Tag Archives: Road Trip

Road to Nashville – USA Travel Journal 2012

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10.7.12

Well up early to get to the shop and then get on the road. Dave had a blast in this antique store. Lots of old tin signs. We struck gold. Now we don’t have to look any more for them. Thank heavens. I got him out of there before he spent all our savings…lol and he was worried about my spending on scrap booking. Mine didn’t even come close to adding up to what he spent. LOL.

We hit the road again with the agenda to make it to Nashville today, as we got no where near it yesterday.

We stopped in a little antique store to check out the items. Well that turned out to be a very eventful stop. We got talking to the owner, Mr Bob Moore. He was a scream. We ended up being there for over 2+ hours just talking about Australia and the States. He knew heaps of places to check out along our journey. He told us many a tale. His sense of humour was so much like Dave’s it was uncanny. They got along like a house on fire. I think we persuaded him to go to Australia for his holiday. Let him know to come check us out in Perth and that we would be more than happy to show him around. What an awesome person.

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He told me about the time his father was driving along the highway and this car went past him and then swerved in front of him and pulled to the side. His father stopped to see if he could help, turns out they had blown a tyre, so his dad helped changed it. Low and behold, who should step out of the car but Elvis Presley. He thanked him for helping them out. How cool. We managed to drag ourselves away from there and left with his email address and I think we made a friend for life. Sure do hope to catch up with them in Australia one day.

We finally made it in to Nashville and we will fill up our day tomorrow with checking the place out but for now its time to call it a night and get some shuteye.541654_10150962435638041_937530315_n

J

xx

Graceland – USA Travel Journal 2012

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8.7.12

Today would of had to of been a highlight of my trip. This was another bucket list item that I got to tick off.

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Today we headed to Graceland. Wow what an amazing experience. It was so surreal to think that we were in the same building, walking on the same ground that once was graced by “The King” himself. He truly was an amazing man and so generous. When you go through the house , you can clearly see how much he loved his family and how much he just wanted to help those less fortunate. He presence can still be felt there. It is just so hard to put it into words. Its such a shame that he had to leave us at such a young age, but boy did he make an impact on it while he was here. Even though I was old enough to know who he was, I remember growing up listening to his music as my mum is a huge fan. It truly was an experience I will never forget and would totally recommend to anyone to do it if you ever get the chance..you won’t be disappointed.

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I was amazed to learn that when Elvis purchased the property, he paid just over $100, 000 for it. Now while that would of been an obscene amount of money back then, it is a steal now. The place is huge. They have kept the house completely as Elvis had left it. The decor is unbelievable. No expense was spared. Elvis truly believed in over the top. One fact that I found fascinating was that he never wrote any of his songs. Amazing.

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Dave and I really spent some time here and it was kind of freaky when we came to his head stone. Elvis is actually buried here with his mother and father and grandfather. I kind of felt like I was intruding on a very personal place but feeling very privileged to be able to pay my respects to a wonderful musician, great man and a devoted father. What an unforgettable experience.

Dave and I left there in awe of a man that changed the world of music and the lives of many.

Rock on Elvis!!!

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We spent the afternoon on the riverboat learning about Memphis and those that worked on the Mississippi River. The historical cruise was very interesting. Our tour guide was great too. He knew his stuff. We are certainly learning a lot about this country and their history. I probably know more about this country than my own…lol.

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After the cruise we took a stroll down the main st with the many clubs, pubs etc. It has the same feel as New Orleans. I really do love the South and the people here.

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Anyway time to get to bed, ready to hit the road again tomorrow.

J

xoxo

Road to West Memphis – USA Travel Journal 2012

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7.7.12
Well not much to report today. We really just spent the day traveling. Being a Saturday, we thought that many of the shops would be open, but yet again they were closed. Might be that some people decided to take a break from the 4th July through to Monday.

We did stop in a place called Bald Knob in Arkansas…when I seen this on the map, I said to Dave we just have to check in there, just for a laugh. I can’t honestly believe that someone thought that would be a great name for a town. I think someone may have been pulling something when they named it.

Imagine telling someone you lived in Bald Knob. Dave and I cracked up as we traveled down the road, there was a new place in town, a Tyre shop called Hand cock…..seriously so many jokes here.

We are now in West Memphis and looking forward to heading to Graceland tomorrow. Then we plan on taking in the sights of downtown Memphis and finish off a sightseeing tour aboard a paddle boat up the Mississippi River.

