was given a 28 minute callback time.
While waiting for the callback I gave my phone a "hot start" reboot, and it seemed to fix the problem.
I slept pretty well, waking a couple of times, and while it took some time I managed to get back to sleep both times. I was surprised when I woke again to find it was 6:30 am. After reading some overnight Kiwi news I got up about 7. There was no hurry today, we were not travelling and we had the luxury of a late start. Getting out of bed I could barley stand, my lower back was locked up. I lay down on the hard floor (no carpet) and gradually managed to lie flat, then I proceeded to complete a series of exercises give to me by my chiropractor. When I stood up again it was better, but not perfect.
Breakfast, after 8 am, was "continental", toast, bagels boiled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and waffles. Karen had toast, I had biscuit and gravy followed by a toasted bagel. Back in the room I caught up on my writing which I had not completed overnight.
Karen did not feel like Dollywood today, so it was just a general look around Pigeon Forge. By a little after 10 am we were back at Stages West where I wanted a new hat. With my large head I had not been able to find one last time. I had looked online before we travelled and found a straw Stetson for $70 (plus tax at Stage West).
Getting into the car I could not get apple play to work! We were not going to need it today but tomorrow we would. Finally I was able to get my phone blutoothed into the car, which meant I could use the screen in the phone holder in front of me to see the map. None of the hats had prices displayed. I thought I had the right hat but when I paid for it I found it cost twice what I was expecting. (Don't anyone tell Karen please).
I also looked at the boots and found some nice ones a bit cheaper and the same price as at The Boot Warehouse. What I am looking for are a pair of black boots, I already have an almost new pair of tan boots at home. There were a few pair but none that fit properly. I had always planned a visit to Boot Warehouse in Nashville, so I held off buying anything just yet.
I had tried to book online for the Soul of Motown Show tonight, but I kept getting a message that my address did not match that held by my credit card account. I checked it twice and it was right, so we headed to the theatre to get our tickets.
From there Karen asked to go to The Christmas Shop. It is extensive and devoted to Christmas decorations. A friend back home loves Christmas shops so I had to take a video to send back to her. Karen forwarded it later today and we are still waiting for the reaction. I bought a small sign for a friend and Karen picked up two ornaments.
There was also a Christmas Warehouse nearby so, of course, Karen had to check that one out too.
By now we were both hot. Karen was looking for a cold drink while I wanted a coffee. We saw an ice cream parlour and called in there. No coffee but an ice cream each went down well.
Back at the motel we rested up for an hour then headed out again to the Hollywood Wax Museum. The displays were pretty life like and I had my photo taken with a few of the mannequins, including Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp. Then I found one with Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood. There was a guitar prop there and so I just had to get my photo taken with the group, well the first three anyway.
We drove around getting some photos then back to the motel to shower and dress for the show tonight. I took the opportunity to walk along the Pigeon River. Then I decided to reset my phone. After making sure everything was uploaded to my iCloud account I hit the "delete everything" button. It is still reloading all my apps (at 7 pm with another 1.5 GB to go, thanks to hotel wi-fi) but at least Apple Play now works again.
Dinner tonight was barbecue, across the road and right next door to Golden Corral. Karen, as usual, had her chicken tenders, while I had a half rack of ribs. We both had coleslaw and potato salad as sides. I could barely finish my plate, and that was without lunch. Karen left 2/3 of her chicken on the plate.
With another hour and a half before we could leave for the show we came back to the motel to write this and check on my phone's update. Now we're out to hear songs and see the stars of Motown of the 60's and 70's.
While waiting for the callback I gave my phone a "hot start" reboot, and it seemed to fix the problem.
I slept pretty well, waking a couple of times, and while it took some time I managed to get back to sleep both times. I was surprised when I woke again to find it was 6:30 am. After reading some overnight Kiwi news I got up about 7. There was no hurry today, we were not travelling and we had the luxury of a late start. Getting out of bed I could barley stand, my lower back was locked up. I lay down on the hard floor (no carpet) and gradually managed to lie flat, then I proceeded to complete a series of exercises give to me by my chiropractor. When I stood up again it was better, but not perfect.
Breakfast, after 8 am, was "continental", toast, bagels boiled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and waffles. Karen had toast, I had biscuit and gravy followed by a toasted bagel. Back in the room I caught up on my writing which I had not completed overnight.
Karen did not feel like Dollywood today, so it was just a general look around Pigeon Forge. By a little after 10 am we were back at Stages West where I wanted a new hat. With my large head I had not been able to find one last time. I had looked online before we travelled and found a straw Stetson for $70 (plus tax at Stage West).
Getting into the car I could not get apple play to work! We were not going to need it today but tomorrow we would. Finally I was able to get my phone blutoothed into the car, which meant I could use the screen in the phone holder in front of me to see the map. None of the hats had prices displayed. I thought I had the right hat but when I paid for it I found it cost twice what I was expecting. (Don't anyone tell Karen please).
I also looked at the boots and found some nice ones a bit cheaper and the same price as at The Boot Warehouse. What I am looking for are a pair of black boots, I already have an almost new pair of tan boots at home. There were a few pair but none that fit properly. I had always planned a visit to Boot Warehouse in Nashville, so I held off buying anything just yet.
I had tried to book online for the Soul of Motown Show tonight, but I kept getting a message that my address did not match that held by my credit card account. I checked it twice and it was right, so we headed to the theatre to get our tickets.
From there Karen asked to go to The Christmas Shop. It is extensive and devoted to Christmas decorations. A friend back home loves Christmas shops so I had to take a video to send back to her. Karen forwarded it later today and we are still waiting for the reaction. I bought a small sign for a friend and Karen picked up two ornaments.
There was also a Christmas Warehouse nearby so, of course, Karen had to check that one out too.
By now we were both hot. Karen was looking for a cold drink while I wanted a coffee. We saw an ice cream parlour and called in there. No coffee but an ice cream each went down well.
Back at the motel we rested up for an hour then headed out again to the Hollywood Wax Museum. The displays were pretty life like and I had my photo taken with a few of the mannequins, including Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp. Then I found one with Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood. There was a guitar prop there and so I just had to get my photo taken with the group, well the first three anyway.
We drove around getting some photos then back to the motel to shower and dress for the show tonight. I took the opportunity to walk along the Pigeon River. Then I decided to reset my phone. After making sure everything was uploaded to my iCloud account I hit the "delete everything" button. It is still reloading all my apps (at 7 pm with another 1.5 GB to go, thanks to hotel wi-fi) but at least Apple Play now works again.
Dinner tonight was barbecue, across the road and right next door to Golden Corral. Karen, as usual, had her chicken tenders, while I had a half rack of ribs. We both had coleslaw and potato salad as sides. I could barely finish my plate, and that was without lunch. Karen left 2/3 of her chicken on the plate.
With another hour and a half before we could leave for the show we came back to the motel to write this and check on my phone's update. Now we're out to hear songs and see the stars of Motown of the 60's and 70's.
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bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
When traveling internationally, we use the WhatsApp app on our phones, from any WiFi, to keep in touch with family.
Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk
OP
Unfortunately WhatsApp only works cellphone to cellphone. Ryan only has a landline.
OP
I enjoyed tue Soul of Motown show, but it was not really Karen's type of music.
Yesterday, Tuesday morning, we said goodbye to Pigeon Forge. Up, dressed and the car packed away by 8 am followed by breakfast, which this morring had the added bonus of fresh fruit salad (me) and yoghurt (Karen).
Driving through town we stopped to get another few pictures of some shop decorations while there was little traffic.
In less than 45 minutes we were in Knoxville. We drove through the old town looking around until we found a coffee shop where Karen had "the best cup of coffee since we've been here". Back in the car and Apple Play refused to work again! I managed to find my way to the Tennessee theatre, which was a small, non descript, building on a side street. It was still closed so we couldn't look around inside.
Next up was the Sunsphere. After driving through World Fair Park I finally found a parking space back outside the park. Karen's feet have swollen in the heat in the last few days so she sat in the car while I made the 7 minute walk back to the 'sphere. I had seen on a video that you could take an elevator to the observation level for free. There was a $5 charge and you applied for the tickets in advance or scanned a code to buy them on the spot. I scanned but the website was blank, no way for me to get the tickets. I was not having any success with phone technology today.
Leaving Knoxville we began the 2 1/2 hour drive to Nashville. About midday (eastern time) we pulled over at a McDonalds at a rest stop to use the bathroom. We were both hot and strawberry banana smoothies smoothies sounded good. Neither of us was really hungry so it sufficed for our lunch.
When we got back to the car the push button door locks, which had been only opening the drivers door since last week, refused to function at all. I plugged my phone back into the USB port to charge and Apple Maps started up.
On the drive from McDonalds WSM 650 AM became available on the radio, so we listened to that. Or rather I listened while I drove and Karen finished reading her book, then she asked if we could go to a Walmart today so she could buy a new one as it was the last book she had bought with us. She had also run out of the second bottle of perfume we had bought in Memphis last time and wanted to get another bottle.
The radio weather report at 1 pm (central) spoke of temperatures of 96 F today, with at or over 100 degrees Wednesday and Thursday, dropping down to the low 70's by the weekend.
Arriving in Nashville we drove to the Parthenon. Once more Karen's feet were giving her some problems so she stayed in the car while I went inside the museum. Opening the door the outside temperature hit me like a hammer. The car's temperature reading was the promised 96 F. The best part of the Parthenon was going back upstairs to the main hall with the statue of Athena. Amazing.
Back in the car I found a Walmart in Goodlettsville, where we are staying while in Nashville. We made our way there where one book became two for Karen (I saw a new James Patterson book I had heard about so it really became three) and we bought two Nashville tee shirts, one for Ryan and one for me, plus Karen's perfume. A small bottle which would cost NZ$50-60 being just under US$25.
While Karen was at the perfume counter I queried iMaps for the nearest Budget rentals outlet, there was one a five minute drive away, so back in the car we headed there. They did not have a replacement car for me, in fact a notice on the door said if you hadn't booked a rental car at least 24 hours in a advance they had none available, but I was told to go to the Nashville Airport branch and request a mechanical exchange. Unfortunately it was not the "5 minutes down the road" the Budget agent told me but 25 minutes away in the traffic. Karen wanted to get to the hotel and have a soak in the bath. I wanted to get our laundry done, I was going to need a new shirt for this evening.
Booking in I realised after it was too late that I had used my personal Visa card and not our Wises travel card to book the hotel and security deposit and I would have to see the manager tomorrow to change it (I was half way convinced it would be declined before then). We got all our baggage, plus most of the rest of our stuff, up to our room and went to enquire where the laundry was. Ah, what laundry? Believe it or not a moderately sized Wingate by Wyndham without one.
There was a coin operated laundry less than 450 yards from our hotel, so while Karen relaxed in the room I drove our laundry bag there and sat for an hour with the laptop while our clothes were washed and dried. During this time I received a phone call from my credit card issuer about some recent transactions on my card. I asked if these transactions were in America? Yes they were. That's where we are right now I told them and she confirmed I had advised them of this about 2 months ago. She then specifically queried the transaction for our hotel which I approved verbally.
