I took a cab at 2:45 AM to Portland International Airport on Monday, March 17. I took the 5:00 AM flight to Memphis, TN via Denver, CO arriving a little after 2:00 PM. After retrieving my suitcase, I caught the Hotel Shuttle to The Guest House at Graceland. I ended up staying in Room #761. I ate dinner at Delta's in the Hotel Lobby. I was so exhausted I went to bed early.
I had a light breakfast of eggs, grits and fruit at
Delta's on Tuesday, March 19. I caught a
Lyft at 10:00 AM to The Peabody Hotel to watch the famous ducks walk the red
carpet to the fountain. I purchased a
Lansky's Lucky Rubber Duck. I caught a Lyft
at noon to the Johnny Cash Statue, a Historical Landmark and a Virtual Geocache. I had Pulled Pork Sandwich and iced tea for
lunch at nearby Bain Barbecue. I caught a
Lyft back to the hotel at 2:00 PM. I had
dessert at EP's Bar and Grill. I saw an
Elvis Movie "Love Me Tender" in the Guest Room Theater. Early to bed and early to rise.
On Wednesday, March 19, I had a light breakfast of eggs, grits and fruit at Delta's. My suitcase was picked up in my hotel room by the bell staff. I met Group 1 in the hotel lobby for the 11:15 Embarkation time. We were escorted to the waiting cruise coach for transfer to the American Splendor. Once on board I proceeded to my stateroom #413. I went to the Dining Room for lunch. The ship departed at 2:00 PM. Thunder and Lightning storm mid Afternoon. Dinner at 5:30 PM.
On Thursday, March 20, the ship arrived at 1:30 AM
at Terrene Landing, Rosedale, MS/Cleveland, MS.
I had breakfast and then lunch in the Restaurant. About 2:30 PM I visited the fascinating
Railroad Museum on the Cleveland Local Loop coach ride. The ship left at 5:30PM for Vicksburg. Dinner in the Restaurant.
On Friday. March 21, the ship docked at Vicksburg
Riverfront Landing at 6:00 AM. After breakfast I went on a driving exploration
of Vicksburg National Milit6ary Park at 9:00 AM. We stopped briefly at the
U.S.S. Cairo Museum. I gathered the
information for GCG107 Virtual Geocache.
Returned to the ship. After lunch I made a Scrapbook Bookmark. I listened to a talk about The Sultana in the
River Lounge. Recommended book: "Disaster on the
Mississippi" by Gene Eric Salecker.
Dinner at 5:30 PM. Our ship left for
Natchez, MS at 11:30 PM.
On Saturday, March 22, the ship docked at 6:00 AM. I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast. I went on a Natchez Landmark Exploration: Natchez, MS at 10:00 AM. We visited the exquisite Rosalie House, an antebellum mansion in downtown Natchez. We also visited The Basilica of Saint Mary. I found the Virtual Geocache (GC7B69F) at the brick building that currently houses a saloon at 25 Silver Street in Natchez under the hill. Afternoon Presentation: The Voyage of New Orleans. Dinner at 5:30 PM. The ship departed from Ferry Street Landing (Lower Landing) at 10:00 PM.
On Sunday, March 23, the ship arrived at West
Feliciana Landing in St. Francisville, LA at 6:00 AM. I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast. I visited The Myrtles, St. Francisville, LA
from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. I purchased a unique necklace. Back onboard I went on a
Pilothouse Tour at 5:00 PM. Dinner at 5:30 PM.
On Monday, March 24, I went to the Early Riser's
Breakfast. The ship departed West
Feliciana Landing in St. Francisville, LA at 7:00 AM. Presentation at 11:00 AM by Guest Speaker Jim
Schweickart: Taming the Waters. Recommended books: "Rising
Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America" by John M. Barry and
"The Control of Nature" by John McPhee. Culinary Presentation: Pralines at 2:00
PM. Bingo at 2:45 PM. The ship arrived at Vacherie Landing at 5:00
PM. Dinner.
On Tuesday, March 25, I went
to the Early Riser's Breakfast. I visited
Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, LA from 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM. After touring the Plantation House I had a sip of Mint Julep and a glass of Lemonade. Dinner. The ship departed Vacherie Landing at 6:00 PM. The ship arrived at Thalia Street Wharf in
New Orleans, LA at 10:30 PM.
On Wednesday, March 26, I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast. I took a Motorcoach to the Airport. I got my boarding passes but was not allowed to check my suitcase. I spent the day in United Lounge as I had a
free pass. I caught the 6:02 Flight to Portland International Airport via Denver, CO. I took a Lyft home.
Great trip but it was good to be back.
I found three Geocaching Virtuals during the trip: one in Memphis, TN, one in Vicksburg National Milit6ary Park, MS and one in Natchez, MS.