3 for 1... a pretty good deal?

The last three days have been heavy traveling days.  Our trip is pretty much winding down, and we're trying to get home ASAP. I mean, I have a new apartment to move into after all.

I'll start with Day 21, which was a pure driving day.  We only stopped to stretch our legs a few times and grab a bite to eat for lunch.  We entered both Nebraska and Kansas for a short bit by accident.  That brings our state count up to 19 ( AL, MS, LA, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ, NV, CA, ID, MT, WY, SD, IA, NE, MO, KS, TN).  Just for the record, I'm going to post our route for Day 21.  It isn't very thrilling:

Day 21: Sioux City, IA to Joplin, MO

Map courtesy of maps.google.com

Day 22 wasn't much more exciting, but we DID make a few stops along the way just to see what Missouri had to offer.   Below is our route for Day 22:

Day 22: Joplin, MO to Memphis, TN via Mansfield, MO and Poplar Bluff, MO

Map courtesy of maps.google.com

Our first stop was to check out the home of Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder in Mansfield, MO.  If you remember, we stopped by De Smet, SD earlier to visit "The Little Town on the Prairie." I believe she set two of the Little House books in De Smet (Dad corrected me... it's three in the series plus These Happy Golden Years and The First Four Years).  Anyway, Mansfield, MO is where she, Almanzo and their daughter, Rose, finally settled.  She lived in Mansfield when she actually wrote the series.  There are two houses at the site.  One was built by Almanzo and the other is a stone house that was a gift from Rose to her parents.  Both were absolutely amazing - especially when considering the humble Surveyor's house in De Smet, SD. I got to see a lot of interesting things (pictures, clothing, Pa's fiddle, etc) from Laura's past.  I had a blast.  They won't let you take photos inside any of the buildings, but here are a few from the outside:

Above: Laura Ingalls Wilder's Home in Mansfield, MO

After finishing up in Mansfield, we set out for Memphis, TN.  When plotting our route the night before, I realized we could plan it such that we'd go through Poplar Bluff, MO - the boyhood home of one of the greatest Tar Heels of all time, Mr. Tyler Hansbrough.  The Tar Heel in me couldn't pass up the opportunity to swing by and thank the citizens of Poplar Bluff for such a fantastic basketball player (GO HEELS!).   SO. I demanded we stop, and I took some pictures to prove I was there: 

Above:  Missouri Born, Missouri Bred but when he dies he'll be a Tar Heel Dead!   Poplar Bluff may be known as the Gateway to the Ozarks to some, but to me, it is the birthplace of Psycho T! 

Alright, enough about that.  I just had to stop myself before typing out the fight song and everything that comes along with that...  GEEEEEZ! I'm ready to be home.

We rolled into Memphis around 8pm.  Dad and I dropped Mom (and Pepper) off and ran downtown to grab a bite to eat.  We ended up eating at Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous Ribs. It was a bit of a hassle to find parking, but trust me, it was worth it!  The ribs were pretty damn good, and the atmosphere was unbeatable.  We also drove past Beale St, which was pretty cool.  I wish I had time to get out and enjoy it, BUT we were in a rush as usual.  Here are a few pictures: 

Above:  Rendezvous Charcoal Ribs and some shots of Beale St (from the car).

Day 23 was also a pretty big traveling day.  We had to make it all the way from Memphis, TN to Knoxville, TN.  Usually, it wouldn't seem like such a big deal to drive 400 miles, but we are really tired, folks.  Every single mile we drive now feels more like 10 miles.  It's rough:

Day 23:  Memphis, TN to Knoxville, TN

Map courtesy of maps.google.com

Before we left Memphis, I insisted on visiting Graceland.  I couldn't come this far and not see it.  I checked the website for info about buying tickets and almost had a stroke when I realized it would cost $30.00 for a tour.  I'm a poor soon-to-be med student.  Ugh! I can't afford that, Elvis!  Jesus!    

Just when I thought all hope was lost, Mom pointed out that I could visit during the prayer and meditation time (7:30 - 8:30am) for free.  It's actually quite nice. You can't go into the home, but you do get to walk right up to the front and take pictures.  You also get to visit the "Meditation Garden."   Now, I've always heard about the peacefulness and spiritual aura surrounding Graceland, but I was skeptical.  I mean, how could the exploitation of someone's home and private life be considered peaceful?!?!    Well, folks.  I will tell you that my trip to Graceland was incredibly peaceful and serene.  I couldn't get over how calm and comfortable I felt.   I'm not a huge Elvis fan, and I'm usually uncomfortable touring old homes.  But for some reason, I felt relaxed and welcomed.  Pretty odd... and folks, I swear I'm not crazy.  I  promise I will not start referring to my trip to Graceland as a spiritual journey.

Above:  My trip to Graceland - Memphis, TN

Alright, I am gonna eat and get to bed.  It's late.  Gotta rest up.  We have a long drive tomorrow... all the way to Durham, NC!