CaptMurph: LOCKED UP at Beale Street, July 30

While camped at Table Rock SP, we checked the locations and distances for our return drive and discovered that we could easily fit a stop in Memphis fo some more "touristing" and Blues.

Bass Pro Shop Pyramid

So off to Tennessee and pitch camp for two nights at T.O.Fuller SP, just outside Memphis along the Mississippi River. The next day we took our bicycles to Tom Lee Park, downtown, and enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day pedaling along the mighty Mississippi. I was impressed to learn that the park was named for a hero who saved most of the folks aboard a foundering steamboat with his little rowboat just a few miles downstream from Memphis about a hundred years ago.

The bicycle paths led us north to a massive glass pyramid with the Bass Pro Shop (BPS) logo blazoned on the southern side. We were so impressed with the Springfield, MO facilities that we figured this was worth checking out.

Pond/aquarium in the Bass Pro Shop

It proved to be another BPS first class display of aquariums, stuffed birds and animals in life-like natural surroundings. In addition, they had a restaurant at the peak of the pyramid along with an outside balcony for viewing downtown and the river from the impressive height near the very top of the pyramid. The bike ride back to Tom Lee Park was a relaxed, comfortable trek to the RV.

Panorama inside the pyramid

Panorama from top of the pyramid

Karen at the Orpheus Theater and the Beale Street Entertainment District

As there were no signs indicating otherwise, we left the RV parked at Tom Lee Park and walked to Beale Street for dinner and music. We learned most of the performers in the local clubs were playing fine music, but not the blues.

You probably know the district only runs for two blocks of Beale Street and I was feeling a bit disappointed when we hadn't heard any blues tunes and we were almost to 4th street, the east end of the Entertainment District.

Sam Wiggans, one man blues band

There he was, a gentleman playing his keyboard for tips under a little awning in an alleyway. And he was playing classic blues! Karen and I reveled in the rhythmic audio and smiled at the fellow and he grinned back at us. He appeared to be our age and his selection of tunes bore that out.

We spent the next song savoring his talent, when another slightly younger gent carrying a guitar walked up and gave our musician a broad smile and a big hug. Then they both began to jam while we rode the melody wave to happiness! It was a real thrill to bask in the flair of these two genii.

Sam Wiggans and friend from Tokyo

Eventually, we stuffed bills in the tip jar and wandered slowly back up Beale, trying to catch every note even as they faded away.

The two street performers jamming for us

The Wither's Collection impressed us with superb and historic photography, then we found some BBQ at a club that now had a band including some blues in their repertoire. It was a bit loud for our ancient ears and we were tired from our biking and walking, so after one set we walked back to Tom Pell Park and the RV.

Click HERE for video

Our first surprise was very positive as we observed the bridges north and south of the park presenting a display of lights dancing on the superstructures and reflecting off the water. A wonderful show and excellent au revoir from Memphis!

Click HERE for video (check at 1:30!)

Our second surprise was that we were locked in the park! The two gates out of the park were now padlocked with heavy chains. Unless I was willing to climb the curb, cross the grass, drop off another curb and enter busy downtown traffic without a stop light or sign, we were stuck.

It took about an hour and two calls to 911 explaining our situation before a very friendly and helpful policeman enabled us to finally exit without mishap. The 911 operators had mistakenly told us the officers had keys, so he and I had to find another way out. I have small ramps which enabled the RV to climb up and down the curbs, so when the man in blue offered to stop traffic so we could enter the street safely, all went smoothly. You may be surprised we have no photos of this event. :-)

The next day we began our return to Titusville, FL with brief overnight stops, just long enough for dinner, sleep and breakfast.