Back in our room we folded and put away all our now clean clothes and I set up the electronics. Then, after cooling off for 1/2 hour, we got ready to go into town for dinner. The 22 minute drive into Broadway was against the flow of outward bound traffic and went smoothly. But I can't say the same about traffic in town. Just after 6 pm the roads, and the footpaths, were packed.
The parking space I wanted to use had another "technology surprise" for me. Scan the space sign with your phone to pay. When I tried I found I needed a US phone number for a text to set up the process, my Kiwi one would not work. Fortunately I had seen some parking buildings on the other side of Broadway so off we went. I pulled into the first one I saw. US$30 to park until midnight. We would be fast asleep by then I hoped.
The walk to our destination was further than I thought and Karen's feet were giving her problems. I told her I would get the car and bring it to her when we were leaving.
The bar we were heading to was John Rich's Redneck Riviera. The band was just starting up in the downstairs section, which was packed. We had a drink each (soft drink for Karen, light beer for me) and I stapled the NZ Police shoulder flash I had bought with me to the wall, along with what seemed like thousands of others.
I asked Karen if she wanted to go to one of the upstairs bars for dinner but she didn't even want to take the elevator and she wasn't hungry. Tell the truth neither was I.
We left ands after I retrieved the car and picked up Karen, made our way back to our hotel which has room service delivery. Nothing on the menu appealed to either of us, and we still weren't hungry, so a few snacks form our bag of travel goodies sufficed for dinner and we turned in a little after 9 pm.
Yesterday, Tuesday morning, we said goodbye to Pigeon Forge. Up, dressed and the car packed away by 8 am followed by breakfast, which this morring had the added bonus of fresh fruit salad (me) and yoghurt (Karen).
Driving through town we stopped to get another few pictures of some shop decorations while there was little traffic.
In less than 45 minutes we were in Knoxville. We drove through the old town looking around until we found a coffee shop where Karen had "the best cup of coffee since we've been here". Back in the car and Apple Play refused to work again! I managed to find my way to the Tennessee theatre, which was a small, non descript, building on a side street. It was still closed so we couldn't look around inside.
Next up was the Sunsphere. After driving through World Fair Park I finally found a parking space back outside the park. Karen's feet have swollen in the heat in the last few days so she sat in the car while I made the 7 minute walk back to the 'sphere. I had seen on a video that you could take an elevator to the observation level for free. There was a $5 charge and you applied for the tickets in advance or scanned a code to buy them on the spot. I scanned but the website was blank, no way for me to get the tickets. I was not having any success with phone technology today.
Leaving Knoxville we began the 2 1/2 hour drive to Nashville. About midday (eastern time) we pulled over at a McDonalds at a rest stop to use the bathroom. We were both hot and strawberry banana smoothies smoothies sounded good. Neither of us was really hungry so it sufficed for our lunch.
When we got back to the car the push button door locks, which had been only opening the drivers door since last week, refused to function at all. I plugged my phone back into the USB port to charge and Apple Maps started up.
On the drive from McDonalds WSM 650 AM became available on the radio, so we listened to that. Or rather I listened while I drove and Karen finished reading her book, then she asked if we could go to a Walmart today so she could buy a new one as it was the last book she had bought with us. She had also run out of the second bottle of perfume we had bought in Memphis last time and wanted to get another bottle.
The radio weather report at 1 pm (central) spoke of temperatures of 96 F today, with at or over 100 degrees Wednesday and Thursday, dropping down to the low 70's by the weekend.
Arriving in Nashville we drove to the Parthenon. Once more Karen's feet were giving her some problems so she stayed in the car while I went inside the museum. Opening the door the outside temperature hit me like a hammer. The car's temperature reading was the promised 96 F. The best part of the Parthenon was going back upstairs to the main hall with the statue of Athena. Amazing.
Back in the car I found a Walmart in Goodlettsville, where we are staying while in Nashville. We made our way there where one book became two for Karen (I saw a new James Patterson book I had heard about so it really became three) and we bought two Nashville tee shirts, one for Ryan and one for me, plus Karen's perfume. A small bottle which would cost NZ$50-60 being just under US$25.
While Karen was at the perfume counter I queried iMaps for the nearest Budget rentals outlet, there was one a five minute drive away, so back in the car we headed there. They did not have a replacement car for me, in fact a notice on the door said if you hadn't booked a rental car at least 24 hours in a advance they had none available, but I was told to go to the Nashville Airport branch and request a mechanical exchange. Unfortunately it was not the "5 minutes down the road" the Budget agent told me but 25 minutes away in the traffic. Karen wanted to get to the hotel and have a soak in the bath. I wanted to get our laundry done, I was going to need a new shirt for this evening.
Booking in I realised after it was too late that I had used my personal Visa card and not our Wises travel card to book the hotel and security deposit and I would have to see the manager tomorrow to change it (I was half way convinced it would be declined before then). We got all our baggage, plus most of the rest of our stuff, up to our room and went to enquire where the laundry was. Ah, what laundry? Believe it or not a moderately sized Wingate by Wyndham without one.
There was a coin operated laundry less than 450 yards from our hotel, so while Karen relaxed in the room I drove our laundry bag there and sat for an hour with the laptop while our clothes were washed and dried. During this time I received a phone call from my credit card issuer about some recent transactions on my card. I asked if these transactions were in America? Yes they were. That's where we are right now I told them and she confirmed I had advised them of this about 2 months ago. She then specifically queried the transaction for our hotel which I approved verbally.
Back in our room we folded and put away all our now clean clothes and I set up the electronics. Then, after cooling off for 1/2 hour, we got ready to go into town for dinner. The 22 minute drive into Broadway was against the flow of outward bound traffic and went smoothly. But I can't say the same about traffic in town. Just after 6 pm the roads, and the footpaths, were packed.
The parking space I wanted to use had another "technology surprise" for me. Scan the space sign with your phone to pay. When I tried I found I needed a US phone number for a text to set up the process, my Kiwi one would not work. Fortunately I had seen some parking buildings on the other side of Broadway so off we went. I pulled into the first one I saw. US$30 to park until midnight. We would be fast asleep by then I hoped.
The walk to our destination was further than I thought and Karen's feet were giving her problems. I told her I would get the car and bring it to her when we were leaving.
The bar we were heading to was John Rich's Redneck Riviera. The band was just starting up in the downstairs section, which was packed. We had a drink each (soft drink for Karen, light beer for me) and I stapled the NZ Police shoulder flash I had bought with me to the wall, along with what seemed like thousands of others.
I asked Karen if she wanted to go to one of the upstairs bars for dinner but she didn't even want to take the elevator and she wasn't hungry. Tell the truth neither was I.
We left ands after I retrieved the car and picked up Karen, made our way back to our hotel which has room service delivery. Nothing on the menu appealed to either of us, and we still weren't hungry, so a few snacks form our bag of travel goodies sufficed for dinner and we turned in a little after 9 pm.
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OP
During Wednesday I came to the conclusion that while I love Nashville as the home of country music, it's sheer size and traffic volume means that there is no way I would, or could, ever live here. Especially if living here meant living out of the inner city.
Neither of us really slept well Tuesday night, although I refrained from getting up and turning on the laptop. We were both fully awake just after 6.30. After reading the news, the bathroom routine, and dressing we went down to breakfast before 8. The breakfast had a good range with both hot and continental food available, but someone forgot to turn the power on to the hot food containers, it was cold!
The first stop was Budget car rentals at Nashville airport. Traffic was stop/start for a lot of the trip. Once we arrived the signage was great and the staff at Budget agreed to a car exchange. Apart from the low tire pressure warning, there had been a service due warning since Monday, the issues with Apple Play and the door locks were playing up a bit, not working with the little buttons on the door handles and sometimes needing three of four pushes of the remote to unlock.
The attendant initially told me that the service had been done "about 1000 miles ago". Then he found out we had travelled just under 2,500 miles in 12 days and it was, in fact, due in about another 400 miles.
We swapped the Honda SR-V for a Kia Forte. It is certainly sportier looking (4 door sedan vs hatchback) but the interior feels smaller and it lacks some of the refinements of the Honda. No adaptive cruise control, which requires being turned on manually after every engine start, and a few other little kinks that it took most of the day to work out.
From the airport it was into town to tour the Ryman Auditorium. I had decided to park as close as could to the destination, in fact it was only 25 yards to the Ryman once we made the street level again. It was getting to street level that was the problem.
iMaps took us to the Broadway & 5th parking building on the Commerce St side, and we finally found a parking space on the 6th floor level. On the way up I had been paying attention to empty spaces (levels 1 -4 were all reserved and level 5 full). I had not seen any elevator signs although Karen had, and for once she was not insistent. Once parked I went looking for the elevators which in Kiwi buildings are usually near the stairs or in the corners. I couldn't see anything (I should have rounded another corner) so we went down the stairs.
Karen has been retaining fluid in her ankles for the last few days. She avoids taking the medication that helps shed the water as it can effect her kidneys long term, although she has been taking it since Monday. Today she was wearing flat soled sandals as her shoes were still too tight, and by the time we reached the street level (the last two flights were almost as long as the previous four had been) she was having a bit of trouble walking with her ankle pain.
Crossing 5th Ave, which fronts what is now the Ryman's rear, we walked around to the front and the entrance. Karen sat in the shade while I got our tickets, and once inside where she saw the stairs we had to climd to the balcony level to start the tour, she sat on a seat and told me to go ahead without her. As I was scanned in I was told there was an elevator around the corner. I turned to tell Karen and she sigalled me just to go, she would stay where she was.
Steve Earl was playing the Ryman that night so the stage and backstage area was off limits. Pity, backstage was what I was looking forward to seeing. We had been here last time to attend the Grand Ole Opry, but had not paid much attention to the place, other than our seats and the show. I had not even been aware of the displays around both the interior and the lobby's of the building.
On the second floor I was told a video had just started and the next screening was in 15 minutes. I was advised to look around and be back by then to watch it. I toured the balcony level and turned around to return when I found Karen and come up and was looking around.
We went back to the balcony level lobby and watched the video then turned the lower floor. Karen sat in a pew while I got some photos from the stage front steps then found the seats we had been in to see The Opry show. At Air Castle Studio I decided I would record "King of the road" but whenI went around to the front to sign it there were no morning sessions today.
With our Ryman tour over we exited to walk to Broadway. Our next stop was to be Tootsies Orchid Lounge. By the time we made Broadway Karen was struggling to walk. We entered the first honky tonk we came to, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row. Even at 11.30 the band was LOUD and there were a lot of customers. We found a seat, I went up and ordered two lemonade's (which I wasn't charged for) so we decided we had better have an early lunch. Karen had the CLT (chicken, lettuce and tomato) while I had the Whiskey Burger.
Confession: I had never eaten Jalapeño's before. I was told they were pretty hot so had avoided them. A piece of one had fallen out of my burger so I ate it. It was sweet, then the heat hit me. I had to have a swallow of my drink. While eating the rest of the burger the Jalapeño heat was hidden "in the mix". I will certainly be trying them again.