We have just been to a place called Iron Skillet for dinner. Wasn’t really sure what to expect by the name but was pleasantly surprised. It was a buffet style restaurant. I finally found some real food. Roast meat and veggies with gravy….mmmmm so good. Dave stuffed himself again. Can’t beat mash and gravy. We couldn’t even fit in dessert.

Well I wonder if I will find Elvis tomorrow???

Till then.

Night all

J

xx

Road to Memphis – 6.7.2012 – USA Travel Journal

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6.7.12

Well today we set off to leave New Orleans and head towards Memphis. I had it all planned out. First I had to make a little detour and find Bon Jovi Blvd. Well I set the GPS and thought we were on the right track. I had checked in the morning before leaving so I knew exactly how long it would take. Well Macca (GPS) decided he wasn’t into directing us in the right direction and sent us on a wild goose chase. We literally drove around in a huge circle back to where we had come from 2 days earlier. Dave was getting so pissed. So out come the trusty phone and maps from google. Turns out we were literally 5 mins from our destination and Macca was telling us we were still 25 mins away..

We eventually found it and I got to take my pic and look at the homes that Jon and his foundation built after Hurricane Katrina. All I could think about was how I could manage to maybe borrow the sign indefinately without being noticeable. Also how cool would it be to have that for an address??? I just want to say that my man is the best in the world and I love him more everyday. Thanks for taking me there , even though you were heard to say ‘ All this for a fucking rock star”..

So we are now in a little place called Winnfield and will continue on to Memphis in the morning. We didn’t really stop at much along the way, as we needed to make up time for all the bloody farting around in Louisiana.

We decided to go into the restaurant that is next to the motel for something to eat and I really wanted a cup of tea. I asked the waitress for a hot tea with milk. She looked at me as though I had asked her to chop her head off. Seriously do I speak a different language. She told me she had never been asked for a hot tea. I then slowly had to explain what to bring me. Well she got the tea bag and cup of hot water right, but then proceeded to bring me the biggest glass of milk to put in my tea….mmmm Dave and I just cracked up. When I told her I only needed enough to place in the cup, she took it away and brought back a smaller cup but still too much for the tea….poor girl, she really didn’t have a clue. Might be that she speaks a different language to me??

Anyway must catch up with my kids.

See you all soon from Tennessee.

J

xxxx

New Orleans – 5.7.2012 – USA Travel Journal

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Well today we set off for our swamp tour. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Just had visions of big gators attacking the boat.

We had set the gps to find the place and had to be there at 9.30am. Well we made it by the skin of our teeth. It was 9.30 on the dot, but luckily they still let us pay and join the boat. My stupid gps (macca) took us the long way round.

Anyway we got on the boat with the others and our Capt Troy. He was very cool guy and was a bundle of knowledge. He told us about the gators and then proceeded to throw marshmellows out to them. They actually know all of the gators by name and who is who. He told us about the swamp, plants and other animals that habitate in there. It was very cool.

He took us to one of the gators. Her name was Cindy. She is 11ft long and at the moment she has a belly full of eggs. But she was so lazy that she didn’t move a muscle when we approached with the boat. Troy tried to offer her a hotdog on a stick but he said that you practically had to put it in her mouth, to which my wonderful husband responds ‘ she is like most women, won’t eat it unless its put in her mouth’ I instictively slapped him.

                 

Troy asked us where we were all from. When it got to us, Dave replied Down Under…there were lots of strange looks came our way, we then explained from Australia, which in returned I replied ‘ we have really big crocodiles…man eaters!!! Troy agreed. Dave then proceeded to say that they would definately eat his “Black Arse”….I was like ‘ oh no you didn’t!!! This man of mine truely needs a filter!!!

As we continued on our tour, there were a family from Kansas. They had obviously never heard an Australian speak, as this woman turned to me and said *southern African American accent* You speak funny, where y’all from?? I cracked up…I speak funny!!! This family where a scream. They reminded my of those women on Springer or Oprah when they are excited. They were entertainment plus.

Troy then took us up to a tree which had a snake in it. They freaked out. They started saying they were allergic to snakes. Troy was cracking up…said they must be allergic to the swamp. Dave thought at this stage that it would be a great joke to pick up a piece of rope (used to tie boat up) and place it on one of the women…she just about jumped out the boat….everyone was in fits of laughter…her not so much. I did tell her that she had permission to whoop some American arse on him 🙂

As we were heading back to finish the tour, Troy told us that we had to pick up something from one of the other captains. He then said it contained a spider…at which point I was saying “oh no way” ..you can keep that fuckin shit right on the other boat…Troy replied ” well you were happy for my black arse to be eaten!!. Turns out it was a baby gator. He was about 2yrs old. He had been reared by the guys that run the tours. He had been handled from a baby. He was so cute and so quiet. Didn’t even try to snap fingers. But it was so funny when he pissed on one of the men on the boat. Troy said he doesn’t like men & that he peed on men all the time.

