One more day in the greater Memphis area comes tomorrow. Our campground is south of the city across the state line into Mississippi, and is part of a casino complex that has seen better days. Apparently the goal was to turn the Tunica, MS area into the next Las Vegas, except someone forgot to tell the gambling public. We are at the Hollywood Casino, and it is a really sad place. Sam’s Town is across the road; they are busy tearing down large portions of its hotel in order to avoid paying room taxes on vacant rooms. Both casinos close down their table games and most of their restaurants during the week, then open for the weekend.

Day 48 was spent very musically. We started at Sun Studios, and enjoyed a tour of where artists in the mid-50’s got their start, including Elvis and Johnny Cash. The tour showed off a bunch of vintage instruments and vintage recording gear. It was great to hear how artists in the South, both Black and white, got going, and to hear some of their music.

We went on to Beale Street, and toured the “birthplace of the Blues.” So many musicians, so little time. The group had a fine buffet lunch at BB Kings; no live music there since it was so early. We strolled up and down, enjoying the atmosphere, and then got to tour the Rock and Blues Museum. It’s affiliated with the Smithsonian, and is really well done.

Today was a mix of experiences. We started the day visiting the Civil Rights museum, housed in the motel of Martin Luther King’s assassination. We did not have nearly enough time; the museum was very moving and humbling. The experience of Blacks over so many years…leaves me without words, other than to pray that race relations continue to improve.

We had a change of pace for the rest of the day. The bus took us to the Memphis Bass Pro Shop; this is not your normal big box store. It is housed in a pyramid that is about 15 stories or so high, along with a full blown hotel and three restaurants. A “quick” elevator ride to the top gave us a view of the Mississippi and a splendid lunch with a view. There was even time for a little shopping. For once it wasn’t a gift shop at the end of the ride, but a full blown store.

Anyway, tomorrow is our free day in Memphis. We have a special event that wasn’t on our schedule a week ago, details next time.