I was surprised by the cost of our lunch. This trip basic meals have been costing us around $50 for two, and even Subway has been $25 or so. This lunch came to $38, with three lemonades (I was bought a refill by the waitress). With lunch over we started back to the car. I got a few photos of the honky tonks I wanted to visit on the way. At 5th Ave S though ,Karen found a seat and asked me to bring the car to her, which I did.
It took me just over 10 minutes to walk to the car, find a place where I had decent phone reception (I had only 1 bar on the 6th floor level) and pay for the parking before returning to Karen. I offered to take her home to rest up while I went and did some of my sightseeing, which she agreed to.
With Karen resting up in the room I headed out again for the 25 minute drive to The Bluebird Cafe. I was aware it was closed but I wanted a photo anyway. It had featured lot in the TV series Nashville and I have every episode on DVD. From The Bluebird I drove through school hour traffic to Fort Negley. Getting out of the car I was hit by the heat. The temperature was forecast to almost hit 100 F this afternoon. In fact it did hit 100 although it was "only" 97 on the car's readout when I got out.
I took a few photos of the entrance then went inside where I was pleasantly surprised to find no entry fee. I sat and watched the video, which certainly gave me a fresher perspective of the city during the 1860's and the Civil War in particular, as did the information signs on the 1/2 mile walk around the fort.
The southern side of the fort has been cleared and the stone construction is clearly on display. Most of the rest is covered by scrub and "under renovation" so it is closed to entry.
Back in the car, and close to Broadway, I returned, parked, and walked up and down entering several of the honky tonks to spend a few minutes listening to the bands. Most, at this time, were acoustic but Karen alter said even these were too loud when I showed her some video I had taken.
By 5.30 I was back in the car again, heading to our hotel. That was when I heard on the radio that the temperature had "officially" reached 100 F It was another 30 minute drive in traffic, and once I reached our room I cooled off. Karen was ready for dinner and I found a nearby cafe, Chef's Market, only a few minutes drive away (I could have walked in 5 minutes but Karen couldn't).
It was a "line up, choose your food which will be served to you then find your table" type of place, and the food was superb. No wonder we had to wait in line for over 10 minutes to reach the serving counter. Karen had meatloaf and I decided on the pot roast. I can see a few meatloaf recipes being tried out when we get home.
Once back in the hotel is was almost 8 pm. A phone call home, some TV (or in my case some online news clips) and a shower before bed just after 10 pm.
Neither of us really slept well Tuesday night, although I refrained from getting up and turning on the laptop. We were both fully awake just after 6.30. After reading the news, the bathroom routine, and dressing we went down to breakfast before 8. The breakfast had a good range with both hot and continental food available, but someone forgot to turn the power on to the hot food containers, it was cold!
The first stop was Budget car rentals at Nashville airport. Traffic was stop/start for a lot of the trip. Once we arrived the signage was great and the staff at Budget agreed to a car exchange. Apart from the low tire pressure warning, there had been a service due warning since Monday, the issues with Apple Play and the door locks were playing up a bit, not working with the little buttons on the door handles and sometimes needing three of four pushes of the remote to unlock.
The attendant initially told me that the service had been done "about 1000 miles ago". Then he found out we had travelled just under 2,500 miles in 12 days and it was, in fact, due in about another 400 miles.
We swapped the Honda SR-V for a Kia Forte. It is certainly sportier looking (4 door sedan vs hatchback) but the interior feels smaller and it lacks some of the refinements of the Honda. No adaptive cruise control, which requires being turned on manually after every engine start, and a few other little kinks that it took most of the day to work out.
From the airport it was into town to tour the Ryman Auditorium. I had decided to park as close as could to the destination, in fact it was only 25 yards to the Ryman once we made the street level again. It was getting to street level that was the problem.
iMaps took us to the Broadway & 5th parking building on the Commerce St side, and we finally found a parking space on the 6th floor level. On the way up I had been paying attention to empty spaces (levels 1 -4 were all reserved and level 5 full). I had not seen any elevator signs although Karen had, and for once she was not insistent. Once parked I went looking for the elevators which in Kiwi buildings are usually near the stairs or in the corners. I couldn't see anything (I should have rounded another corner) so we went down the stairs.
Karen has been retaining fluid in her ankles for the last few days. She avoids taking the medication that helps shed the water as it can effect her kidneys long term, although she has been taking it since Monday. Today she was wearing flat soled sandals as her shoes were still too tight, and by the time we reached the street level (the last two flights were almost as long as the previous four had been) she was having a bit of trouble walking with her ankle pain.
Crossing 5th Ave, which fronts what is now the Ryman's rear, we walked around to the front and the entrance. Karen sat in the shade while I got our tickets, and once inside where she saw the stairs we had to climd to the balcony level to start the tour, she sat on a seat and told me to go ahead without her. As I was scanned in I was told there was an elevator around the corner. I turned to tell Karen and she sigalled me just to go, she would stay where she was.
Steve Earl was playing the Ryman that night so the stage and backstage area was off limits. Pity, backstage was what I was looking forward to seeing. We had been here last time to attend the Grand Ole Opry, but had not paid much attention to the place, other than our seats and the show. I had not even been aware of the displays around both the interior and the lobby's of the building.
On the second floor I was told a video had just started and the next screening was in 15 minutes. I was advised to look around and be back by then to watch it. I toured the balcony level and turned around to return when I found Karen and come up and was looking around.
We went back to the balcony level lobby and watched the video then turned the lower floor. Karen sat in a pew while I got some photos from the stage front steps then found the seats we had been in to see The Opry show. At Air Castle Studio I decided I would record "King of the road" but whenI went around to the front to sign it there were no morning sessions today.
With our Ryman tour over we exited to walk to Broadway. Our next stop was to be Tootsies Orchid Lounge. By the time we made Broadway Karen was struggling to walk. We entered the first honky tonk we came to, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row. Even at 11.30 the band was LOUD and there were a lot of customers. We found a seat, I went up and ordered two lemonade's (which I wasn't charged for) so we decided we had better have an early lunch. Karen had the CLT (chicken, lettuce and tomato) while I had the Whiskey Burger.
Confession: I had never eaten Jalapeño's before. I was told they were pretty hot so had avoided them. A piece of one had fallen out of my burger so I ate it. It was sweet, then the heat hit me. I had to have a swallow of my drink. While eating the rest of the burger the Jalapeño heat was hidden "in the mix". I will certainly be trying them again.
I was surprised by the cost of our lunch. This trip basic meals have been costing us around $50 for two, and even Subway has been $25 or so. This lunch came to $38, with three lemonades (I was bought a refill by the waitress). With lunch over we started back to the car. I got a few photos of the honky tonks I wanted to visit on the way. At 5th Ave S though ,Karen found a seat and asked me to bring the car to her, which I did.
It took me just over 10 minutes to walk to the car, find a place where I had decent phone reception (I had only 1 bar on the 6th floor level) and pay for the parking before returning to Karen. I offered to take her home to rest up while I went and did some of my sightseeing, which she agreed to.
With Karen resting up in the room I headed out again for the 25 minute drive to The Bluebird Cafe. I was aware it was closed but I wanted a photo anyway. It had featured lot in the TV series Nashville and I have every episode on DVD. From The Bluebird I drove through school hour traffic to Fort Negley. Getting out of the car I was hit by the heat. The temperature was forecast to almost hit 100 F this afternoon. In fact it did hit 100 although it was "only" 97 on the car's readout when I got out.
I took a few photos of the entrance then went inside where I was pleasantly surprised to find no entry fee. I sat and watched the video, which certainly gave me a fresher perspective of the city during the 1860's and the Civil War in particular, as did the information signs on the 1/2 mile walk around the fort.
The southern side of the fort has been cleared and the stone construction is clearly on display. Most of the rest is covered by scrub and "under renovation" so it is closed to entry.
Back in the car, and close to Broadway, I returned, parked, and walked up and down entering several of the honky tonks to spend a few minutes listening to the bands. Most, at this time, were acoustic but Karen alter said even these were too loud when I showed her some video I had taken.
By 5.30 I was back in the car again, heading to our hotel. That was when I heard on the radio that the temperature had "officially" reached 100 F It was another 30 minute drive in traffic, and once I reached our room I cooled off. Karen was ready for dinner and I found a nearby cafe, Chef's Market, only a few minutes drive away (I could have walked in 5 minutes but Karen couldn't).
It was a "line up, choose your food which will be served to you then find your table" type of place, and the food was superb. No wonder we had to wait in line for over 10 minutes to reach the serving counter. Karen had meatloaf and I decided on the pot roast. I can see a few meatloaf recipes being tried out when we get home.
Once back in the hotel is was almost 8 pm. A phone call home, some TV (or in my case some online news clips) and a shower before bed just after 10 pm.
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Kiwi, I'm enjoying your daily trip reports. Keep it up!
(Re iMaps, I am an iPhone/iPad/CarPlay user, but with CarPlay I use GoogleMaps. I tried iMaps for a bit, but decided I preferred GoogleMaps. You might try it and see if it works better for you.)
(Re iMaps, I am an iPhone/iPad/CarPlay user, but with CarPlay I use GoogleMaps. I tried iMaps for a bit, but decided I preferred GoogleMaps. You might try it and see if it works better for you.)
Is yours the blue one at the bottom right of the photo?
If so is that a Latin phrase at the bottom -- can't make it out.
You two are troopers. Nashville has more folks than my state. I could easily see you both enjoying Wyoming on a future U.S.A. trip.
OP
Is yours the blue one at the bottom right of the photo?
If so is that a Latin phrase at the bottom -- can't make it out.
You two are troopers. Nashville has more folks than my state. I could easily see you both enjoying Wyoming on a future U.S.A. trip.
Yes thanks the one.
The weighting at the bottom of the emblem is simply "New Zealand.
Would love to do a trip of Wyoming, Montana etc one day.
OP
Thursday in Nashville the weather was quite a bit kinder to us pasty white southern hemisphere "just out of winter" travellers. Where the last two days temperatures had been 15 degrees higher than normal, today they were just below normal.Or so 650 WSM weather reports told us.
After a 6.30 am start, shower, full breakfast for me, yoghurt and toast for Karen, then some time at the laptop, I headed out for some sightseeing. Karen's ankles were still a bit swollen and we had some walking to do this afternoon, so she stayed back in the hotel room.
First stop was Opry House to pick up our tickets for the Grand Ole Opry performance Thursday night and our Friday afternoon tour. I also wanted to scope out parking so Karen didn't have to walk so far.
iMaps took me directly to the Opry carpark, $15 for 12 hours parking is pretty reasonable, except I was only going to be there for around 15 minutes and there is no re-entry.
Walking across the bridge to the Opry House I saw the Opry Mills carpark was much closer, so after picking up our tickets I got back in the car and made my way by road to the closest parking. With that completed it was time to go sightseeing.
The Gibson Garage was easy to find and there was public parking opposite that I could pay with a card. Only problem was, when I got to the door it didn't open until 11 am, and it was just after 10. Deciding I could return on Friday I found no charge for my short parking stay
I drove along Demonbruen St to 17th Ave S and down Music Row, stopping to get some photos of RCA Studio B along the way. I was regretting not booking a tour now.