We had a great time and I would suggest this to any one who may visit New Orleans in the near future. We used Cajun Encounters.

After leaving the tour, we then went to find a place to stay for the night, this time a little out from the main centre and a little cheaper. We spent the arvo chillaxing and then we went to check out Bourbon St and go on our Vampire tour.

Bourbon St was a blast. New Orleans is definitely one of the places I have liked the most. Party Central. It reminds me of Kuta, Bali. There were certainly plenty of sights to see…mmmm .

We moved on to our Vampire tour at 8.30pm. We started outside the Cathedral. Well I wish they had written in the brochure that we would be taken on a historical walk/talk tour. I could of read it in a brochure. Unfortunately nothing untoward happened on our tour. Nothing out of the ordinary, but the information was very interesting. Vampires real or not??? Something to ponder. My feet are very sore, as we walked for miles and got very disorientated…felt like we walked in circles.

I am a little sad to leave here tomorrow, but I know that I have many more wonderful things to do and see. Can’t wait for Nashville and Memphis.

Well time to call it a night.

J

xxx

New Orleans – 4.7.2012 – USA Travel Journal

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4th of July

Today we set off from Lafayette to head to New Orleans. We took our time as we knew that it wasn’t going to take us long to get there. We only stopped for food and drink, as most of the shops were closed today for the holiday.

I did manage to take Dave kicking and screaming into another Hobby Lobby shop. He couldn’t believe the prices either. He was such a great trolley pusher!!! Got some insane bargains. They had 50% off albums and some stickers. So looks like his suitcase is getting filled up too. I’m sure the excess luggage is going to be a killer.

We have now booked into a place for the night after spending the afternoon/evening in the French Quarter. I have never seen so many one way streets in my life and only big enough to get the car down. Would hate to be driving a bus etc. It so busy too. Loving the feel of New Orleans. Very popular area I think. Looking forward to checking it out some more tomorrow.

                  

one of the street performers

 

While on our travels, we stopped at one of the stores and we are now signed up for a swamp tour and a vampire tour. This could be interesting. Dave is looking forward to the swamp tour, me not so much, but I am going to drag him along to the vampire tour. So we’re even. We are going to check out Bourbon Street too!!

After looking around the French Quarter we decided to go and get a place on the riverfront. There were thousands of people lining the riverfront. They had 2 barges and they let off fireworks simultaneously. It was so cool. It was great to see. Getting out of the parking lot not so great.

Anyway must go now and get some shut eye ready for the adventure to the swamp..

See ya’all soon

J

xx

Houston/Lafeyette – 3.7.2012 – USA Travel Journal

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Today we headed into the city to find the Hard Rock Cafe, so I could get me glass for the collection. We arrived to find that it was closed, so we decided to head to the nearest parking lot and take a look around.

I had read about some tunnels. So I wanted to check them out. We parked the car and headed towards them. These tunnels connect to the streets of central houston. You can travel from one end of the city to the other, exiting at certain points of interest. These tunnels are 20ft below ground and air conditioned. Dave and I walked for a while and didn’t even realise where we had gotten too. So we certainly got our exercise for the day. We hopped on the free bus and did the circuit and then continued back to the car.

some of the amazing art works around the city

We stopped at Appleby’s. It was cool. Great food. Love the chicken wings. The server Bobby was cool. She got Dave’s humour. So funny. She had a comeback for him every time. He thought it was fantastic. She kept hanging around just to talk to us, so she could hear our accent.

  

We didn’t stop in town for long as we wanted to get on the road and head towards New Orleans. We have made it as far as a place called Lafayette .

Tomorrow we head to New Orleans. I am extremely tired and need to get to bed. More updates tomorrow.

J

xx

Road to Houston – 2.7.2012 – USA Travel Journal

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Well today was not a great day. We spent nearly 3 hours driving around the twist and turns of the Dallas highways, trying to find a particular shop I had seen yesterday. It was an unclaimed baggage place. Do you think we could find it…not a chance. Kind of wish we had gone there on the way home yesterday, even if it was just to get an address.

Which side of the road do I drive on??

