Vicksburg, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee

We rose at sparrows fart (which unlike there southern hemphissphere cousins is closer to 9:00) to fulfil the promise to our selves to stay fit by running. One mile down the road our shortness of breath and abundance of jiggling bits comfirmed our suspicions that we are out of shape.

We hit the road at 10 and continued our way north along the Mississippi toward Memphis. We stopped for lunch in at subway which continues to be our cheapest and healthiest option. To put in in perspective a pound of carrots costs $3.50US (Close to $10Aus a Kilo), while a foot long sub including Tax is only $5.35 US. We’re now well and truly off the beaten track and our hosts are becoming increasingly naïve/curious. Our conversion with our subway lady went something like this.

Subway Lady – Y’all not from round here sir.

Nick – What did you say……..(repeat) Aw no we’re from Australia

SL – yo wee I could wake up next to that accent (chorus of large African American women laughing)

SL – y’all sound like that crocodile man.

Nick – steve Erwin

SL – ya thats him, Y’all a kin to the crocodile hunter that amazing

Nick – Pardon…….(repeat)what related? no .

SL – Can I stay on your floor if I come to Australia.

Nick – Of course my mobile number is 6268641984, and my name is Carl McIntosh, I’m a chemical engineer.

We continued into Memphis but missed the exit and where shot out the other side into a completely different state, Arkansas. After returning to Memphis we visited the tourist information centre to get further directions. After a few words of warning from Elizabeth, the tourist advisor and a 10 minute tourist drive of down town it became apparent we were not going to be wandering around Memphis, We made our way to Motel 6 and spent an hour playing BB (Cards).

After reading the Lonely Planet book we were hoping that Beale st Memphis would be similar to 6th st, Austin. Although it was interesting it wasn’t the same. We made our way to Pig on Beale, another BBQ joint, where we shared the Love Platter for two. The platter consisted of; a full rack of ribs, half a chicken, pulled pork, spiced chicken wings, half a loaf of bread, corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, onion rings and two cups of BBQ sauce. Coupled with this it was $1 pint night. Words can not describe the pleasure that we experienced over the ensuing three hours.
We rolled out of the Pig on Beale and made our way to Red Rooster a local bar. We enjoyed a few more beers and a live band before retiring for the evening.

Note: After being left out of \writing the blog for a few days I would like to clear up a few points. At no time have I claimed to be a doctor for any reason

Cheers

Nick

Editor’s Note: That final comment from Wonders is an utter fabrication