At the end of music row on 17th Ave I made two left turns and returned along 16th Ave S, until reaching Decca Records and The Quonset Hutt site, now long gone but still marked.
By now I decided to return to see how Karen was getting on. At the hotel she was feeling hungry, so just before midday we headed down the road to Subway. From there we found a Dollar General a short distance away on Goodlettsville's main street to stock up on our travelling snacks before driving into town.
I had decided to park in the underground parking near Bridgestone Arena, between Fourth and Fifth Ave. Driving up Fourth Ave S I found the entrance and drove in, finding parking on the second level down. This time I found the elevator and we returned to street level behind the park in front of the Walk of Fame. We saw several dogs, big and small, running loose. Karen stopped to pet one little fellow on a lead, his human sitting in the shade nearby. She started talking to the dogs owner who was a music teacher from New York on a holiday. I left her chatting while I walked around taking photos of the markers. On returning to Karen we spent 15 minutes with the dog owner just talking about our travels. He had been to New Zealand back in the mid '90's.
Just before 2 pm we left and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame. The feature exhibits were of "Whispering" Bill Anderson and Martina McBride, then we entered the historical exhibits listing the timeline of country music, which were as we remembered. Making our way down to the second floor we found that the exhibits had changed, and one section was fenced off with signs telling us a new exhibition about the California country rock movement was in the process of being set up, opening in late September. As a country rock fan I was a week too early
.
Karen found that standing still was uncomfortable for her, so we didn't spend too much time reading the exhibits, strolling through slowly. As a result we found ourselves heading back to the entry level less than an hour after we had arrived. Downstairs we grabbed a cold drink before going into the gift shop. I spent a few minutes admiring the Gretch guitars for sale. One caught my eye, but at almost US$5,000 it was out of my budget. Besides, if I bought home another guitar Karen would be throwing me out of the house.
I did buy some lapel pins in the form of guitars, which I thought would make nice collar tabs when at country music clubs, and a couple of Hall of Fame circular pins too.
Making our way back to our car it was just before 3.30. It was time to return to the hotel, shower, and change for tonights Opry performance. For the first time since arriving two weeks ago I wore shoes and socks instead of sandals. I also wore my casual dress trousers, that I was beginning to think were a waste of time bringing, and my long sleeved dress shirt. Thankfully the temperature was bearable for such dress.
On the way to the Opry House Karen asked who the performers were. I could remember the Gatlin Brothers, Daly and Vincent and Steve Shlitz but not the others. Karen said she was not a fan of "modern" country music or the performers which was why she didn't know any recent country songs.
Driving through Opry Mills to the carpark Karen was not certain that I knew where we were going. Once I found Madam Tussard's Wax Museum I told her it was just around the corner. Soon I was pointing out the Opry House in front of us and looking for a car park. It seems that most of the other people attending that night did the same as I had and ignored the official Opry parking.
After a short walk from carpark to Opry House we decided to enter the gift shop first. I had bought small gifts for Sue and Boss, the bass player and drummer in our club band. Inside I found a small harmonica which I thought would be good for our lead guitarist, Mau, who plays one sometimes. I also invested in a performance poster for tonights show and Karen found another small Christmas ornament. Passing through security we entered the Opry House, the lady on the door commenting I was "the man in black tonight" due to my dress.
We found our seats and I left Karen watching the old performance videos while I went to find a snack for our dinner. I bought back two hot dogs and after eating I gave Sue a video call as it was just before midday back home.
It was Friday in Kiwiland and Sue and Boss were in the process of setting out the hall for our Saturday monthly club day. She told me that not only was an occasional keyboard player sitting in for me this month but they had also enlisted a rhythm guitar player for the day. It was enough to make me miss being there.
After 5 minutes we disconnected the call and I sat back to watch some of the music on the screen. When Alan Jackson was shown playing "Where I come from" I found myself singing along. Karen kept telling me to sing quietly as people had not come to hear me, but when I finished the man in front turned around and told me I had done a good job. We spoke to him and his wife, who also regularly told him to sing quieter, then it was time for the show.
Despite not knowing or liking "modern" country singers Karen enjoyed both Tony Jackson and Emily Ann Roberts. In fact she wanted to know what the last song Emily had sung as she enjoyed it.
2 1/4 hours later after another thoroughly enjoyable Opry performance we left. Finding our car we drove back to the motel where we phoned Ryan at home and watched some TV before turning in.
After a 6.30 am start, shower, full breakfast for me, yoghurt and toast for Karen, then some time at the laptop, I headed out for some sightseeing. Karen's ankles were still a bit swollen and we had some walking to do this afternoon, so she stayed back in the hotel room.
First stop was Opry House to pick up our tickets for the Grand Ole Opry performance Thursday night and our Friday afternoon tour. I also wanted to scope out parking so Karen didn't have to walk so far.
iMaps took me directly to the Opry carpark, $15 for 12 hours parking is pretty reasonable, except I was only going to be there for around 15 minutes and there is no re-entry.
Walking across the bridge to the Opry House I saw the Opry Mills carpark was much closer, so after picking up our tickets I got back in the car and made my way by road to the closest parking. With that completed it was time to go sightseeing.
The Gibson Garage was easy to find and there was public parking opposite that I could pay with a card. Only problem was, when I got to the door it didn't open until 11 am, and it was just after 10. Deciding I could return on Friday I found no charge for my short parking stay
I drove along Demonbruen St to 17th Ave S and down Music Row, stopping to get some photos of RCA Studio B along the way. I was regretting not booking a tour now.
At the end of music row on 17th Ave I made two left turns and returned along 16th Ave S, until reaching Decca Records and The Quonset Hutt site, now long gone but still marked.
By now I decided to return to see how Karen was getting on. At the hotel she was feeling hungry, so just before midday we headed down the road to Subway. From there we found a Dollar General a short distance away on Goodlettsville's main street to stock up on our travelling snacks before driving into town.
I had decided to park in the underground parking near Bridgestone Arena, between Fourth and Fifth Ave. Driving up Fourth Ave S I found the entrance and drove in, finding parking on the second level down. This time I found the elevator and we returned to street level behind the park in front of the Walk of Fame. We saw several dogs, big and small, running loose. Karen stopped to pet one little fellow on a lead, his human sitting in the shade nearby. She started talking to the dogs owner who was a music teacher from New York on a holiday. I left her chatting while I walked around taking photos of the markers. On returning to Karen we spent 15 minutes with the dog owner just talking about our travels. He had been to New Zealand back in the mid '90's.
Just before 2 pm we left and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame. The feature exhibits were of "Whispering" Bill Anderson and Martina McBride, then we entered the historical exhibits listing the timeline of country music, which were as we remembered. Making our way down to the second floor we found that the exhibits had changed, and one section was fenced off with signs telling us a new exhibition about the California country rock movement was in the process of being set up, opening in late September. As a country rock fan I was a week too early
.Karen found that standing still was uncomfortable for her, so we didn't spend too much time reading the exhibits, strolling through slowly. As a result we found ourselves heading back to the entry level less than an hour after we had arrived. Downstairs we grabbed a cold drink before going into the gift shop. I spent a few minutes admiring the Gretch guitars for sale. One caught my eye, but at almost US$5,000 it was out of my budget. Besides, if I bought home another guitar Karen would be throwing me out of the house.
I did buy some lapel pins in the form of guitars, which I thought would make nice collar tabs when at country music clubs, and a couple of Hall of Fame circular pins too.
Making our way back to our car it was just before 3.30. It was time to return to the hotel, shower, and change for tonights Opry performance. For the first time since arriving two weeks ago I wore shoes and socks instead of sandals. I also wore my casual dress trousers, that I was beginning to think were a waste of time bringing, and my long sleeved dress shirt. Thankfully the temperature was bearable for such dress.
On the way to the Opry House Karen asked who the performers were. I could remember the Gatlin Brothers, Daly and Vincent and Steve Shlitz but not the others. Karen said she was not a fan of "modern" country music or the performers which was why she didn't know any recent country songs.
Driving through Opry Mills to the carpark Karen was not certain that I knew where we were going. Once I found Madam Tussard's Wax Museum I told her it was just around the corner. Soon I was pointing out the Opry House in front of us and looking for a car park. It seems that most of the other people attending that night did the same as I had and ignored the official Opry parking.
After a short walk from carpark to Opry House we decided to enter the gift shop first. I had bought small gifts for Sue and Boss, the bass player and drummer in our club band. Inside I found a small harmonica which I thought would be good for our lead guitarist, Mau, who plays one sometimes. I also invested in a performance poster for tonights show and Karen found another small Christmas ornament. Passing through security we entered the Opry House, the lady on the door commenting I was "the man in black tonight" due to my dress.
We found our seats and I left Karen watching the old performance videos while I went to find a snack for our dinner. I bought back two hot dogs and after eating I gave Sue a video call as it was just before midday back home.
It was Friday in Kiwiland and Sue and Boss were in the process of setting out the hall for our Saturday monthly club day. She told me that not only was an occasional keyboard player sitting in for me this month but they had also enlisted a rhythm guitar player for the day. It was enough to make me miss being there.
After 5 minutes we disconnected the call and I sat back to watch some of the music on the screen. When Alan Jackson was shown playing "Where I come from" I found myself singing along. Karen kept telling me to sing quietly as people had not come to hear me, but when I finished the man in front turned around and told me I had done a good job. We spoke to him and his wife, who also regularly told him to sing quieter, then it was time for the show.
Despite not knowing or liking "modern" country singers Karen enjoyed both Tony Jackson and Emily Ann Roberts. In fact she wanted to know what the last song Emily had sung as she enjoyed it.
2 1/4 hours later after another thoroughly enjoyable Opry performance we left. Finding our car we drove back to the motel where we phoned Ryan at home and watched some TV before turning in.
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Time flies. It seems like yesterday I was following you on your first trip. I envy you for your visit to The Grand Ole Opry.
OP
An easy day in Music City
Today was an easy day with only two activities. Three if you count lunch.
After the usual morning routine, news, shower and breakfast, we returned to the room for a couple of hours, which I spent catching up on my writing. At 11 am we left for Gibson Garage, which I had had to postpone yesterday. On the way to the car it was a little cool due to the stiff breeze. Otherwise it was a clear and sunny day with he temperature in the low 70's F. A bit different from the first two days in Nashville.
Arriving at Gibson Garage, Karen stayed in the car with her book while I went inside to look around.
Like guns, I believe that the ideal number of guitars to own is one more than you have today. But it has been made clear to me that I am not allowed any more until I get rid of a few
. Besides, I am out of wall room to hang them in my music room. Which is a pity because I found a very nice Epiphone acoustic guitar for only $170. I had a play with it and reluctantly put it back on its hanger. I also saw a couple of very nice electric guitars for around the $600 mark.
A few months before we confirmed this trip I had been listening online to WSM 650 AM, Nashville, at night when they were playing an advertisement for the Bavarian Beirhous and Oktoberfest. Ryan walked in and, hearing this ad, told me the next time we go to Nashville would have to be in October and he was coming so he could visit the place.
