Lower Mississippi River Trip March 2025

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.