July 3 - Memphis and Little Rock

In Memphis we hung out on Beale Street and I was mesmerized. The signage there is overwhelming. I would have love to see it at night time all aglow instead of mid afternoon. Every store front is begging you to enter with signs, music, or actual people outside carnival calling and schmoozing passersby. And everyone has lunch time happy hours. It was kind of awesome.

We spoiled ourselves with giant $5 beers at lunch time. I don't think I could finish mine.

Long happy hour ever - 11:30am to 7:00pm

Segway Cops

Although we were in Memphis we did not make it over to Graceland even though I really wanted to take a peak at it. We did buy an Elvis car decal though to make up for it. He boogied on the side of our blue showstopper all the way around America!

We then headed to Little Rock.

This is Central High, the first desegregated school. The school is humongous and resembles a castle. Being that it was summer, the school was closed and we couldn't poke around. It is honestly the largest high school I've ever seen. Sad though it is surrounded by boarded up houses and shops with broken cars parked on the street.

After exploring the city a bit we quickly realized that Little Rock kind of blows and returned to our campsite. There we found the kids of the family occupying the campground next to us frolicking about in poop sewage. The nearby bathroom and their RV must have had a drainage problem and the air reeked of poopie. The smell alone was horrible, but to then watch 3 little boys run around in the poopie puddles while their parents looked on lovingly was completely disturbing. Sick freaks. To make a stinky situation slightly bearable Jason and I ventured to a nearby gas station to pick up 40s of Smirnoff. Why Smirnoff? I have no idea. It just felt right.

Not a big fan of Little Rock.

July 2 - Lynchburg and Nashville, Tennessee

On our way from The Smokies to Nashville we stopped in Lynchburg, Tennessee for the free Jack Daniels Distillery tour. It was actually really interesting! Unfortunately and oddly enough, Lynchburg is a dry county and they were not offering samples on the tour. But we did get lemonade. They actually forbid photography is many of the buildings we toured so below are the only shots I was allowed. The process of creating JD is long and stinky. I felt really light headed in many of the buildings, especially the Barrel House where barrels are stored for years in order to age. The smell is overwhelming and sickly. I don't think I'll ever really enjoy JD after passing through that building. Overall though, good tour, totally recommended and its free! Our tour guide was this little pistol of a lady who told sassy jokes and insisted on chatting up every person on the tour between buildings.

The afternoon we made it to Nashville and checked into a seedy motel near the highway. We had read of this Mexican place called SATCO that's known in the area for cheap food and beer with a huge patio available. It was everything we read about including the food being cheap AND delicious!

Nashville is home to "Music Row" where dozens of radio stations, recording studios, and music producers have set up shop.

By the time we returned to our nasty motel the parking lot had filled with people looking for a stop to tweek and hook. The room next to us was occupied by several loud men yelling and slamming doors. It was honestly a little frightening. I was convinced they were going to steal our car and/or break through the adjoining door of our rooms and rob us. Nothing happened.

Although we were sleeping indoors on real beds I brought in my sleeping bag so I wouldn't have to actually touch any part of the comforter that was littered with cig burns, some the size of my fist. Believe it or not, Jason's bed was worse. I do not recommend The Cumberland Inn.

July 1, 2009 - The Smoky Mountains

The first day our classic American adventure. It took about 7 hours to make it through Virginia to the Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee. Jason drove the whole time.

The least subtle roadtripping car ever. And our first camp site.

Some shots from the park. There was a storm coming in that left the sky erie and clouded.

Jason and I hiked up to Clingman's Dome. The clouds rolling in tasted of pollution as we were completely enveloped inside at this high elevation.

Looking down on a huge tree from the Dome.

We saw two guys come off the trail to the Dome. They both look emaciated and half dead. They had only been on the trail for a few weeks. I'd hate to see what they'll look like after hiking the trail for 4 months.

Our first dinner. Consisted of toasted sandwhiches, granola bars, baked beans, and a pop tart for dessert.

I had been extremely apprehensive as our departure date approached for this adventure, but the ease and enjoyment of this first day calmed my nerves.

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man

Tomorrow Jason and I head out on our grand journey across America. I'm going to try and keep things updated when possible, but that could be tricky considering we will be spending the majority of our time in the car or in a campsite. I'm only a little nervous and a lot overwhelmed, but I think it'll be ok. First stop is the Smoky Mountains!

I was walking around the backyard and found this little car. It must have been buried for years until one of the dogs dug it up. I thought it fitting. It almost looks like its barreling across a wooded forest in search of the greener side.

I Did Something Stranger...

I really did not like the orange/blonde/ugly that my head had become. So I upgraded to this raw red that I'm falling mad for.

And this is my cat in a box.

Farrah Faucet, Michael Jackson, and Billy Mays

Its been a sad week for the living. Two major stars died this week and just today, Billy Mays (the guy who did OxiClean, OrangeGlo, etc commercials) was found dead. Although you may not know any of these people personally, is it ok to get upset? I heard people crying hysterically on the radio over MJ's death. Yeah its sad, I feel bad for all of them and their family's and their friends and fans. So is it ok to feel foolish for being upset? Or should we embrace the irrational and all give one good sob for the fallen celebs?

While others were out dying this week, I stressed over my upcoming road trip, tried to hang out with lost friends, stressed some more, bought a GPS, and stressed myself out more. Jason and I were trying to leave tomorrow (Monday) morning, but he forgot he needs to get fitted for a tux. Hah! WTF? So we'll probs be around until Wednesday.

Brain Garvon and the half eaten cheesecake
Friday night at Carpool: where no body knows your name.
Saturday morning with Pops and Jason. Location: Amphora Diner. Why: Belgian Waffles.

I Did Something Wierd...

Attack Of The Pumpkin Head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!