Biketober!

It is the Biketober Fest in Daytona Beach!

Biketoberfest® in Daytona Beach, FL is an international award-winning motorcycle festival that offers participants an extended weekend get-away brimming with plenty of sun, beaches, bikes and fun! Thousands of bikes will roar into and all around town - no two alike! Popular annual activities include motorcycle shows and rallies that showcase new, vintage and custom bikes; demonstration rides on the newest machines from top manufacturers; and on-track motorcycle action at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. You'll also enjoy endless-delicious food choices, live music and plenty of people-watching. With a variety of events and activities planned at venues all across the county, you're sure to find the best places to play and stay during your visit.

Some pics of the different bikes we have seen. There are people riding bikes everywhere - the sound is constant of the roar of bikes. Dave checked out the trike conversion kits and had a test ride of one. Can't get one over in Australia easily. Lots of weird and wonderful things to see. Lots of partying if you were inclined to do so.

Gators!

Monday we went north to St Augustine. It was Columbus Day here in the USA, a public holiday for some people.

We found the Alligator Farm! I wanted to see some local reptiles - 'American Alligators' although there are another type as well, Chinese Alligators.

The St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park was founded in 1893 and is one of the oldest zoos in the country. This is the only place in the world that displays all 23 living species (of crocodilians) from the Americas, Australia, Africa and Asia. Discover a diverse collection of birds, mammals and reptiles while you explore the park.

We watched the reptile keepers feed the alligators and learnt interesting facts about them. We saw an albino alligator from the bayous of Louisiana, only discovered in 1992. We saw a Komodo dragon (bigger than I thought they'd be!) and a cassowary, also Galapagos (Giant) Tortoises.

There was a display called 'Gomek Forever' = one of the largest crocdilians ever caught in Papua New Guinea, 18 ft long (6 m) and 2000 pounds. He has been preserved. The Australian salt water croc now on display, and the largest in the park, is named 'Maximo' - he's 15 ft (5m) and 1250 pounds, but he hasn't finished growing yet and may well grow to Gomek's size in the future....

As we were leaving, I was saying to Dave how I'd enjoyed the day and had done everything I wanted to see and do (fed alligators) but we hadn't seen the baby 'gators that I'd read about being able to touch in the brochure....

We rounded the corner, and a zoo keeper was standing there holding one! I got all excited and asked if I could touch it and take a photo and she said, 'Sure! I'll even take your photo!' We decided to walk to her little studio and she took the pic - she even offered for us to nurse a snake (python) as well ("No, thanks, we don't 'do' snakes," I said - especially after Bill tells us he & Asha saw a brown snake when walking at home this past week....).

I've included the pic below - the alligator's scales were silky smooth and she was just a little cool to touch, and very well behaved, what with her mouth taped over & all...!

I can see why they make good handbags and shoes..... not that I'd want any! They're beautiful creatures!!!

Natchez Trace

The reason we stayed at Tupelo, Mississippi was to drive down the Natchez Trace. We found the Visitor Center and found out some information about the parkway and some maps. There were some school buses and fire engines parked and some school kids around as we were leaving. As Dave drove out of the car park - look who we saw!!! Dave braked as I wound down the window. Lesley and I were hanging out of the window, 'Smokey!!!! Can we have a photo?' The poor fella was carrying some cartons, which he put down as we ran over to him, all excited!

The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail used by animals and people that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River, through Alabama, to salt licks in today's central Tennessee. Today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping.

The heaviest use of the Old Trace was from 1800 to about 1825 by men, known as "Kaintucks," who floated down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and returned north on foot. But the stories of the Old Trace reach far beyond the early 1800s. They include Mound Builders, Natchez, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Indians, preachers, bandits, slaves, soldiers, settlers, and even Meriwether Lewis.

This is Dave standing on the actual 'trace' which comes from a French origin meaning 'footprint'. The road today shadows the trace. This is standing on history! We drove along approximately 60 miles (took almost 3 hrs!) and stopped to look at exhibits which showed remains of Indian settlements, mainly Chickasaw tribe. The drive was beautiful - cars only on the road, no advertising or traffic lights, just National Park. And animals - we saw wild turkey buzzards, deer, squirrels, a (flat) fox and birds.

We had a late lunch in Kosciusko (yep - same name) and drove on to Meridian, Mississippi. Made one of our (almost) usual afternoon stops at Walmart - to buy some beer and other miscellaneous items. Had to take a pic of that!

We found a great Jameson Inn which was right across the road from Bonita Lakes Mall where there were a few choices for dinner - we settled on 'Charley O' diner.

Saturday (today): we left Meridian early in the morning and drove south to Mobile, Alabama. Found a Flea Market for a look - lots of puppies (boxers!) and rabbits, chooks, kittens etc etc.

Crossed the border into Florida at lunchtime. Staying at Marianna, Florida tonight. Should return to Daytona Beach tomorrow. Great weather - blue skies and 80 + degrees farenheit.

Mud Island

Thursday morning we went to have a look at the River Museum - which was part of the Mud Island River Park - on the shores of the Mississippi - Memphis!

