A Splash of River History

DAY 2 ~ Our Great River Road Adventure

What began as a practical joke in the 1930s has become a world-famous drawing card for The Peabody Hotel.  We, too, were drawn to the excitement of five ducks waddling down a red carpet, up three steps, and into the lobby fountain.  Such fun!  The Sunday morning mimosas added to the enjoyment, as did the squawking and splashing of the ducks as they chased one another around the fountain.   Peabody Ducks Video 

Jamie has a knack for finding the best views! John & Becky in Memphis overlooking the Mississippi River

We took a short walk to the monorail station and rode across to Mud Island.  What a view of the river and the city from the air!  The museum on Mud Island featured displays of native American cultures which previously inhabited the area, as well as displays of river shipping history, Civil War artifacts, and the Memphis music scene. 

The highlight of Mud Island, though, is the half mile winding re-creation of the lower Mississippi River.  Built to scale with depth contours, this incredible feature showcases the mighty Mississipp as it narrows and widens along its course to the Gulf of Mexico.  Watching the water flow rapidly through narrows and curves, then appear to slow as it spread out in the wider patches was an amazing experience.  A perfect beginning for this Great River Road adventure on which we have embarked.

Reading up on where we're headed and marveling at this 1/2 mile long lower Mississippi river exhibit

We were having so much fun that we skipped lunch entirely; fortunately, Becky had prepared ham and egg (Mc)Muffins for us this morning.  We ended our sightseeing with an early dinner at the Flying Fish with gumbo and po’boys.  A good choice!