Tornado country

We weren't sure if we were going to detour around here, given the nearby tornados and threat of more. But the weather abated, and we decided to stay our route as planned, and arrived in Oklahoma City yesterday afternoon.  As we approached the three exits for Shawnee, where the first tornado struck, I was not sure what me might see from the highway, and the first two exits seemed totally normal.  As we approached the third, however, giant old trees lay snapped like twigs, and debris filled the land and some heavily damaged buildings were visible from the highway.  Moore, where the most devastation occurred, is south of us, and we will not encounter it, but the images on the evening news are daunting.

Though we have followed it, as all the nation I am sure has, the news here tells more.  People are volunteering to clean up the debris, which seems the most needed help now, outside of funds, as they have actually asked for no more clothing donations, due to the huge volume that has already arrived.  Work parties are being organized, and someone has set up free laundry service at a nearby Home Depot, where folks can drop off their clothes to be laundered and folded and returned to them.  We are staying at a campground where we have stayed in the past, but had not noticed that they have a storm shelter.

 

Our spot on the 10th hole....all seems very normal here in Oklahoma City, except for the flags at half mast.  

William J. Clinton Presidential Library

The Clinton Bridge was just outside the gate of our RV park, and we set out early and walked across to the Presidential Library, a gorgeous building, jutting out above the ground and the river.  

                        Inside, large walls with timelines lined the center of the main hall, with large display cases along the sides, with information on President Clinton's campaigns and time in office and the  accomplishments of his administration.

 The President received special permission from Congress to bestow the Medal of Honor on the the brave people who defied the rules of segregation by attending a white school.  He was 11 when it happened,  and while governor, he honored them in the halls where the government had inspired to keep them out.  He remarked that he, and they, got a big kick out of that!  He was granted permission because of his relationship with these people, and delivered a wonderful speech, which we were able to hear. 

 I was inspecting the blue of these columns, thinking they looked like boxes, and could not imagine what they might be doing there.  Sure enough.....boxes!  Containing all the records, letters, etc of his presidency.

We decided to grab a bite at the library, and went downstairs expecting a cafeteria, and were greeted by a lovely restaurant with delicious food!  

Clem had a BELT.....BLT with egg. 

 These last two photos show our park in relation to that bridge and the library! Not the fanciest campground, and certainly tight, but a great location!

There was a huge River Festival for Memorial Day which began Friday night, and you could hear the music from the stages right across the way.

We explored a bit more of the city, but passed on a few things due to road closures for the festival.  Next time!

A woman in this chair?

I like it!  Hope I get to see it!

The Clinton Presidential ParkBridge

Once a railroad bridge, it was converted to bike and pedestrian when the Presidential Library, which you just see at its far end, was built.

Arkansas River Trail

Woke to a lovely cool and dry morning with blue sky and bright sunshine calling to me for a brisk walk!  So I left Clem to clean up after breakfast and headed the short way from our RV park to the trail. And what a trail it is!  Connecting parks, attractions, and running along the river and over pedestrian bridges, I hated to turn back at my allotted time. But the days adventures were waiting, so I headed back to change and set out for the day. I did stop to read some plaques along the river telling about the Indian removal.  Truly a dark time for our nation, The Trail of Tears is marked, not to be forgotten.

Picnic lunch on the Music Highway

Worth every calorie!

Antique Archaeology.......

............or for those who watch the show, American Pickers!  This shop belongs to Mike, who also owns a shop in Iowa.  Frank owns one of his own.  We had heard Mike often drops in, but not on our visit, unfortunately.  It was very fun to browse, and try to see maybe some of the merchandise we had seen them pick on the show.  And of course, buy a tee shirt! 

Mike loves motorcycles, and there were several in addition to this Indian.   

The Parthenon

Built for the centennial fair, it was rebuilt in the early 1900's to strengthen, and made to an exact replica of the original.  It now houses historic images of the fair, as well as the history of the building, and , since 1989, a huge replica of the statue of Athena.  

Up early this morning and checking the weather radar, which I have done regularly over the last several days.  It poured last night, and it it so loud pounding on the roof of the motor home! Huge puddles everywhere this morning,  but there were no heavy winds, and the threat, while still out there, seems to have passed us.  We hoped as it moved it would diminish, and it did just that.

Yesterday afternoon turned out to be quite nice, with sun returning after the first storm, bringing cooler temps, and everyone was out walking around.  We had an opportunity to chat with some of our camping neighbors, and then lit the barbecue and ate outdoors before night fall.  We had to move the coach to a different location in order to extend our stay, as our spot had been booked for the next several days.  But we accomplished it in record time, and I find I am becoming so accustomed to backing it up, that I needed little assistance, if any.  Always good to have an extra set of eyes out there, however, for that low branch or big rock or post that might be out of sight!