We had driven past the Beirhous yesterday afternoon on our way to the Opry, so back in the car i suggested to Karen we go and see if we could get Ryan a tee shirt. She said I only wanted to get one for myself too. Suspicious. My intentions were pure.
On arrival I asked if she wanted lunch. It was close to 1 pm so we both went inside where I quickly found a tee shirt in Ryan's size. At a little over $27 it was one of the most expensive shirts we have bought, either this trip or the last.
With the tee shirt in a bag we made our way to a table where Karen ordered chicken strips and I had the Beirhous Burger. Delicious, and, as usual I couldn't finish the fries, or in Karens case either the chicken or potato salad.
We went inside Opry Mills where we looked around. Karen found a perfume shop that was so exclusive (and expensive) that they don't carry her favourite brand. It is too lowbrow so she will have to wait until Memphis where there is a Macy's. I went into Boot Country (two free pair of boots if you buy a pair, and a fourth for only 40% of sticker price) and found a very nice pair for $199, but they didn't have it in my size. A size too big, yes. A size too small, yes. But one that fit "just right"? No. Just as well as we are spending a little more on this trip at times than we budgeted for.
We drove back to the Opry House for our 2.30 tour. I went looking for the WSM 650 studio but could not locate it. It is somewhere inside the Opry house but where is the entrance?
Karen's ankles are still swollen and giving her pain. She is okay walking but as soon as she stands still her ankles start to hurt. She decided not to go on the tour, staying in the car with her book. A pity as I had already bought her ticket.
I sat outside the Opry House until the tour started.One of the first things they told us was that wheelchairs were available if needed, but by then it was too late to go back and get Karen, the tour was starting.
The tour is heavy on videos. A 15 minute one to start and two 4 - 6 minute ones inside. The whole tour took an hour, and our group was so big they had to divide us in two. We entered the audience area of the main room then went backstage to the artists entrance, Studio A where Hee Haw had been recorded and formal induction "functions" occur , and then into the backstage area. First thing we learnt was that the Opry is one of only two places in the US where mail gets delivered without being addressed properly. Want to write to your favourite Opry member? Simply dress the envelope to them at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, and it will be delivered to their personal mail box. (The only other place this can occur is the White House).
Eventually we made our way to the stage where I was fascinated by the array of pedal boards for the guitarists. We all got photographed "in the circle". Pity I didn't have my guitar with me (or was wearing long trousers. Those knees).
With the tour over I visited the Roy Aucuf house where there is a special "Opry loves the '90's" display, then back to the car, which took a little bit of finding in the car park. I had parked in the shade of a tree, so it was a little bit of going from tree to tree to find it.
On the way back to the hotel I decided to gas up the car for tomorrows drive to Memphis. $20 to fill the tank after driving around Nashville for almost three full days. I was happy with that
On the way to the hotel, after the gas station, I raised with Karen the timing of our next trip. I was a bit concerned we were spending a bit over budget and suggested that our next trip, Route 66 from Chicago to LA, may have to be in 18 months (April '24) and not next year, especially if we need to access more funds this time. There is also the matter of the falling NZ dollar. It is now well under US60c, the lowest it has been since mid 2020. Ideally I like it above 63c, and preferably over .65c. We'll see. I'll spend some time online budgeting when we get home then we'll decide.
Back in our hotel room , and then I checked our remaining money. A little less cash in the money belt left than I would have liked, a bit more money left on our Wises card than I thought there was. Plus there are the security deposits for the last two hotels and the $200 cash I keep for hotel security deposits, while Karen has built her spending money up to US $100. I will probably not have to transfer any more from our travel account this time if we do not spend lavishly.
Neither of us was hungry enough to go our for dinner. I read for a bit then fell asleep around 6 pm for a few hours, waking up when Karen rang home. An early night then back on the road in the morning.
Today was an easy day with only two activities. Three if you count lunch.
After the usual morning routine, news, shower and breakfast, we returned to the room for a couple of hours, which I spent catching up on my writing. At 11 am we left for Gibson Garage, which I had had to postpone yesterday. On the way to the car it was a little cool due to the stiff breeze. Otherwise it was a clear and sunny day with he temperature in the low 70's F. A bit different from the first two days in Nashville.
Arriving at Gibson Garage, Karen stayed in the car with her book while I went inside to look around.
Like guns, I believe that the ideal number of guitars to own is one more than you have today. But it has been made clear to me that I am not allowed any more until I get rid of a few
. Besides, I am out of wall room to hang them in my music room. Which is a pity because I found a very nice Epiphone acoustic guitar for only $170. I had a play with it and reluctantly put it back on its hanger. I also saw a couple of very nice electric guitars for around the $600 mark.A few months before we confirmed this trip I had been listening online to WSM 650 AM, Nashville, at night when they were playing an advertisement for the Bavarian Beirhous and Oktoberfest. Ryan walked in and, hearing this ad, told me the next time we go to Nashville would have to be in October and he was coming so he could visit the place.
We had driven past the Beirhous yesterday afternoon on our way to the Opry, so back in the car i suggested to Karen we go and see if we could get Ryan a tee shirt. She said I only wanted to get one for myself too. Suspicious. My intentions were pure.
On arrival I asked if she wanted lunch. It was close to 1 pm so we both went inside where I quickly found a tee shirt in Ryan's size. At a little over $27 it was one of the most expensive shirts we have bought, either this trip or the last.
With the tee shirt in a bag we made our way to a table where Karen ordered chicken strips and I had the Beirhous Burger. Delicious, and, as usual I couldn't finish the fries, or in Karens case either the chicken or potato salad.
We went inside Opry Mills where we looked around. Karen found a perfume shop that was so exclusive (and expensive) that they don't carry her favourite brand. It is too lowbrow so she will have to wait until Memphis where there is a Macy's. I went into Boot Country (two free pair of boots if you buy a pair, and a fourth for only 40% of sticker price) and found a very nice pair for $199, but they didn't have it in my size. A size too big, yes. A size too small, yes. But one that fit "just right"? No. Just as well as we are spending a little more on this trip at times than we budgeted for.
We drove back to the Opry House for our 2.30 tour. I went looking for the WSM 650 studio but could not locate it. It is somewhere inside the Opry house but where is the entrance?
Karen's ankles are still swollen and giving her pain. She is okay walking but as soon as she stands still her ankles start to hurt. She decided not to go on the tour, staying in the car with her book. A pity as I had already bought her ticket.
I sat outside the Opry House until the tour started.One of the first things they told us was that wheelchairs were available if needed, but by then it was too late to go back and get Karen, the tour was starting.
The tour is heavy on videos. A 15 minute one to start and two 4 - 6 minute ones inside. The whole tour took an hour, and our group was so big they had to divide us in two. We entered the audience area of the main room then went backstage to the artists entrance, Studio A where Hee Haw had been recorded and formal induction "functions" occur , and then into the backstage area. First thing we learnt was that the Opry is one of only two places in the US where mail gets delivered without being addressed properly. Want to write to your favourite Opry member? Simply dress the envelope to them at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, and it will be delivered to their personal mail box. (The only other place this can occur is the White House).
Eventually we made our way to the stage where I was fascinated by the array of pedal boards for the guitarists. We all got photographed "in the circle". Pity I didn't have my guitar with me (or was wearing long trousers. Those knees).
With the tour over I visited the Roy Aucuf house where there is a special "Opry loves the '90's" display, then back to the car, which took a little bit of finding in the car park. I had parked in the shade of a tree, so it was a little bit of going from tree to tree to find it.
On the way back to the hotel I decided to gas up the car for tomorrows drive to Memphis. $20 to fill the tank after driving around Nashville for almost three full days. I was happy with that
On the way to the hotel, after the gas station, I raised with Karen the timing of our next trip. I was a bit concerned we were spending a bit over budget and suggested that our next trip, Route 66 from Chicago to LA, may have to be in 18 months (April '24) and not next year, especially if we need to access more funds this time. There is also the matter of the falling NZ dollar. It is now well under US60c, the lowest it has been since mid 2020. Ideally I like it above 63c, and preferably over .65c. We'll see. I'll spend some time online budgeting when we get home then we'll decide.
Back in our hotel room , and then I checked our remaining money. A little less cash in the money belt left than I would have liked, a bit more money left on our Wises card than I thought there was. Plus there are the security deposits for the last two hotels and the $200 cash I keep for hotel security deposits, while Karen has built her spending money up to US $100. I will probably not have to transfer any more from our travel account this time if we do not spend lavishly.
Neither of us was hungry enough to go our for dinner. I read for a bit then fell asleep around 6 pm for a few hours, waking up when Karen rang home. An early night then back on the road in the morning.
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OP
Hard to believe it has been almost four years. At one time we didn't think we would make it back.
OP
When originally putting together this trip, the idea was to spend a night in Natchez and another in Clarksdale before moving on to Tupelo, Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge and three nights in Nashville. But as the list of things to do in Nashville grew, Natchez and Clarksdale became a single night in Vicksburg with another night added in Music City.
Four nights/three and a half days in a city is the longest we have spent anywhere in America, and coming in the middle of this trip it was a welcome break. Yesterday, and even Thursday, were pretty relaxed days for us both. But all good things come to an end. After another nights broken sleep, this morning, after the usual bathroom, dressing, packing and breakfast routine, we left Nashville to travel some more familiar roads. Well almost.
In 2018 when driving from Memphis to Nashville it was a cold, wet, windy Sunday and there was no sense in stopping along the way just to get wet. Today while it was cool, it was a fine day.
The first leg from Nashville to Jackson went well, but our arrival time kept being pushed back on iMaps. I couldn't work out why until the app advised of a crash ahead. We were stuck in stationary/slow moving traffic for almost half an hour.
Once in Jackson we found some of the city's murals then looked for lunch. Karen was still on a "healthy eating" kick and insisted on Subway. I would have preferred barbecue but, as usual, I lost the "discussion", and Subway it was.
From Jackson we left I-40 for some Tennessee back country roads, first to Bell and then to Nutbush. Last time we had stopped just before the settlement so missed some good photos. Not this time. Except that at one point the road was being sealed for a distance of several miles, and we found ourselves n a line of traffic behind a truck with orange flashing lights travelling at 5 mph!
Nutbush is just under 20 minutes to Brownsville and the relocated Tina Turner schoolhouse and museum. Even Karen enjoyed this, buying a Tina tee shirt in the gift shop.
Brownsville is an hour and ten minutes (at the speed limit) to Memphis, where we checked into our hotel about 3.30. After unpacking and putting on the laundry we headed out to dinner during the drier cycle. We picked a cafe only 8 minutes away, about 1/2 a mile past Graceland.
We both had Chicken, Karen tenders and myself Teriyaki, and it was delicious (and inexpensive. less than $30 for the two of us). Gas prices here in Tennessee vary. At one place it will be $3.50. Half a mile later it will be $3.05, with most running around $3.20. The Kia is miserly on gas, currently running at just over 40 mpg. We made it here with half a tank and I'll fill it tomorrow for our running around while in Memphis.
