Memphis, TN (May 28, 29, 30, 2023)

It was Memorial Day weekend, and I did not realize how many people would be in town and participating in many of the tourist activities.  Again, I did not plan well beyond where I would be camping.  I drove into T.O. Fuller State Park on the edge of the city of Memphis.  It was a well-used but well-maintained campground that was very full.  Upon arrival I learned that the Women’s bathhouse was being renovated, and the Men’s bathhouse was to be shared, Ugh!  It worked out ok since many of the campers had their own bathrooms inside their RV’s. 
Once I had set up, I immediately headed to downtown Memphis to explore.  I started walking Beale Street and listening to music coming from the venues all along Beale Street.  It was late enough in the day to start searching for a place for dinner before going to the Memorial Day weekend free concert, Sunset Symphony at the Everton Park Shell.  I found a wonderful Vegan Restaurant; Imagine, family owned.  The drive through the city to the restaurant and performance venue gave me a very clear picture of the diversity of socio-economic circumstances in Memphis. 
I arrived at the Everton Park Shell early, which enabled me to enjoy the beautiful night in a wonderful inner-city park.  It was a good thing because the crowds started to arrive not much later.  A very nice local couple (Andy & Dana) sat next to me and willingly shared things for me to do over the next few days and on my drive to Hot Springs AR when I left Memphis. 
The Sunset Symphony is a big band group and partnered with the Memphis Symphony led by Scott Moore, principal trumpeter of the Memphis Symphony.  The music was fun and sounded good.  At the end of the concert Scott Moore shared how Memorial Day is special for him.  Many years ago, he befriended an Iraq war veteran, Dusty.  Dusty had been saved during the war by another veteran Christpher.  Unfortunately, Christpher did not survive and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.  Years later Dusty stepped up and gave Scott his kidney to save Scott’s life.  Every year Scott’s daughter presently in the Army Drum & Fife Core and lays a wreath on Christpher’s grave.  It was such a touching and moving story.  Everyone in the audience was clearly moved and brought home how amazing Memorial Day celebrations really are. 
The rest of the time in Memphis proved to be a lesson in what happens when you do not do research and plan.  I tried to book some of the city tours, but everything was booked.  Then I tried to drive around myself, but it was not easy.  Everything was far apart, and parking was challenging at each location.  I started at the Pyramid/Bass Pro Shop and Mud Island to see the Mississippi River and had breakfast at Cordillia Market.  I then went over to Everton Park for a 3 mile walk in the shade.  I ran some errands and headed back to camp to relax.  The last day in Memphis I planned on going to the Civil Rights museum but did not look at the hours until Tuesday only to find out the one day of the week they are closed is Tuesday of course.  I went over to Shelly Farm Park for a walk, and then stopped for groceries.  Then headed back to camp to prep supplies and plans for the next legs of the trip.  I learned my lesson to better plan and research, so I did not miss opportunities.