We started off with a change of plan today. The original plan was to drive to Tupelo via Jackson but we decided to follow a recommendation and follow the Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville to Tupelo instead. After the initial hiccup of a puncture on the interstate and a two wait to get it fixed we finally got on our way and followed this beautifully scenic road through three states (Tennessee, Alabama and into Mississippi) Nick finally got behind the wheel to...

We managed to find our way downtown this morning and were slightly disappointed with Nashville. Apparently, night time is better but it also becomes quite "seedy" so probably not the best place to take a 12 year old. We've had a lovely swim this afternoon with only us in the pool and are again happily relaxing with our wine and free food. Tomorrow we head to Tupelo via Jackson to see The King's birthplace.

A bit of a trek today - 300ish miles to Nashville. We drove through Kentucky, crossed the Tennessee River (twice), drove in Tennessee and arrived Nashville just in time for free wine - lucky really as the Walmarts here don't sell the red stuff (probably because of the bible belt that we are now in for the next five days). Lazy day in Nashville tomorrow and maybe a ball game...

Well today we made it into Missouri AND we got to our hotel without assistance from the local community! Firstly we just had to see the famous Catsup Bottle (we call it ketchup) then we headed to the Old Chain of Rocks bridge on Route 66 where we walked into Missouri across the old bridge. The Mississippi is one and half miles wide at its widest and this bridge is a mile long! Heading into St Louis, the plan was to travel to the top of the Gateway Arch so we qu...

So today we head to Collinsville with a few more wring turns along the way and another kind soul to follow to our hotel! We've seen some great Route 66 sites today including Tall Paul, roadside cafes and some wonderful birds of prey but by far the best attraction was Henry's Rabbit Ranch. It was closed when we arrived but Rich opened up especially for us. He got Big Red out of his cage and told us some fantastic stories - what a guy, made our day and Nick got hi...