Gulf Coast to Graceland

After my diversion to Ottawa and a well-deserved late wake-up on Thursday morning, I continued my journey westward along Florida’s panhandle. Hugging the coast as much as possible, I took my time and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of white, sandy beaches and turquoise water. I also stopped in the tourist town of Seaside FL where, in honour of Cinco de Mayo, I had a couple of delicious tacos at Bud and Alley’s Taco Bar. The town was pretty busy with numerous restaurants and small boutique-like shops surrounding the town square. If I had more time, I would have stayed longer. As I left Florida, I reminisced about all of the wonderful people and amazing scenery I had experienced in the state over the past two weeks. Two weeks!? Hard to believe it’s been that long.

Nearing the end of the travel day, I drove through Alabama and ended up at Shepard State Park, just outside the small town of Gautier, Mississippi. The campground is beside a bayou and as the sun set, the sounds of frogs, crickets and other nighttime critters filled the air. The heat and humidity were the worst that I have encountered on my camping nights this journey and sleep was intermittent. Then, to liven things up, a line of thunderstorms rolled through at about 3:00 a.m. and lasted for about 30-45 minutes. Accompanying the spectacular sound and light show was a torrent of rain. The attached video gives an idea of what it was like. I was never worried about being struck by lightning or by a falling branch, only about the waves of rain and runoff. My tent held up quite nicely and with a significant temperature drop, I was able to get a bit of sleep. The air was crisp and clean with the rising sun. I had to pack up the wet tent which I don’t like doing but with a long day of driving ahead, I had no choice.

My first stop shortly after departure was a small coffee shop in town where I intended to do some route planning for the day while enjoying a java. Once inside Delo’s Heavenly House of Coffee, the owner Deloris asked if I needed some help or directions after she saw the maps in my hand. I told her my intention and she immediately sat down and provided me with excellent ideas on which route to take to meet my normal plan of staying on secondary roads. We had a wonderful chat and after reflecting on her directions at the end of my travel day, I could not have asked for a better journey. The roads were exactly what I was looking for. Additionally, the coffee, bagel and muffin at the coffee shop were delicious and an excellent start to the day. Deloris was very generous with her time and information and I am grateful that I stopped at her cafe.

For the most part, the weather today was wonderful. The journey was through gently rolling hills, mixed forests, and farmland. It was a great driving day. I arrived in Memphis Tennessee late afternoon and decided to get some Memphis BBQ right away. Google gave me directions and great reviews for Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant so I drove the short 10 minutes for an early supper. The very personable hostess gave me a table “where all the action is” – by the bar, TVs, kitchen and most importantly, at a table beside Lewis, a life-long Memphis resident who has been going to this restaurant for 28 years. Naturally, we struck up a conversation about what to see and do in Memphis and he gave me great advice about where to go tomorrow. I had a wonderful time chatting with Lewis and his son as well as a couple of Lewis’s friends who had both served in the US Armed Forces. BTW, the ribs were fantastic! It was a very enjoyable dinner with great company.

Two great driving days, an exciting sound and light show last night, and two wonderful people who gave me excellent information and smiles today. I continue to be blessed on this adventure of mine.