Walkin' in Memphis

Ready to Rock N Roll on Day 2 of the Epic Adventure. We travel light, except in the area of electronics. Our front seat charging station has cables for two phones, a wireless hotspot and a camera. The back seat is set up for two more phones, a laptop and a tablet. Always connected!  Except when there's no signal.....

We arrived in Memphis around 11:00 am at our first stop of the day, the National Civil Rights Museum ( http://civilrightsmuseum.org/)  

Located in the former Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, the exhibits detail the quest for civil rights in America from the days of slavery to the present.

One of the final exhibits is located in the very room that King occupied on the night that he died.  It is impossible to experience this exhibit without shedding at least one tear.  

We were fortunate to visit during the showing of a particularly moving and inspirational exhibit of artwork by Baret Boisson, featuring portraits of civil rights leaders and heroes.  This museum is a must for any visitor to Memphis. 

After the museum we had lunch with our brother, Grey, who introduced us to Fino's, a great little Italian Deli!  

Our next Memphis destination was Beale Street, home of the Blues. But before walking with our feet ten feet off of Beale, we decided to stop in at the Peabody Hotel to see the ducks and therefore had to locate a parking spot in the area. We decided on a pay at the kiosk lot, parked and were on our way when we were approached by a very helpful young man who informed us that he could save us a LOT of money on parking if we would just follow him to an available spot on the street. Always interested in saving a few pennies, we said "sure!"  Lizzie, Serra Jo and I followed our new friend over to the spot on the street while Say moved the car. Once parked, he helpfully showed us how to operate the high-tech parking meters, accepting and subsequently dropping most of the quarters we provided to pay our fare. He even took time out of his busy schedule to give us some safety tips. These tasks accomplished, he was overcome with happiness at having helped four defenseless females save money on parking. We were so grateful that we offered him a few dollars for his help. Naturally he declined, almost tearing up as he declared that it was his pleasure to come to our aid. He did, however, allow as to how he could perhaps use a bite to eat. Since our time was limited (only 2 hours on the meter), we insisted he simply take the cash and get himself something to eat. He was overcome with joy, thanking us repeatedly before we parted ways. 

Now, lest you think we all bought matching t-shirts with the word "SUCKER" emblazoned across the front, rest assured that we knew full well  what was up and considered our donation to his "meal plan" a small price to pay for several minutes of all out entertainment!  

We visited the Peabody Hotel and its famous ducks. We didn't get to see the ducks "march" to or from their rooftop home, but saw them happily swimming (or sleeping) in their lobby fountain. We also saw some beautiful orchids and other flower arrangements. 

Peabody ducks

We left the Peabody and walked down to Beale Street where we soaked in the essence of the Blues.  

But having only two hours worth of parking time available meant we had to shop and sight-see quickly and make our way back to the car, which we did with three minutes to spare on the meter. 

Our final stop before crossing the Mississippi and heading into Arkansas was the pyramid. Originally built as a sports arena, this enormous structure is now home to the Bass Pro Shop. Even if you have visited a BPS elsewhere, trust me, you haven't seen anything like this.

There are full service restaurants, a hotel, a 28 story elevator (the tallest free-standing elevator in the U.S.), and live alligators.

Wow!  What a ride and what incredible views from the top!! Many thanks to our brother Grey for the recommendation that we visit! 

We crossed the river at around 6:30 and entered Arkansas - the first time to that state for Lizzie and Serra Jo. 

Who hit knew that eastern Arkansas was so flat?

We just passed a sign for "Toad Suck Park". I'm not kidding.

We stopped for a potty break at a place that prohibited the flushing of not just paper towels, but also toilet paper. I'm not kidding.

However, another place we stopped offered the finest selection of "fancy cream" I've ever seen!

It's 9:30 pm and still 91 degrees. I'm not kidding.

Miles: ~200
Tunnels: 0
U-turns: .5
Arrests: 0
Restrooms that prohibit the flushing of toilet paper: 1
Parks with the words "toad" AND "suck" in their name: 1