It was the most interesting museum - we could have spent hours there. We all thought the most impressive exhibit was the life size reconstruction of the front half of a river boat and we got to walk through it!

Outside on the ground there was a scale sized model of the Mississippi River from source to sea including both the land and river reliefs. The kids were more interested in paddling in the water. Certainly a wow factor if you actually know the river. The marina was nearby and the poles holding the pontoons were 15 meters high to cater for the fluctuating heights of the river.

Drove on to Tupelo, MS in the afternoon and stayed the night. Jimmy dropped in and we caught up with Jim's son. Lesley introduced me to 'Pier 1 Imports' shop.......

Might I add that the car is NOT full yet!

'Lunch' with Elvis

Started Wednesday with a walk to 706 Union St - originally known as the 'Memphis Recording Service' and became 'Sun Records'.

Owned by Sam Phillips - he began recording the music being played in the clubs in Beale St... and went on to record and promote some of the greats - BB King, the Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Elvis etc. It was such an interesting tour and we learnt so much about the music and how the recording studio worked to put it all together.

We climbed aboard the Sun Studio free shuttle and went to Graceland. We toured the house and were able to get these photos of Elvis' lounge room - love the glass stained windows of the peacocks! The racquet ball court has been converted to display Elvis' platinum and gold record awards and some of his stage costumes - even more eloquent in real life than a picture!

Memphis!

Arrived in the afternoon Tuesday. Used coupons again to find a downtown hotel. Walked 6 blocks and found 'Beale St' - the happenin' area of Memphis - the area which gave birth to the 'blues'!

Ate dinner at BB King's Cafe & Bar - such delicacies as Southern Fried Catfish, BBQ dry-rub ribs and I had Southern Style Smothered Chicken!

Went wandering in & out of bars listening to music.... one fellow on the footpath was really insistent that we go in to his club (Blues City Cafe) because the band was starting at 7pm.... we weren't keen but he said it was 'Gary and the Tennessee Two' doing a tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash (the 'Millionaire Quartet).... so we went in and got a table and thought we'd stay a 'polite' 10 minutes.

Well - that was the best decision we've ever made - we sat there for the next 3 hours and listened to excellent music and were entertained by their funny stories and jokes - it was absolutely fabulous! AND with $5 32oz beers! That's the band in the pic above....

On the way home, more horses and carriages for hire - but had to take a pic of this one lit up with 'fairy' lights - like Cinderella's converted pumpkin! David offered to take me home in it - but I thought we should walk off some of the beer ....!

Ryman Auditorium

Early start Tuesday, walked to Broadway - shot this first pic of the 'strip' during daylight hours.

Ryman Auditorium opened at 9 so we walked in and bought tickets to the 'self-guided' tour.

Ryman Auditorium is the former home of the 'Grand Ole Opry'.

The history of the Ryman dates back to 1880, when Thomas Ryman decided to raise money to build a permanent place for evangelist Sam Jones to preach. It took 7 years to build and cost approximately $100 000. In 1892, the Union Gospel Tabernacle was completed and later re-named the Ryman Auditorium upon Capt Ryman's death in 1904.

The Ryman served as the venue for events such as religious revivals, jazz recitals, operas, political debates, boxing matches etc until the Opry came in 1943.

Under the management of Lula Naff, the Ryman became one of the south's premier performance halls - it became known as the 'Carnegie Hall of the South'. In 1943, Ms Naff signed a contract to rent the Ryman out on Saturday nights for a popular live radio show.

During the Grand Ole Opry's residence from 1943-1974, the building gained nationwide recognition at the 'Mother Church of Country Music'. Rarely was a seat vacant on a Saturday night! Admission lines extended around the block! Acts included Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl.

From 1974 - 1994 the Ryman stood untouched. In 1994 the Ryman re-opened after a major renovation. In 2001 it was named as a National Historic Landmark. It is now open daily as a museum and has re-established its place as a premier concert venue!

Music City USA!

Nashville - capital of Tennessee - founded in 1779. Known as the Country Music capital of 'the world' (?) or Music City USA. Home of the Grand Ole Opry since 1925!

We have found using the coupon books found in travel centres very helpful when finding hotels. We booked ourselves in to the Best Western downtown - only a few blocks away from Broadway Street - where all the country music bars are located.

Sunday night - dinner at Brewmaster bar & grill then up the 'strip' and found ourselves in Roberts Western World bar. Excellent band playing all sorts of country & western from Johnny Cash, to Elvis, bluegrass - even 'Meet the Flintstones'! Had a blast!

Monday morning, we drove to 'Opryland'. This is where the Grand Ole Opry House is; Opryland Hotel and Opryland Mills (outlets). The pic above is taken outside GOO House - but it wasn't available for tours.

Next, we walked to the Opryland Hotel. Wow! It is a huge hotel, completely enclosed under an atrium, complete with its own river! Shops, restaurants, blue catfish in the river, a river 'cruise' and the most beautiful plants - we were impressed with the orchids! I would love to stay here for just one night - it's too beautiful for words and we can't possibly show it all in photos.

