So if you’ve ever been to West Memphis, Arkansas, you know there isn’t much there.
A hop over the border into Tennessee has much more to offer. Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame are well worth the trip, and the spectacular mountain coaster pigeon forge will take you on an unforgettable ride through the Great Smoky Mountains.
Today, we left home around 10:00 A.M. and were gone all day long, though. The first stop was the tire store, to order a new tire for the trailer. We have to pick it up tomorrow. Next was breakfast at Cracker Barrel. While we were eating, I got on the Map app on my Droid to find the closest Ford dealer. It just happened to be less than half a mile away.
Yesterday after we stopped for breakfast and fuel for the truck, the Check Engine light came on. Since it is a “new to us” truck, we weren’t sure what to think of that. I looked in the owners manual and found that it could be caused by poor quality fuel or by not replacing the gas cap correctly, among other things. But, to be on the safe side, we decided to have the truck looked at by the guys at the Ford service department.
Yes, it was Monday, and just like going to a doctor without an appointment on a Monday morning, going to the auto dealership for service on a Monday without an appointment meant a long wait. They did work us in, but we wound up being there until after 3:00 p.m. The service tech told us it could be that there was trash in the fuel, it could be that the gas cap was not replaced correctly, it could be ” a forced power shutdown due to a turbo malfunction. However, he could not duplicate the complaint”. We decided to continue with our trip, and if the light comes on again, to take it to the next dealer down the road. If it does turn out to be a turbo malfunction, it IS covered under the extended warranty that we purchased, but the service tech didn’t really think it was that.
By the time we got home, we were hungry again. We had already made plans to go to The Kings Palace in Memphis for dinner, so we cleaned up a bit and took off to Beale Street. Dinner was delicious. We had crab cakes and gumbo as appetizers. The crab cakes did have bread crumbs in them, but I ate them anyway. Sometimes I just take the responsibility of that choice, knowing that it is going to make me feel like crap the next day. Those crab cakes were worth it to me.
After dinner, we strolled along Beale Street, stopping in at several clubs to listen to different bands. It was fun to hear all the sounds, see all the sights, and people watch. There were people of all ages, from the elderly woman with a walker to a little boy who looked about 3 years old. Everyone was enjoying the music. I loved seeing all the neon signs. I didn’t have my camera with me, just the Droid, so the pictures here are not that good.
Tomorrow we are going to just rest and relax. Yeah, really. Right after we go get the new tire, go to the post office and the grocery store. Really.
diane says
A big day!
Cindy Cousineau says
Car trouble can be stressful, waiting all day in town can also be. Glad to hear that maybe today you will take it easy and just run around all day. Hum, doesn’t sound like a pay off besides the bread crumbs might lead you in another direction.
Cindy Of PEI says
Karen, I switched over my computer and have been posting but don’t see comments, have issues with cookies and getting that straightened out. In the meantime, let me know that my earlier message came across your computer. I also joined your google friend connect but do see my picture there, I almost hate computer issues as much as car issues.\ Thanks,
geogypsy says
You’ll have time to relax later.
Marilyn says
Sounds like you need to rest after that busy day. Hope nothing more happens as you travel I-40 to AZ. God bless & safe travels!
Pam says
Have you ever seen the movie Paradise Lost? It’s a documentary about the West Memphis 3 murder case. I love staying at that RV park in West Memphis but, after seeing that film, I always get a little creeped out about being in that town.
Fab Grandma says
I haven’t seen that, but I am going to google it now.
Pam says
If you had never heard of it, I’m almost sorry I mentioned it. It’s a horrible, gruesome case and to say that the trial was very poorly handled is an understatement. It has received lots of attention because of the movies (there were 2) and several books. Also, a number of celebrities (Johnny Depp, Natalie Maines, Eddie Vedder) have rallied around the convicted boys and have worked for years to get a new trial. They have finally succeeded somewhat as new DNA evidence points to the possibility of the involvement of one of the stepfathers and a near hearing has been granted after almost 20 years..
If you google “West Memphis Three” you’ll find lots of info on the case. Just be careful not to mention it around town. The locals are very sensitive to the publicity the town received because of the case. The whole area was portrayed in a fairly negative light. Three little boys were murdered and the townfolk went justifiably insane. They aren’t as sensitive to it as they use to be because so much time has passed and some people in town now believe the WM3 are innocent. Still best not to bring it up though.
Pam says
I meant “new hearing” not “near hearing”
Fab Grandma says
After googling West Memphis Three, I recalled that I did see that documentary, but didn’t realize that it took place in West Memphis. After seeing it, I felt like the stepfather and his friend were the killers, and that those teenagers were innocent. It will be interesting to see what happens if they get a new trial with the new evidence and DNA allowed to be shown.