Tomorrow we'll head into Beale St early (before it opens, just to get the feel), then to either the Rock & Soul Museum or the Memphis Musicians Hall of Fame, before checking out the Peabody Ducks. Well, that is the plan. Hopefully
Four nights/three and a half days in a city is the longest we have spent anywhere in America, and coming in the middle of this trip it was a welcome break. Yesterday, and even Thursday, were pretty relaxed days for us both. But all good things come to an end. After another nights broken sleep, this morning, after the usual bathroom, dressing, packing and breakfast routine, we left Nashville to travel some more familiar roads. Well almost.
In 2018 when driving from Memphis to Nashville it was a cold, wet, windy Sunday and there was no sense in stopping along the way just to get wet. Today while it was cool, it was a fine day.
The first leg from Nashville to Jackson went well, but our arrival time kept being pushed back on iMaps. I couldn't work out why until the app advised of a crash ahead. We were stuck in stationary/slow moving traffic for almost half an hour.
Once in Jackson we found some of the city's murals then looked for lunch. Karen was still on a "healthy eating" kick and insisted on Subway. I would have preferred barbecue but, as usual, I lost the "discussion", and Subway it was.
From Jackson we left I-40 for some Tennessee back country roads, first to Bell and then to Nutbush. Last time we had stopped just before the settlement so missed some good photos. Not this time. Except that at one point the road was being sealed for a distance of several miles, and we found ourselves n a line of traffic behind a truck with orange flashing lights travelling at 5 mph!
Nutbush is just under 20 minutes to Brownsville and the relocated Tina Turner schoolhouse and museum. Even Karen enjoyed this, buying a Tina tee shirt in the gift shop.
Brownsville is an hour and ten minutes (at the speed limit) to Memphis, where we checked into our hotel about 3.30. After unpacking and putting on the laundry we headed out to dinner during the drier cycle. We picked a cafe only 8 minutes away, about 1/2 a mile past Graceland.
We both had Chicken, Karen tenders and myself Teriyaki, and it was delicious (and inexpensive. less than $30 for the two of us). Gas prices here in Tennessee vary. At one place it will be $3.50. Half a mile later it will be $3.05, with most running around $3.20. The Kia is miserly on gas, currently running at just over 40 mpg. We made it here with half a tank and I'll fill it tomorrow for our running around while in Memphis.
Tomorrow we'll head into Beale St early (before it opens, just to get the feel), then to either the Rock & Soul Museum or the Memphis Musicians Hall of Fame, before checking out the Peabody Ducks. Well, that is the plan. Hopefully
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Kiwi, the Peabody ducks are a treat. I think there may be a local law that while in Memphis you have to eat BBQ so as you are a LEO probably best to comply. I would recommend Corky's or my favorite Central BBQ, the Rendezvous downtown is the most famous but I found that the food did not equal the reputation. Perhaps some locals may have other opinions but I enjoyed both when my daughter was in University in Memphis. Another interesting option might be to visit the Bass Pro shop in the Pyramid and Mud Island is worth a visit.
OP
OP
Memphis!
Over the past few days we have cut back on our spending, generally getting by with under $100 plus accommodation each day. Today, our first full day in Memphis, we kinda blew the budget savings since Thursday.
We had breakfast about 8 am and then headed out to Beale St, well so we thought.
I had found parking for us online before leaving home at 180 Main St S, which should have been just off Beale St. iMaps wouldn't recognise the address and when I put Main St S Memphis, in it sent us to an urban neighbourhood the Karen felt uncomfortable visiting. I reset iMaps for Beale St and when we got there I searched for parking. And iMaps sent us to where we had originally wanted to go, right opposite the statue of Elvis.
Karen's ankles are still giving her some trouble. We wandered the first block on Beale St before I walked her back to the car. We saw some obviously homeless people, one asleep in a shop doorway, and the entrance to Rum Boogie Cafe smelt of..... well I'll let you guess.
I made it to the bottom of Beale St and was walking back after scoping out the Memphis Hall of Fame and the Rock and Soul museum, both of which opened at 10, when a man on a bicycle stopped and asked me where I was from. He started up a conversation and when it reached the "can you help me out" stage I told him I had no money with me, so off he rode.
I got back to the car. It was still 9.45 so I sat with Karen until the Hall of Fame opened up. $8 entry and I can go back again with the ticket if I want to without charge. Leaving, I walked back to the car and saw the Peabody Hotel a block away. Originally Karen didn't want to walk back to the car uphill again, even thought I thought the ground fairly flat. I showed her a photo and she agreed to walk to the hotel if I came back and picked up the car, returning to pick her up. No problem.
Exiting the carpark another "gentleman" engaged us in conversation. He asked for .75 c to buy a bottle of water. I said I had no money but Karen dug into her change purse and gave him some quarters, which he thanked her for. We made it to the hotel lobby by 10.45 and found a spot to watch the ducks from. I got a couple of orange juices and the show started. From where we were we couldn't hear the introduction, it needs some amplification, but I got some good photos of the ducks exiting the elevator and walking the carpet.
Getting Karen a seat just outside the lobby I collected the car and came back to pick her up. I had set "Bass Pro Memphis Pyramid" in iMaps and suggested a return visit to Uncle Bucks restaurant. Unfortunately when we got inside the pyramid Uncle Bucks has been replaced by a Wahlburgers. We needed to eat so went in for an early lunch. Food was above average but expensive. Almost $40 for two burgers, two drinks and fries.
We wandered around and Karen tried to get me to buy some check shirts, but I have enough, having just bought two long and two short sleeve shirts and heading into our summer.
Back in the car iMaps was set for Graceland. By now the temperature was hitting 90 F/30 C. We have both been to the mansion before and just wanted to tour the exhibits at the main complex for the 40th anniversary of Graceland opening to the public. Karen would have been happy in the ticket box gift shop and sitting in the shade outside, but when I found the large gift shop she had explored last time inside the ticket area, I went back and got her (I already had her ticket). She looked around the gift shop and then took a seat in the Presley Garage where there is some air con, while I wandered the rest of the exhibits.
I knew that she had recently retired the Elvis handbag she bought last visit (after over 3 1/2 years daily use) and wanted another, but she had seen none that suited in her look around. I reached the end of the displays and was walking back when I found what she had been looking for. The price was $55 plus tax.
Finding her, we started back to the entry and as we passed the Gladys Diner Karen asked for something cold. She settled for an ice cream and I had a shake. On the way again to the exit I deviated to where I had seen the handbag, although it took me a couple of minutes to find them again, there are so many "shopping areas".
I told her just tell me "yes" or "no". She asked how much it cost and I said "Don't worry about that. Do you want it"? Of course she did, and she was a bit shocked at the price, expecting to pay around $35. And she calls me cheap at times.
In some ways it is a bit sad that Elvis' memory has become so commercial. There are at least six different "gift shop" areas within the complex and it is so commercial, but then it is a business keeping his memory alive.
Our hotel is only 5 minutes or so from Graceland. I stopped off at a gas station ($3.30/gallon) and filled up the Kia. $27 from Nashville. I can live with that, but the milage is now just over 39,000 and I am waiting for the service due warning again.
The outside temperature was now well into the mid 90's and back in our room we cooled off and I had a 30 minute doze while Karen watched Bonanza. The re-runs were so old even Purnell Roberts was in the cast.
Neither of us was keen to go out for dinner. Karen suggested McDonalds, down the road, but I said Burger King tastes better. There was a Burger King 3 minutes away so I went out and trough the drive in. We spent the evening relaxing in our room with me catching up with my note taking for the last few days.
Tomorrow we head back down to Mississippi to the Gateway to the Blues museum and the Hollywood Cafe at Tunica, before Sun Studio's, the Silver Caboose in Collierville for lunch and then a trip to Macy's for Karen to restock her perfume. Tuesday we head for Branson for two days and then back to Texas for the last week of this trip.
Over the past few days we have cut back on our spending, generally getting by with under $100 plus accommodation each day. Today, our first full day in Memphis, we kinda blew the budget savings since Thursday.
We had breakfast about 8 am and then headed out to Beale St, well so we thought.
I had found parking for us online before leaving home at 180 Main St S, which should have been just off Beale St. iMaps wouldn't recognise the address and when I put Main St S Memphis, in it sent us to an urban neighbourhood the Karen felt uncomfortable visiting. I reset iMaps for Beale St and when we got there I searched for parking. And iMaps sent us to where we had originally wanted to go, right opposite the statue of Elvis.
Karen's ankles are still giving her some trouble. We wandered the first block on Beale St before I walked her back to the car. We saw some obviously homeless people, one asleep in a shop doorway, and the entrance to Rum Boogie Cafe smelt of..... well I'll let you guess.
I made it to the bottom of Beale St and was walking back after scoping out the Memphis Hall of Fame and the Rock and Soul museum, both of which opened at 10, when a man on a bicycle stopped and asked me where I was from. He started up a conversation and when it reached the "can you help me out" stage I told him I had no money with me, so off he rode.
I got back to the car. It was still 9.45 so I sat with Karen until the Hall of Fame opened up. $8 entry and I can go back again with the ticket if I want to without charge. Leaving, I walked back to the car and saw the Peabody Hotel a block away. Originally Karen didn't want to walk back to the car uphill again, even thought I thought the ground fairly flat. I showed her a photo and she agreed to walk to the hotel if I came back and picked up the car, returning to pick her up. No problem.
Exiting the carpark another "gentleman" engaged us in conversation. He asked for .75 c to buy a bottle of water. I said I had no money but Karen dug into her change purse and gave him some quarters, which he thanked her for. We made it to the hotel lobby by 10.45 and found a spot to watch the ducks from. I got a couple of orange juices and the show started. From where we were we couldn't hear the introduction, it needs some amplification, but I got some good photos of the ducks exiting the elevator and walking the carpet.
Getting Karen a seat just outside the lobby I collected the car and came back to pick her up. I had set "Bass Pro Memphis Pyramid" in iMaps and suggested a return visit to Uncle Bucks restaurant. Unfortunately when we got inside the pyramid Uncle Bucks has been replaced by a Wahlburgers. We needed to eat so went in for an early lunch. Food was above average but expensive. Almost $40 for two burgers, two drinks and fries.
We wandered around and Karen tried to get me to buy some check shirts, but I have enough, having just bought two long and two short sleeve shirts and heading into our summer.
Back in the car iMaps was set for Graceland. By now the temperature was hitting 90 F/30 C. We have both been to the mansion before and just wanted to tour the exhibits at the main complex for the 40th anniversary of Graceland opening to the public. Karen would have been happy in the ticket box gift shop and sitting in the shade outside, but when I found the large gift shop she had explored last time inside the ticket area, I went back and got her (I already had her ticket). She looked around the gift shop and then took a seat in the Presley Garage where there is some air con, while I wandered the rest of the exhibits.
I knew that she had recently retired the Elvis handbag she bought last visit (after over 3 1/2 years daily use) and wanted another, but she had seen none that suited in her look around. I reached the end of the displays and was walking back when I found what she had been looking for. The price was $55 plus tax.
Finding her, we started back to the entry and as we passed the Gladys Diner Karen asked for something cold. She settled for an ice cream and I had a shake. On the way again to the exit I deviated to where I had seen the handbag, although it took me a couple of minutes to find them again, there are so many "shopping areas".
