With less distance to cover today, we got a chance to sleep in a little and have a more relaxing morning. We hit the road at 9:30, and it was already 30 Celsius by then. It was an easy ride, and before we knew it we were crossing the Ohio river and in Kentucky. This is the first new state for me on the trip, though I had only passed through a small portion of Illinois a few years ago.
We stopped for a snack in Paducah, and then continued on. Not too far down the road we passed into Tennessee, and traffic was already starting to pick up 80 miles out of Nashville. Though the traffic volume was heavy, getting to our hotel was a breeze. It was nice to cool off, have a shower, and relax a little. Phase 1 of the trip is complete, over 4,200km to get to Nashville. Having the built in navigation on the bike is nice, and though I have rarely used it so far, there are times when it beats trying to remember a turns list. The heat of the area is quite something, as well as the humidity that comes with the heat. It's really something to get used to.
We had a nice dinner, and then walked through the Gaylord Resort property to the Grand Ole Opry House, a 1.8km walk. We had two hours before showtime, so we walked around the mall that's right beside the the Opry House, and then sat for a little while before they let us in.
It was surreal to walk in and sit down at the Grand Ole Opry. So many big names, and many not so big, have come to do a set here. Josh Turner, Maggie Rose, Charlie Pride, Sara Evans, Luke Coombs, The Oakridge Boys, and Blake Shelton all played a set for us. Every one of them did a great job, especially considering it was the second show of the night for them. Charlie Pride was one of the highlights, as I remember listening to him on the tractor when I was still a kid on the farm! He's getting older, but still did a great show. Maggie Rose is an absolute powerhouse, there isn't a note that she couldn't hit. Sara Evans had her brother, sister, and son all on stage with her, which was kind of neat. Another highlight was Blake Shelton singing Ole Red.
Knowing what I know now, no trip to Nashville could be complete without a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Tomorrow we have a day off, and we'll try to see some of the iconic sights of the city. A day here just won't be enough, but we don't have the luxury of time. A month seems like a long time, but once we got started it quickly started to feel like we would get pressed for time.
It was still all sinking in as we made the 30 minute walk back to our hotel, wet and sticky from the heat that was still there at midnight.
It was surreal to walk in and sit down at the Grand Ole Opry. So many big names, and many not so big, have come to do a set here. Josh Turner, Maggie Rose, Charlie Pride, Sara Evans, Luke Coombs, The Oakridge Boys, and Blake Shelton all played a set for us. Every one of them did a great job, especially considering it was the second show of the night for them. Charlie Pride was one of the highlights, as I remember listening to him on the tractor when I was still a kid on the farm! He's getting older, but still did a great show. Maggie Rose is an absolute powerhouse, there isn't a note that she couldn't hit. Sara Evans had her brother, sister, and son all on stage with her, which was kind of neat. Another highlight was Blake Shelton singing Ole Red.
Knowing what I know now, no trip to Nashville could be complete without a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Tomorrow we have a day off, and we'll try to see some of the iconic sights of the city. A day here just won't be enough, but we don't have the luxury of time. A month seems like a long time, but once we got started it quickly started to feel like we would get pressed for time.
It was still all sinking in as we made the 30 minute walk back to our hotel, wet and sticky from the heat that was still there at midnight.
Making some good progress
Crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky
Charlie Pride, he was awesome!
The Oakridge Boys
Blake Shelton
You might consider visiting the Gibson factory -- it's a great tour.
ReplyDeleteEven my wife loved it.