Karmann Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 (edited) Tomorrow morning at 5:45 AM I am departing on a journey I've been wanting to do for years- tour the South, and see Graceland, among so many other sites. I'm going with three of my buddies in my pathfinder, and I'll be stopping in AZ, NM, TX, OK, TN, KY, SC, AK, GA, MS, LA, AL, then head back home to California. I'll keep you all posted in this thread, figured you might like updates Cheers! Edited July 19, 2014 by Karmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 19, 2014 Author Share Posted July 19, 2014 In ludlow on the mother road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 Have fun and be safe Bud! Definitely keep us updated and don't forget the pictures. How long do you think you'll be on the road for? B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 Oooh! Oooh! Where in SC are you guys going? Where in SC are you guys going? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kafike Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 Road trip. Nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xterra Posted July 20, 2014 Share Posted July 20, 2014 Sounds like it will be a blast! And at least in this neck of the woods, there are plenty of part stores err, JYs if you need to stock up on parts. (AK's a bit out of the way, though... I hear AR's nice this time of year...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 21, 2014 Author Share Posted July 21, 2014 Thank you all, I'll probably be on the road into next week. Pardon the delays, last night I had to cancel my plans of camping in Santa Fe national forest, as a lightning storm on the drive up at 2am made a motel in town a safer option. PS: AR is correct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 21, 2014 Author Share Posted July 21, 2014 First day we made it to the Grand Canyon- absolutely stunning. I've been to some beautiful places, but this is truly breath taking. Here's me, probably the sketchiest climb thus far, about 3k feet above the floor on a 2 foot wide path. Here's that famous crater: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 Yeah, I doubt many people can stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon and not feel awe, much less introspection as to their insignificance. The ones who can should probably just be pushed in... I've never been to that crater, but have read up on it. Quite the trip! Oh, I deleted the multi-posts. B 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 The thing that stood out to me the most about the grand canyon was how quiet it was. Absolutely amazing scenery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gv280z Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Hey Karmann if you guys are going near Flagstaff, turn south and go check out Sedona. It's really beautiful. I've only been one time by myself and I wish I could have spent more time there. There are supposedly either spiritual vortex or some magnetic ley lines all through that region and you can hike to them and experience what ever it is that people do there. Nice little town too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 ^^^ There are also offroading trails just outside of town. That was the trip that made me want a 4x4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linewar Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Where are you going in Texas and Louisiana? I can definitely help recommend a restaurant here or there in my stomping grounds. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gv280z Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Hell we could get a little drive together, all four of us! Jason and I might be able to meet you and Linewar there in Beaumont, depending on when you come through. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linewar Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Floyd's, off I-10 in Beaumont, has excellent fried gator. . . . and everything, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 22, 2014 Author Share Posted July 22, 2014 (edited) My campground in the national forest just outside the Grand Canyon: From there we booked it to Santa Fe, though stopped to see the Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest National Parks (no pics atm due to my dslrlacking Bluetooth etc). Santa Fe though turned out to be a gorgeous town, with a fantastic atmosphere and a great art scene. I visited the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, and wandered around the downtown a bit. We were originally going to stay here, though a violent lightning storm and general lateness to our arrival meant a cheap motel night. We went up to the Santa Fe national forest later the following day. Following that was one of the more exciting moments of my life- a southwestern storm, amidst our cannonball run to Memphis from Santa Fe (1000 miles). Driving through the night, and until a couple of minutes ago, we were faced with massive lightning strikes, pouring rain, bugs, and fatigue. I even managed to acquire a speed warning from a nice OK state trooper. so far the trip has been great, and I am looking forward to exploring Memphis tomorrow, and Nashville the following day. PS: In Little Rock, there's a great place called The Root Cafe- very well recommended. Edited July 22, 2014 by Karmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 You guys are making good time. You are in Little Rock already? Where in South Carolina are you guys passing through? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 Just pulled into Nashville, spending a night here after Memphis. I'll try to update with pics tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kafike Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Karmann, seems like your blazing through the U.S. quickly. Santa Fe is nice to visit though you couldn't pay me enough to live there. And I work there. Live right outside Albuquerque and drive in everyday. We had some nice storms and lightning the last couple days. A rare treat here in the desert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 26, 2014 Author Share Posted July 26, 2014 I am, I liked Santa Fe quite a bit, would love to go there again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 26, 2014 Author Share Posted July 26, 2014 We pulled into Memphis, and experienced the greatest ribs of my life: Johnny Vergos Rendezvous. Perfect dry rub, truly amazing. These were the ribs Elvis had flown first class to him in Vegas, several presidents have eaten here- it's an amazing affair. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to partake in the fantastic Beale Street of Memphis- home of the blues, and rich with culture. A muscle car show completed the picture. The following day, and the moment we've all been waiting for- Graceland. We finally made it to the home of Elvis, such a powerful force it was a dream come true. I loved every minute, but again I'm a huge fan. here's some pictures: So many gold records, it was insane. The famous jungle room. From there we went to yet a another hallowed ground- Sun Records. Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and BB King all got their starts here. It is truly the birthplace of rock and roll, and truly all modern music. See inspiring for me to say the least. From there we drove to Nashville, spent the night at a local campsite. The next morning, we went into Nashville, had some great coffee and crepes, and headed to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted July 26, 2014 Share Posted July 26, 2014 I'm glad you are having so much fun Bud! Remember though, you still have a chance to see Elvez live... http://www.elvez.net/ B 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karmann Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 So from Memphis, we spent the night at a campsite in Nashville. The next morning had a great cup of coffee, explored the town, and then headed on to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, a couple hour drive. The town leading into the park, Gatlinburg, is an absolute tourist attraction, but was interesting to see a crossection of just exactly who was traveling, and to grab dinner. From there we headed into the park: After a quick tour of the park, we spent the night at the Cosby campground, near the north-eastern end. A great nights sleep brought a great day hike for the following day: What was most surprising, at least for me, someone who has only hiked in the west, was the lack of elevation. The highest point in the park (a scenic overlook) at just over 6000' is actually smaller than a very average mountain by my home in Southern California. From the park we continued towards Myrtle beach, and were met with one big tourist attraction. We spent the night but as soon as possible, left towards Jacksonville Florida. In between, I found Charleston and Savannah to be quite charming, with Savannah providing a great atmosphere, especially historically. From Savannah, we made it to Jacksonville without issue. A much nicer experience than Myrtle beach. While it was not exactly like the beaches near me in terms of surf, it did provide warm water, and a quiet beach experience, which was well needed. I also decided to change my oil in the beach parking lot (it had been 3700 miles in high heat). This would be the hottest oil change I've ever done haha. 97* with high humidity made me sweat like The King himself. No issue with the maintenance though, luckily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 So glad you at least discovered Charleston. Keep the pics and stories coming in but, most of all, keep driving safe! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linewar Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 The town leading into the park, Gatlinburg, is an absolute tourist attraction, but was interesting to see a crossection of just exactly who was traveling, and to grab dinner. From there we headed into the park: I also decided to change my oil in the beach parking lot (it had been 3700 miles in high heat). This would be the hottest oil change I've ever done haha. 97* with high humidity made me sweat like The King himself. No issue with the maintenance though, luckily. Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg: have you ever seen so many pancake restaurants in your life? Lol For the oil change, have you ever considered a Fumoto Valve? Best $25 I've ever spent on a vehicle. http://www.fumotousa.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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