I told her just tell me "yes" or "no". She asked how much it cost and I said "Don't worry about that. Do you want it"? Of course she did, and she was a bit shocked at the price, expecting to pay around $35. And she calls me cheap at times.
In some ways it is a bit sad that Elvis' memory has become so commercial. There are at least six different "gift shop" areas within the complex and it is so commercial, but then it is a business keeping his memory alive.
Our hotel is only 5 minutes or so from Graceland. I stopped off at a gas station ($3.30/gallon) and filled up the Kia. $27 from Nashville. I can live with that, but the milage is now just over 39,000 and I am waiting for the service due warning again.
The outside temperature was now well into the mid 90's and back in our room we cooled off and I had a 30 minute doze while Karen watched Bonanza. The re-runs were so old even Purnell Roberts was in the cast.
Neither of us was keen to go out for dinner. Karen suggested McDonalds, down the road, but I said Burger King tastes better. There was a Burger King 3 minutes away so I went out and trough the drive in. We spent the evening relaxing in our room with me catching up with my note taking for the last few days.
Tomorrow we head back down to Mississippi to the Gateway to the Blues museum and the Hollywood Cafe at Tunica, before Sun Studio's, the Silver Caboose in Collierville for lunch and then a trip to Macy's for Karen to restock her perfume. Tuesday we head for Branson for two days and then back to Texas for the last week of this trip.
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Karen is a trooper, you are a lucky man.
OP
Monday morning in Memphis was a late start, mainly due to deciding to put through another load of laundry during breakfast. Once on the road we headed south again, back into Mississippi and down Highway 61 to Tunica and the Gateway to the Blues Museum.
The building looks like it is about to fall down, but it is all a facade. Inside the display is as modern and up to date as any.
No trip to Tunica would be complete without stopping by the Hollywood Cafe.
"Now Muriel plays piano
Every Friday at the Hollywood
And they brought me down to see her
And they asked me if I would
Do a little number
And I sang with all my might
She said
"Tell me are you a Christian child?"
And I said "Ma'am, I am tonight"
From Tunica we headed back north to Sun Studios' In 2018 I visited on a Saturday morning when the crowd was so big that you couldn't even get to the counter let alone book a tour. Arriving at 11:15 I thought I could book in for the 11:30 tour. Ahhh... No. It was fully booked and they had scheduled an additional tour at midday to accomodate the crowd.
I went back to see Karen and she said she would prefer going to lunch now (it was quite a drive to our lunch venue). I decided I would try to come back later.
30 minutes later we were in Collierville and approaching the Silver Caboose on the town square. It is funny how the mind plays tricks. Last time I remembered the gas station on the square having fuel pumps from the 50's/60's but actually they were only from the late 60's/70's. I guess I had taken too many pictures of really old gas pumps along Route 66 earlier.
The lunch was fantastic. Chicken wings for Karen, a BLT for me, a bowl of 'slaw each and a shared plate of fries. Pecan pie for Karen and apple for me.
From Collierville we made our way to Macy's in Memphis so Karen could shop for her favourite perfume, and look round at everything else, before heading back to the hotel. It was above 90 degrees again today so while Karen relaxed in our air conditioned room I made the 10 minute drive back to Sun Studios, getting there a few minutes late for the 2.30 tour with two busses parked outside.
Fortunately they had scheduled another unscheduled tour for 3 pm so I hung around, looking and taking photos. The tour itself went on for a full 40 minutes. Standing where Elvis recorded "That's all right, Mama" and seeing the mic he used (you could even handle it and have photos taken doing so, but i declined) was special.
From Sun Studios it was a short drive back to Beale St where I sat in B B Kings for 10 minutes listening to the band. Unfortunately I just caught the end of their set. There was no band in the rum Boogie Cafe but at an outdoor stage I caught a blues band singing Tennessee Whiskey.
By now it was after 4 pm and time to return to Karen. Back in the room I started packing things for our drive to Branson and just relaxed. Neither of us wanted dinner so we had an early night.
The building looks like it is about to fall down, but it is all a facade. Inside the display is as modern and up to date as any.
No trip to Tunica would be complete without stopping by the Hollywood Cafe.
"Now Muriel plays piano
Every Friday at the Hollywood
And they brought me down to see her
And they asked me if I would
Do a little number
And I sang with all my might
She said
"Tell me are you a Christian child?"
And I said "Ma'am, I am tonight"
From Tunica we headed back north to Sun Studios' In 2018 I visited on a Saturday morning when the crowd was so big that you couldn't even get to the counter let alone book a tour. Arriving at 11:15 I thought I could book in for the 11:30 tour. Ahhh... No. It was fully booked and they had scheduled an additional tour at midday to accomodate the crowd.
I went back to see Karen and she said she would prefer going to lunch now (it was quite a drive to our lunch venue). I decided I would try to come back later.
30 minutes later we were in Collierville and approaching the Silver Caboose on the town square. It is funny how the mind plays tricks. Last time I remembered the gas station on the square having fuel pumps from the 50's/60's but actually they were only from the late 60's/70's. I guess I had taken too many pictures of really old gas pumps along Route 66 earlier.
The lunch was fantastic. Chicken wings for Karen, a BLT for me, a bowl of 'slaw each and a shared plate of fries. Pecan pie for Karen and apple for me.
From Collierville we made our way to Macy's in Memphis so Karen could shop for her favourite perfume, and look round at everything else, before heading back to the hotel. It was above 90 degrees again today so while Karen relaxed in our air conditioned room I made the 10 minute drive back to Sun Studios, getting there a few minutes late for the 2.30 tour with two busses parked outside.
Fortunately they had scheduled another unscheduled tour for 3 pm so I hung around, looking and taking photos. The tour itself went on for a full 40 minutes. Standing where Elvis recorded "That's all right, Mama" and seeing the mic he used (you could even handle it and have photos taken doing so, but i declined) was special.
From Sun Studios it was a short drive back to Beale St where I sat in B B Kings for 10 minutes listening to the band. Unfortunately I just caught the end of their set. There was no band in the rum Boogie Cafe but at an outdoor stage I caught a blues band singing Tennessee Whiskey.
By now it was after 4 pm and time to return to Karen. Back in the room I started packing things for our drive to Branson and just relaxed. Neither of us wanted dinner so we had an early night.
OP
Last night while checking today's travel route there was a warning of wildfires around Little Rock. Fortunately there were a couple of alternative routes proposed and we were going to go through Jonestown, but this morning another route, itself, bypassing Little Rock was given as another alternative.
Leaving Memphis on I-40 we crossed the Mississippi River again, then Memphis West. Our last time driving through Arkansas had been south on HW 61 and I-55. The road surface had been so rough we could not drive in the left lane, although the left lane was only a bit smother. There were no such road surface issues today.
The speed limit increased to 75 mph, for the first time on this trip being above 70. About 20 miles before we reached Little Rock we turned off the interstate and onto minor roads for the next 90 minutes, driving through Beebe. At a small settlement called Rose Bud we pulled over for gas ($3/gallon, $27 to fill the tank) and grabbed a couple of coffees. At one point I was amused by a "Cowboy Church" celebrating with Country & Western music, and we saw several other small places with little museums and a lot of "antique" shops.
While still on the rural roads I told Karen I thought I was enjoying the travel this trip more than the last one for two reasons. First, it was not a "once in a lifetime bucket list trip" where we had to cram in as much as possible in the short time we had available. Secondly, by driving at the speed limit (mostly) it was more relaxing and I could look around.
Once we made US HW65 we picked up speed again to 60-65 mph for the run north to the Missouri border and into Branson. Entering the Ozarks we were up and down several times and the views were outstanding.
We arrived in Branson just on 5 hours after leaving Memphis, which was better time than we expected. Karen decided she wanted to try Chick-Fil-A for lunch after passing one coming into town. Not bad but probably not my favourite.
Her ankles are not as bad as they were, but she's not sure that she can stay on her feet for the 2-hour Titanic tour Thursday morning. We might just leave Branson early, stop at Fort Smith for an hour or two, then push on to Dallas a day early. That is still being decided. It'll be a long days' driving but give us a day up our sleeve for somewhere else.
After lunch we had a couple of hours before checking onto our motel, so we jumped on the free "Sparky Bus" around town, cruising Branson Landing and scoping out a few places to visit tomorrow (a flag shop, two western clothing stores and Dicks five and ten). Once back at the start point we reclaimed our car (free parking in the middle of town) and headed out to our motel.
On the way we passed the Branson Murder Mystery Dinner Show and Karen suggested we go there tonight. At the motel I checked and found that it started early (4 pm) despite all the advertising being for 5. I phoned just before 4, to be told they had started already.
Dolly Parton's Stampede was on the short list of shows and I was able to book two tickets for the 5.30 pm sitting with a pickup at the ticket counter. A quick change of clothes and off we went.
We walked in past the horses and they were amazing to look at, especially a paint quarter horse named Lawless. It tuned out he was the compares horse.
The show was pretty much the same one we saw in Pigeon Forge in 2018, although it was not the Christmas show with elves, which Karen said she enjoyed more. The gags were still the same though, especially "Skeeter" who this show was female.
The food was way too much to eat, although we tried. Soup, a biscuit, a whole chicken, corn on the cob, baked "tatter", slice of turkey and apple turnover for desert. On the way out Karen asked for a "fancy" tee shirt to wear at our country music club days over summer, but the closest thing she could find was a bundle of three tee shirts for just on $50
Back in our motel room by 7.30 we are in for the night. Tomorrow we go exploring Branson some more.
Leaving Memphis on I-40 we crossed the Mississippi River again, then Memphis West. Our last time driving through Arkansas had been south on HW 61 and I-55. The road surface had been so rough we could not drive in the left lane, although the left lane was only a bit smother. There were no such road surface issues today.
The speed limit increased to 75 mph, for the first time on this trip being above 70. About 20 miles before we reached Little Rock we turned off the interstate and onto minor roads for the next 90 minutes, driving through Beebe. At a small settlement called Rose Bud we pulled over for gas ($3/gallon, $27 to fill the tank) and grabbed a couple of coffees. At one point I was amused by a "Cowboy Church" celebrating with Country & Western music, and we saw several other small places with little museums and a lot of "antique" shops.
While still on the rural roads I told Karen I thought I was enjoying the travel this trip more than the last one for two reasons. First, it was not a "once in a lifetime bucket list trip" where we had to cram in as much as possible in the short time we had available. Secondly, by driving at the speed limit (mostly) it was more relaxing and I could look around.
Once we made US HW65 we picked up speed again to 60-65 mph for the run north to the Missouri border and into Branson. Entering the Ozarks we were up and down several times and the views were outstanding.
We arrived in Branson just on 5 hours after leaving Memphis, which was better time than we expected. Karen decided she wanted to try Chick-Fil-A for lunch after passing one coming into town. Not bad but probably not my favourite.
Her ankles are not as bad as they were, but she's not sure that she can stay on her feet for the 2-hour Titanic tour Thursday morning. We might just leave Branson early, stop at Fort Smith for an hour or two, then push on to Dallas a day early. That is still being decided. It'll be a long days' driving but give us a day up our sleeve for somewhere else.