Well I certainly heard about not being able to find it. Dave made sure of it. In the end we just decided to cut our losses and tackle the highways and just head south to Houston. Dave decided that he had had enough and gave the keys to me and told me good luck with it. So I took over for about 1.5 hours. Mind you I let him know how it felt to sit in the passenger seat.

The tension was raised a few notches and a few words were mutted but eventually we got it sorted and managed to get out of the rat race and back to some sanity. This road trip is certainly testing our sanity, but I wouldn’t have it any other way…it just makes our love for each other stronger and lets just say the making up is pretty good too!!

 

Well I am going to try and watch a little TV while I can get the chance…Dave normally has the remote all tied up!!!

J

xx

Road to Grants Pass 18.6.12 – USA Travel Journal 2012

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Road to Grants Pass – 18.6.12

Today we left our sweet little room at Hacienda Motel and headed towards Portland, but decided to vary our destination. Love the fact that we can make it up as we go. Have decided not to head to Canada this trip, so we can concentrate on getting through the States. That way we have an excuse to come back and do more road trips and hopefully with the kids next time around….I am missing them terribly and I hope they are prepared for lots of hugs, tears and kisses on my return..I won’t let them out of my sight for days…lol.

We spent most of the day on the road today, up the highway. We didn’t really go off the major highway to smaller roads and towns. Just followed the GPS. But Dave and I like the smaller roads and exploring the towns, so will be going on the hunt for a better map to show me the smaller roads. So we can really see this country.

We did happen to pass the most delightful array of rainbow coloured trucks, unfortunately by the time we seen them, we only got a quick snapshot of them. We did try to go back and take a better pic, but we got slightly off the beaten track to a road that was quite bumpy and due to the fact that I was driving, I got a little scared and turned around and headed back to the highway. Dave was prepared to go bush bashing, but I kindly reminded him that we were in a Mustang and not a F250…so we got out of there.

   

We then continued along the highway until we seen some old cars, so we had to go and investigate of course. Men and their cars. Good thing I enjoy looking at them too. We got to chatting with the owner, as we are looking for a friend back home that wants a certain part and he gave us a few numbers and places to check out. He let us take a look around and take some pics and we then got back on the highway and headed towards our destination for the night.

We have now made it to Grants Pass in Oregon and will stop here overnight. Looking forward to a hot shower and bed.

I loved the roof on this house.

Off to chat with my children now.

Take care and will update again tomorrow.

J

USA Travel Journal 2012 – San Francisco – 17.6.12

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After driving through the city yesterday and having such a bad experience trying to find accommodation etc, we ended up finding a little motel in San Rafael. It was about 25mins from the city. I managed to convince Dave that we needed to find somewhere to park and hop on the bus and take in the sights of San Francisco.

We didn’t come all this way not to see the bridge. Thanks to my wonderful friend Tracy Randell, we did exactly thatSONY DSC We definitely shouldn’t go on first impressions. I am really glad that we decided to take that bus tour. We made our way from Fisherman’s Wharf, where we stopped to buy a jumper…yep you guessed it…only summer clothes packed. So I now have a new pink jumper for my collection. It was chilly. Along the way we came across a man who sits on the sidewalk behind some bushes…he has been there for years doing the same thing, he is a bit of an Icon. He waits for his op tune moment and then will jump out from behind the bushes and frighten the life out of people. So you can hear a few screams here and there and some profanities and lots of laughter. He was hilarious.

We then caught the bus to take our tour. About 90 mins. Seen many parts of the city and then they took us over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was such a cold and foggy day, that it wasn’t the best view unfortunately but just to say that we actually drove over it is amazing. Mind you so glad that I had bought that jumper , as we were in an open top bus….lets just say the headlights were definately on!!!!! Icicles to be exact!!! The most bizarre thing was after we crossed it and came out on the other side, the sun was shining and it was warm and the bridge looked beautiful.

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We then had to brave the elements again and cross back to the other side. Only this time it was worse. So much colder, that I was actually hiding behind the bus seat and snuggled into Dave, teeth chattering. We made it back to Fisherman’s Wharf and headed for the Hard Rock Cafe…had to get my hurricane glass and great excuse for some great food. We had a bite to eat, took a pic with Blue Bear and our server and headed back to the car.

We then hit the freeway onto our next destination. We found a place called Dunnegin and stopped here for the night. Its just off the highway and its so quiet. We have our own parking spot and the bed is comfy, hot water and clean fresh towels.

So now its time to call it a night , ready to start it all over again and find the next destination and see what gems we can find hiding around the next bend.

J

xoxo