Walked back for a quick tour of Opryland Mills.

That evening, we went downtown again - dinner at Big River Grill (yummo) - and witnessed several police cars dealing with an accident whilst eating dinner.

Last word from Jack's

Almost forgot to include the photo of us next to the marble creation of Mr Daniel himself! And the group photo from our tour.

We didn't receive any samples from the distillery - free or otherwise as it was a Sunday. Boo!

Lynchburg is located in Moore County and it is a 'dry' county - since Prohibition Days.

After Prohibition, it took the distillery owner (Mr Daniel's nephew) 38 years to convince the government to allow the law changes required so that the distillery could begin again, on the proviso that liquor was manufactured but not sold in Moore County. Interesting.....

From Lynchburg, drove two hours north, arriving at Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday afternoon.

Jack Daniel's

We approached the entrance to the distillery and it was starting to rain. The tour is mostly a walking one - we were organised with umbrellas and coats. The tour was free! We began with an 8 minute video giving an overview of who 'Jack Daniel' was and how he began making whiskey. You can read about it at: www.jackdaniels.com if you're interested.

Jack bought 1100 acres of land in the Lynchburg area. The spring which runs through the limestone cave (above) is filtered by the rock and is crystal clear and very fresh. This water helps to make the whiskey taste so great!

I took the photo (above) of the stream running from the cave - yep, looks pretty clear to me.

Jack Daniel's Old No 7 whiskey is among the world's best selling whiskey! To be a 'Tennessee Whiskey' two criteria must be met: 1. The whiskey must be made in Tennessee. (simple enough!) 2. The whiskey must be filtered through charcoal. (If it's not, then it is a bourbon.) Things you learn, hey? (Sorry, but this rum-drinker thinks it all tastes like cough medicine...)

The town of Lynchburg (pic taken in town square) only has a population of about 5700. Most of its inhabitants work at the distillery. We read a sign which boasted: Things you won't find in Lynchburg - No McDonalds. No Walmart. No traffic jams.

There is only one intersection with a traffic light in Lynchburg. We had a delicious lunch at the Iron Kettle cafe.

We really enjoyed the tour! Would recommend it - if you don't mind a drive through the country - deer, foxes and all.....

To Lynchberg, TN

Departed Chattanooga and headed to Lynchberg via Alt highways 41 and 50. A pleasant and interesting drive because we were on the country roads. As the pictures show, we saw an emu farm! Apparently there are lots of them in Texas and Lesley was telling me of a different pronunciation for these birds - 'em' (as in them) - u. Took a photo anyways...

Rounded a corner only a few miles from Lynchberg in time to see a family of deer on the road and the car in front had almost stopped.... grabbed the camera and hung out the window to grab these snaps - it was all VERY exciting!!! Further down the road there was a 'flat' fox - no doubt there's some action in them there hills after dark!

Arrived at our destination - Jack Daniel's whiskey distillery! Let's do a tour!

Aquarium afternoon

Saturday afternoon we split up - I took myself off to the Tennessee Aquarium, the others went to Ruby Falls.

The Tennessee Aquarium is the world's largest freshwater aquarium and home to the largest blue catfish on exhibit in the world, weighing in at 90 lbs.

Here are a couple of 'snaps' that I took before my camera died..... typical...... couldn't get the catfish... but I was more impressed with these little beauties - (clockwise) Baby alligators, otter, royal penguin and pig nosed tortoise. I also saw macaws, sharks, tropical stingrays and went into the Butterfly House.

The others went to Ruby Falls:

The deepest commercial caverns in in the United States are located deep inside Lookout Mountain and are more than 1000 ft underground.

More on that one, later....... will have to get some from Lesley's camera. From all accounts it was a very memorable experience!

Moon Pies - pretty cool! - best described as a 'skinny' wagon wheel - two biscuits joined together with marshmallow and dipped in chocolate. Different flavours include strawberry, vanilla and banana.

Welcome Tennessee!

This morning (Saturday) was our coldest morning so far - woke to fog and 47 farenheit! Yikes - that's less than 10 celsius!

Drove north from Calhoun crossing the border into Tennessee. By this time it had fined up and was much warmer!

Arrived in Chattanooga at around 9.30am and headed downtown. Found the Chattanooga Choo Choo! The first Chattanooga was a passenger train departing from Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 5, 1880. Operated by the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, the train was the first to offer through passenger service to the south. Since nearly all trains to points south had to pass through Chattanooga, a newspaper reporter dubbed the huffing and puffing little steam locomotive the Chattanooga Choo Choo - a bit of phrasing that went down in history.

Glenn Miller's Orchestra made the catchy song popular in the 1940's, and the words 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' became world famous!

Ever tasted a 'Moon Pie'?

Chattanooga Bakery was founded in the early 1900's and in 1917, the famous Moon Pie was created. You can buy them everywhere - and we found some snack sized ones this afternoon. Check 'em out for yourself at - www.moonpie.com

Stay tuned - I'll taste test 'em tomorrow and report back! Lesley and I bought the chocolate ones (of course).