May 14, 2016

Two weeks

Yesterday we headed southeast in Missouri.  In the extream southeast corner we crossed the Mississippi River into Tennessee.  Stayed the night in Jackson, TN.

This morning we headed east to the Natchez Trace Parkway.  Several years ago we drove the southern 2/3 of the parkway from Tupelo to Natchez.  We thought we would do the northern part this trip.  We hit the trace at the Merriweather Lewis monument and grave.  While traveling along the trace to Philadelphia with all the documentation from his expedition, Lewis died mysteriously one night in a small cabin. He was buried nearby in a small pioneer cemetery.  Years later his grave was verified and a memorial was built over the spot.

Monument and grave

 

What looks like divots are actually grave markers

 

Flat area to left of fence is portion of old trace.

 

Recreation of cabin where Lewis died.

 

 

The northern part of the trace was closed due to construction so we had to take another route.  North through Nashville to a nice RV park a few miles north.  Arrived at noon, plenty of time to get tickets for that afternoon to tour The Grand Ole Opry.  We had thought to see a show but there were no pairs of seats available and we were not familiar with the performers for tonight. (Too bad we have to keep moving on.  Next week is Carry Underwood.)  We did take the backstage tour though.  How to describe the tour?  One word – Wow!  Outstanding venue for live and recorded performances (Last ten+ seasons of Hee Haw were taped in ‘Studio A’ in the building).  The building is full of history.  Every dressing room, every hallway, even the main stage has historical significance.  Auditorium holds 4400 people and there is literally not a bad seat anywhere.  Production capability of the stage is amazing.  Lighting, sound, and staging(flys, drops, etc.) would handle almost any type of show.  Needless to say we were impressed with it all; building, staff and country atmosphere and philosophy.

A dressing room. Each has a theme.

 

History everywhere

Mural on wall of ‘Green Room’.  It is not green.  Comfortable furniture, paneled walls, tv to watch live stage action, refreshment bar(no –OH). Just very comfortable feel.

 

Auditorium from the wings

Center stage circle is from original Grand Ole Opry building.

Stage

This place is huge

Stage from back of house.

House next to Opry building built by Grand Ole Opry for Roy Acuff, The King of Country Music. He lived his last years here, just steps from ‘his work’.