The South: Chicken & Armadillos

Izzie's birthday dinner

We had a great time in Huntsville. Monte Sano State Park turned out to be a truly great place. It was 10-15 degrees cooler than in the valley, not too humid, and unbelievably low on mosquitos.

Friday morning I went on a terrific bike ride, and then hung out with my dad and sister. In the afternoon I got the rest of the gang and went back to visit with my dad, and then had pizza and Izzie's birthday with my sister's family.

This morning we got up and Gabe, Kieran, Izzie and I went mountain biking and then we all drove to Memphis. We drove through Mississippi, which makes 48 states for Liz, 47 for the boys, and 46 for me. I can't believe I'm behind (I missed a trip in '05), but we will all be at 48 by the end of the week. Except for Izzie, who made the mistake of being born a couple of years too late.

Mississippi Hot Dog
Mississippi Hot Dog
Mississippi Hot DogMississippi Hot DogMississippi Hot DogMississippi Hot DogMississippi Hot DogMississippi Hot Dog

Armadillo!

Riding at the Monte Sano overlook

We got to Memphis in mid-afternoon. We staying at Graceland RV Park, across the street from Graceland, and just behind the Heartbreak Hotel. No, I am not making that up. Kathy and Jerry arrived about an hour after we did, and we all went to Gus's for the very best fried chicken in America. (Me, before Gus's: “I shouldn't have too much fried food. I'll just have 1 or maybe 2 small pieces.” Me, after Gus's: “Mmmmmmmnnnnnnngggggggggahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggg”

It is HOT. Came to Memphis 5 years ago and it was 100 degrees. Came to Memphis today, and – wait for it – it's 100 degree's. But it's a dry heat.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggghhhhhht.

It actually wasn't fun to go swimming in the unheated campground pool, because it was too warm. True story.

Tomorrow we are going to the awesome Memphis Zoo, and then will probably sit in the air-conditioned campers all day, wishing it wasn't 100 degrees.

After that, it is off to Oklahoma City, as we make our way west.