After lunch we had a couple of hours before checking onto our motel, so we jumped on the free "Sparky Bus" around town, cruising Branson Landing and scoping out a few places to visit tomorrow (a flag shop, two western clothing stores and Dicks five and ten). Once back at the start point we reclaimed our car (free parking in the middle of town
) and headed out to our motel.On the way we passed the Branson Murder Mystery Dinner Show and Karen suggested we go there tonight. At the motel I checked and found that it started early (4 pm) despite all the advertising being for 5. I phoned just before 4, to be told they had started already.
Dolly Parton's Stampede was on the short list of shows and I was able to book two tickets for the 5.30 pm sitting with a pickup at the ticket counter. A quick change of clothes and off we went.
We walked in past the horses and they were amazing to look at, especially a paint quarter horse named Lawless. It tuned out he was the compares horse.
The show was pretty much the same one we saw in Pigeon Forge in 2018, although it was not the Christmas show with elves, which Karen said she enjoyed more. The gags were still the same though, especially "Skeeter" who this show was female.
The food was way too much to eat, although we tried. Soup, a biscuit, a whole chicken, corn on the cob, baked "tatter", slice of turkey and apple turnover for desert. On the way out Karen asked for a "fancy" tee shirt to wear at our country music club days over summer, but the closest thing she could find was a bundle of three tee shirts for just on $50
Back in our motel room by 7.30 we are in for the night. Tomorrow we go exploring Branson some more.
OP
Wednesday morning in Branson was a slow start. I had tried to purchase tickets for the Branson Scenic Railway online, but the web sight was a mess, to say it politely.
When entering the official address for my card there was a box to enter your State of residence, with no "other" or "not in the US" option. Later there was a box for overseas countries but.... With a US State address requirement there is no way the address will be accepted. And so it proved.
After a leisurely breakfast we headed downtown just after 9 am, and before most places were open.The local pawn shop was one of the exceptions. No handguns but a few rifles and shotguns in racks behind the counter, and over a dozen guitars on the wall.
Next stop was a flag shop. In the rafters of my garage is a flagpole from the old Patea courthouse. It has been there for at least 25 years that I know of, and probably dates back to the early '90's when the courthouse was closed down. In our front yard is a mounting post for the pole. I have often thought about setting it up and getting a few flags would be the impetus needed. Beside, my brother wants a certain flag that is definitely not PC in this day and age for his man cave and so do I.
The flag shop wasn't open until 10 am so we wandered on. There were several small leather shops highlighting concealed carry options. A few carried some cheap leather holsters. I'm still looking for a replacement holster for my Victory model so I can carry it during classic pistol matches, but cheap is cheap. Even if I could find a 6" K frame holster (the victory has a 5" barrel) these wouldn't last too long.
One shop that was open was Dick's 5 & 10. Wandering around I found a tin sign to add to the collection and.... Flags!!!! I picked up a US flag along with a Missouri State flag. Now I just need to find Texas and Tennessee State ones to go with them. (Anyone know where I can get one please PM me).
We got pulled into a "half price show ticket" shop that, after spending a few minutes there, sounds like it was a time share entrapment. Go to see a "presentation" get a meal voucher and buy some show tickets. We got out of there as soon as we could and made our way to the railway station where I bought two tickets for the morning train. Once again my debit Visa would not be accepted, but my Wises multi-currency card worked.
We waiting until 11.15 when the morning train started boarding. Just after 11.30 we were off, travelling south into Arkansas for a train ride through the Ozarks. Actually the scenery was pretty constant, trees, trees and more trees alongside the line with a few gaps for seeing the rest of the scenery. Two tunnels and then a trestle high above a creek. After crossing the trestle the train stopped and reverse direction back to where we had come.
Across the road from the train station is a Starbucks. Coffee and a slice of cake each for lunch, then Karen wanted to go and see the Andy Williams theatre. Not much to see from the outside and she wasn't interested in going inside.
Back in our motel room we packed away our morning purchases then rested up for an hour. I decided I wanted to see a music show and booked the America's Top Country Hits show. Karen wasn't keen so I went by myself.
Just before 5 pm we headed out for an early dinner. I had seen a Chinese buffet so we went there. Another big meal, we didn't get to sample anywhere near everything, and a desert, all for under $40 for the two of us. I am going to have to go back on my diet when I get home.
Just after 7 pm I headed off to the Americana Theatre. The show was one of several that is currently running at that venue, depending on the day and time. As shows go it was pretty decent, but there were very few seats filled for a tourist town. Probably because it was midweek and just out of season.
The show went on slightly longer than the advertised 2 hours, nd it was almost 10.30 before I got back to our motel room, a coffee and bed.
Thursday will be another leisurely start. Riley's believe it or not, a 3 hour drive to Fort Smith, Judge Parker and Bass Reeves then an overnight stay before we head back to Texas for the final week.
When entering the official address for my card there was a box to enter your State of residence, with no "other" or "not in the US" option. Later there was a box for overseas countries but.... With a US State address requirement there is no way the address will be accepted. And so it proved.
After a leisurely breakfast we headed downtown just after 9 am, and before most places were open.The local pawn shop was one of the exceptions. No handguns but a few rifles and shotguns in racks behind the counter, and over a dozen guitars on the wall.
Next stop was a flag shop. In the rafters of my garage is a flagpole from the old Patea courthouse. It has been there for at least 25 years that I know of, and probably dates back to the early '90's when the courthouse was closed down. In our front yard is a mounting post for the pole. I have often thought about setting it up and getting a few flags would be the impetus needed. Beside, my brother wants a certain flag that is definitely not PC in this day and age for his man cave and so do I.
The flag shop wasn't open until 10 am so we wandered on. There were several small leather shops highlighting concealed carry options. A few carried some cheap leather holsters. I'm still looking for a replacement holster for my Victory model so I can carry it during classic pistol matches, but cheap is cheap. Even if I could find a 6" K frame holster (the victory has a 5" barrel) these wouldn't last too long.
One shop that was open was Dick's 5 & 10. Wandering around I found a tin sign to add to the collection and.... Flags!!!! I picked up a US flag along with a Missouri State flag. Now I just need to find Texas and Tennessee State ones to go with them. (Anyone know where I can get one please PM me).
We got pulled into a "half price show ticket" shop that, after spending a few minutes there, sounds like it was a time share entrapment. Go to see a "presentation" get a meal voucher and buy some show tickets. We got out of there as soon as we could and made our way to the railway station where I bought two tickets for the morning train. Once again my debit Visa would not be accepted, but my Wises multi-currency card worked.
We waiting until 11.15 when the morning train started boarding. Just after 11.30 we were off, travelling south into Arkansas for a train ride through the Ozarks. Actually the scenery was pretty constant, trees, trees and more trees alongside the line with a few gaps for seeing the rest of the scenery. Two tunnels and then a trestle high above a creek. After crossing the trestle the train stopped and reverse direction back to where we had come.
Across the road from the train station is a Starbucks. Coffee and a slice of cake each for lunch, then Karen wanted to go and see the Andy Williams theatre. Not much to see from the outside and she wasn't interested in going inside.
Back in our motel room we packed away our morning purchases then rested up for an hour. I decided I wanted to see a music show and booked the America's Top Country Hits show. Karen wasn't keen so I went by myself.
Just before 5 pm we headed out for an early dinner. I had seen a Chinese buffet so we went there. Another big meal, we didn't get to sample anywhere near everything, and a desert, all for under $40 for the two of us. I am going to have to go back on my diet when I get home.
Just after 7 pm I headed off to the Americana Theatre. The show was one of several that is currently running at that venue, depending on the day and time. As shows go it was pretty decent, but there were very few seats filled for a tourist town. Probably because it was midweek and just out of season.
The show went on slightly longer than the advertised 2 hours, nd it was almost 10.30 before I got back to our motel room, a coffee and bed.
Thursday will be another leisurely start. Riley's believe it or not, a 3 hour drive to Fort Smith, Judge Parker and Bass Reeves then an overnight stay before we head back to Texas for the final week.
Don't worry, you will find plenty of Texas flags when you get there. Come and take it is my favorite.
OP
It was an easy start this morning in Branson. After breakfast we returned to our room for another 90 minutes for me to catch up on note taking and packing. By 9.30 we were taking a last drive along W 76 Country Blvd and getting some video. Just before 10 we pulled up at Ripley's Believe it or not for a tour.
It was expensive, $29.90 plus tax, per ticket, and inside was....weird. Some of the displays were interesting, some were funny, and others were just plain creepy. Why people feel a need to collect some things is a bit beyond me.
By 11 am we were on our way, after picking up a coffee from McD's to fortify us for the next few hours. After crossing back into Arkansas on HW61 we turned off onto some county and state roads, back down to 55 mph.
Just after midday we reached Fayetteville. Karen needed a bathroom stop so I found Subway for lunch (yep, she's still on a "health" kick, at least part of the time). For the last hour's run to Fort Smith I streamed my radio show from two weeks ago, Hadn't had a chance to listen to it yet.
From Fayetteville we were back on the interstate and travelling at 65-75 km/h. Once we reached Fort Smith I set iMaps for the actual fort, and Judge Parker's courtroom. I spent the best part of 90 minutes wandering around the old fort, taking photos and reading the signs.
By the time I got back to the car Karen was ready for the hotel. Once inside our room I discovered I had only one clean shirt, so found the laundry room and spent some quarters. While waiting for the laundry to finish I returned som PM's from two-bit cowboy and Muss Muggins. There was a Denny's just down the road which we decided was a sign of where we would get dinner.
Tomorrow morning I'll check out the Bass Reeves monument and the Massard Prairie Battlefield park before we make the drive across Oklahoma to Dallas and the garage where Clyde Barrow grew up.
It was expensive, $29.90 plus tax, per ticket, and inside was....weird. Some of the displays were interesting, some were funny, and others were just plain creepy. Why people feel a need to collect some things is a bit beyond me.
By 11 am we were on our way, after picking up a coffee from McD's to fortify us for the next few hours. After crossing back into Arkansas on HW61 we turned off onto some county and state roads, back down to 55 mph.
Just after midday we reached Fayetteville. Karen needed a bathroom stop so I found Subway for lunch (yep, she's still on a "health" kick, at least part of the time). For the last hour's run to Fort Smith I streamed my radio show from two weeks ago, Hadn't had a chance to listen to it yet.
From Fayetteville we were back on the interstate and travelling at 65-75 km/h. Once we reached Fort Smith I set iMaps for the actual fort, and Judge Parker's courtroom. I spent the best part of 90 minutes wandering around the old fort, taking photos and reading the signs.
By the time I got back to the car Karen was ready for the hotel. Once inside our room I discovered I had only one clean shirt, so found the laundry room and spent some quarters. While waiting for the laundry to finish I returned som PM's from two-bit cowboy and Muss Muggins. There was a Denny's just down the road which we decided was a sign of where we would get dinner.
Tomorrow morning I'll check out the Bass Reeves monument and the Massard Prairie Battlefield park before we make the drive across Oklahoma to Dallas and the garage where Clyde Barrow grew up.
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