We may still get rain here today, but it is quiet now and the birds are singing, so if we can, we may go into town and get some photos and visit  the Art Museum, if I can talk Clem into it, and Centennial  Park and its Parthenon,   Built for the centennial celebration, it is a gigantic replication of the original, built because Nashville is called the Athens of the South due to its emphasis on education.   I did not realize it, but they have many research facilitates here as well. The Sarah Colley Cancer  Research Center bears the real name of its main benefactor.....Minnie Pearl, a cancer survivor.    Not quite the redneck image that comes to mind when the state is mentioned!

Downtown Nashville

 Today was the day for a trolley tour around the City of Music, whose nickname comes not from   the country music that is so prevalent, but a Gospel group!

The day started warm and sunny, but changed quickly, and earlier than expected, to strong winds and rain.  We opted to stay on the tour rather than jump on and off.  If the weather holds tomorrow, we may go back to a few places on our own.

Nashville is a nice city, and folks are very nice. We passed the Wildhorse Saloon, where you can take lessons and do some boot scootin!  The Silver Dollar saloon is said to have hosted Jesse James.  And Honky Tonk row had their lights twinkling in the darkening sky.

Tootsies is famous for having featured many of the country stars who have made it big.  Apparently you play these places before you ever make it to the Grand Ol' Opry.  

As I write this tonight, the thunder has just started  rolling in, but they have downgraded the weather to strong storms, but not as severe.   And we just saw on the news that The Opry hosted a special event tonight honoring the Vietnam Vets on the 40th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War!  In light of the treatment of our soldiers at that time, it is an honor long overdue.  

The Grand Ol' Opry

We booked an afternoon tour while we were still on the road, but once again, traveling at this time of year, it maybe wasn't necessary.  Better safe than sorry, however! 

I am sure country fans took far more from the experience than we did, but it was interesting to hear all about the performers and the history of the building.  This is of course the NEW Ol' Opry, not only replacing the Ryman Theatre, but also having been rebuilt after the flood of 2010 left it with 8 feet of water!  

Minnie Pearl's dress and hat. 

 Just a couple of the many dressing rooms. 

And the hallway to those rooms. 

The view from the stage......... 

 And the famous circle from the original stage of the Ryman. 

They saved it during the flood by going in in a rowboat and pulling it up! 

The Hermitage

The house from the back....missed a shot of the front, and no photos inside. 

Andrew Jackson's home was our first stop of the day yesterday, which was still very hot and humid, even though storms were raging to our west.  "Old Hickory" known for his iron will, played a pivotal role in America's westward expansion, yet his legacy is marked by slavery and Indian removal issues.  Left me feeling rather conflicted about him!

Two families of slaves lived in these quarters, with sometimes 5 or 6 children!

Gardens were for the wealthy, and this one was beautiful. 

Jackson was our third wealthiest president to date.   The foxgloves and peonies were in bloom, but the iris, the state flower of Tennessee, were about finished.  

Whoa!!!

Sun has suddenly given way to black menacing sky, winds are blowing strong! We are on a trolley tour of the city, and one of those hot dog carts just blew off sidewalk and into the side of the bus!

Change of plans

We discovered yesterday that they were having grand opening ceremonies for the new downtown Music Center, with free concerts by Cheryl Crow and road closures, so booked an extra night and explored surrounding areas, and saved downtown for today. Photos to follow, but we spent considerable time this morning tracking the storms from Oklahoma, and trying to decide what to do about that. Since it stretches from Dallas to the Great Lakes, we decided to extend another night and let it make its way through.

Huh?

Travel days.....and maybe some changes in store!

Claystone Park, GA, a county park! 

We drove all day yesterday and stayed in a lovely campground in Georgia  which we left this morning, and headed out on what seemed a perfect travel day.  Overcast and a bit cooler, it  soon turned into some of the heaviest rains and darkest skies I have ever seen!  Traffic was slowed to 45 MPH several times, and delayed our arrival into Nashville.   Thankfully it was dry here, and we toured the Gaylord, and then went out for a bite, and chatted about what we would do after this stop, as we have a lot of country between here and our next big destination!   Though previous trips have had careful planning, we only made a sketch this time.  We discussed stopping in Oklahoma City, where we missed a few sights last time through.  Then we turned on the news!  Not only  the torrential rains in Georgia, which of course we experienced first hand, but also the tornados in Oklahoma city and Kansas!  We may have to rethink it!

The boys enjoyed it too!

If you book a bit earlier, you can get a site on the water! 

Back in Portland hiking already?

No.....this waterfall is one of several INSIDE the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville!  It is near our campground tonight, and after arriving late afternoon, we decided to check it out.  Astounding!!!

The Riverwalk inside the Gaylord has a boat ride, and  the Riverwalk in Texas pale by comparison!

Just a small portion of the indoor botanical garden!

People were given maps with their room assignment, and often had a very long walk to get from the lobby to their room!  We saw them trudging along dragging suitcases!  If you stay, we recommend paying the bellcap!!