Tuesday, November 18th
Having not have access or time since leaving Nashville, I'll combine the last few days here in this update.As you've noticed the "blog" jumps around a bit.If you start reading as of the date we left NH, Nov. 7th, you can just follow by the dates.Also, if you click on the pictures, they will enlarge.So, after a transient overnight stop in Nashville we arrived the next day in Memphis-Arkansas.Just across from the river from Memphis, Tn.Yes the mississippi river.We parked at an RV park right on the waters edge for a two day stay.After a nice dinner, a long walk with Daisy, we watched the old boob tube and retired early.Though at this age retiring early is not all that unique.I barely make it thru the 11pm weather guy!Sunday morning, nov. 16th, was a clear, cool, cloudless day.We decided to drive to mecca.For me, that's Graceland.Elvis was a major idol for me and inspired me to play guitar.I made some nice money with it (& the band) playing the NY area in the mid-sixties.I know what your thinkin'.Bob did drugs.Although it may sometimes appear that I did or still do, I never tried.The ones I take now are for my health.Fact is I didn't and still don't like/drink beer.And it was always free to the band.I digress.Major disappointment was encountered by the rip-off operation at Graceland.Eight bucks for parking and tours ranging from $28 to $ 68 dollars-Each!Elvis would be crazed if he knew his fans were being exploited this way.Turns out, the Presley family sold Graceland to some money making tourist trap company that I will not support.I'll spend another hundred plus rather on Elvis CD's I can enjoy forever!We instead drove about ten miles inti Memphis to visit and tour the famous "Sun Studios" where Sam Phillips recorded the early (& first) Elvis recordings.He also discovered Jerry Lee, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash!We were in the actual studio, unchanged in 50+ years were they recorded!Daisy slepted in the tacoma for a few hours.Afterwards, we drove up to Millington.In 1969 I spent four months there at the Naval Air Station.While we visited the NEX (exchange), I decided to get a much needed haircut.After a ten minute wait, I was in the chair.I explained to the elderly barber I needed a trim.He agreed.I said you don't understand, the last time I was here I didn't have a choice!Nearly forty years have passed since that "recruit" haircut I got at boot camp!
On November 17th we were in Ft. Smith Arkansas for another "transient overnight.What that is , is a stop for the day to spend a night and continue early next day.We don't have to un-hitch our truck and not even require power or water.We do some of these stops at Walmart for convenience and to avoid looking for a "reasonable" park for the same thing.Some parks have protested the Walmart parking as taking their business.I say, offer us a "pull thru" site(60+ feet long) maybe water/electric for 25-30 bucks and I ll be there.I sleep better there than Walmart 'cause you don't have a lot of security at the shopping giant.Turns out, Lindy has found a lot of these easy on, easy off parks enroute.We have stayed true to our suggestion and been at a few already.We let them know we appreciate their "transient" parking.One even told us it was five bucks less for thirty rather than fifty amp service!I need to write a letter to an RV magazine to all those complaining parks.They have succeeded in closing some 300 Walmart opportunities, about ten percent!
Today,tuesday, Novenber 18th, we arrive at Tinker Air Force base for a two night stay.Located in Oklahoma City, it was an easy 276 mile drive on I-40 from Ft. Smith.Nice park.Only 39 spots and just six with 50 amp service.A neat base with lots of tanker aircraft to see.After setting up and cleaning up a bit we walked Daisy before heading over to the BX.Really nice food court and shopping.Tomorrow we'll refill the refrig with goodies from the commissary.As Linda Elerby would say- "and so it goes".Next stop, Amerillo, Texas.Last enroute stop, two nights, before final leg to Alburquerque.We'll be there a week and spend thanksgiving with friends driving down from Denver.To say we are really enjoying this trip is an understatement.............................Time to shop.