Apologies for the rather short blog yesterday, I intend to get up to date today. I am currently sitting in a lounge like room in San Antonio after a relatively shortish drive today, only 3 hours. I must say that it is getting very hot as we continue our tour, the humidity is awfully high. You begin to sweat almost immediately after a shower; eg. loading the trailer up with our gear is a classic example. Anyway, here is my blog.

Wednesday 12th May - After our relatively short stop at the designated campite, we awoke early to continue our journey down to Nashville, which we had heard both back in England and by Raza that it had been affected by flooding. With this factor in mind, as a group, we made the executive decision to continue our journey down to Memphis with another 200 miles in the van after a short stop in Nashville, as most of the attraction had been affected. In the time that I was in Nashville, I visited the Country Music Hall Of Fame, which was okay but nothing special in my eyes. They had information on Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley etc. The only thing that really got me was Elvis's golden cadillac as well as a mention of Lynyrd Skynyrd's classic live track, Freebird. After about a two hour break visitng the Hall, we all got back into the van and proceeded down to Memphis. Stopping a few times, I immediately noticed the very strong southern accent (How ya'll doing?!). Arrivng late tonight with almost 600 miles driven, we all feel pretty tired although take pleasure that there will be no driving done tomorrow and two nights of rest. I later find out that our campsite is right next to Heartbreak Hotel and opposite Graceland. It was my turn to cook tonight (& Chris & Mike) so we did Chili Con Carne. Rather nice if I say so myself.

Thursday 13th May - I awoke leisurely and after breakfast and a shower, I proceeded to Heartbreak Hotel and Graceland, which I must say was very good. I didn't fully understand how big Elvis Presley was nor his earnings. He had numerous cars and donated reguarly to charities as well as his beautiful mansion, aka Graceland. I must say though, in my eyes it was a bit diistasteful that you see the grave of Elvis. Whilst walking around Memphis, you see Elvis everywhere; in shop windows, radio etc. In the afternoon, we proceeded to the world famous Sun Studios which was rather interesting - this also being the place where Elis recorded his first song supposedly for his mum on mothers day although not the case. We went into the recording studio and I have taken a picture of the exact spot (marked x) on the floor all those years ago where Elvis stood. Afterwards, we proceeded to the location where Martin Luther King was shot all those years ago, decorated by a plaque and two cars which they would have taken to a restuarant the night that he was shot. After this, we went to a hotel in Memphis where it is common practice at both 1100 and 1700 for 5 ducks to come down from their penthouse, into the foyer pool and back to their penthouse in the afternoon. I must say it was weird but it was an idea from those behind Tennessee Whiskey, otherwise known as Jack Daniels. For dinner that night, we opted to go to a World Championship Pork Barbeque Festival and scrounge for free food. This did not work out for some of us, as the night we chose those participating in the festival were cooking for clientale only. I had BBQ ribs which were nice at first but after a while, lost their appeal. As a group, we later went to a bar for a few beers and watched a live band, who were pretty good. We got back to the campsite and 2230ish and went to bed.

Friday 14th March - After another early start, we drove down to our next location, New Orleans otherwise known as The Big Easy (for their relaxed attitude). We intended to go on a swamp tour for 1400, but despite setting out early, we were unable tomget there for that time so instead went for the 1600 tour, which allowed us to have an hour break doing what we want. The swamp tour was fascinating, seeing nature and wildlife at its best unaffected by humans. Although, I was not sure, there were occassional huts along the riverbank delapidated, which may have been caused by Hurricane Katrina. At one point, we were feeding this alligator marshmellows- it seems that even they have a sweat tooth. Another time upon the actual river, we encountered baby piglets swimming and fed them sausages, which Jamie called unacceptable. We got nto our hotel - a lovely little hotel - away from the invisible line street which we were warned not to cross as it is a case of when you will encounter danger. Being in a hotel room again on a bed is lovely. At night, we went to a local resturant as a group and tried their "Gumbo" which was very nice; afterwards, we proceeded to Bourbon Street and visted a few bars.

Saturday 15th May - Firstly, I must begin that New Orleans is unlike any other US city I have been too, it resembles a ghetto with broken pavements, scruffy houses etc althogh thats not a criticism; it adds to the atmosphere of New Orleans. I awoke leisurely followed by a nice, light breakfast and used the laundry for the first time whilst in America. In the afternoon, a few us proceeded down to the french market which was the same as any other market I have visted, followed by a lovely lunch; pancakes, bacon and egg and I also tried Alligator Sausage, which was rather tasty. Both Mike and I then visited a french cafe and had three french doughnuts which although had lots of sugar on them were rather good, yet filling. In the evening, the boys in the group including myself (10 of us including the leader, 8 of which are boys) had to do this silly dance to an incoming Intrepid group doing our tour from San Francisco - very embarrassing.

I have to go now as dinner is almost ready, I shall either come back and finish it off or do it another day. Love to you all, Jonathan