July 4th, 2010--Independence Day

The Fourth of July is a mid-summer metric that carries vivid memories for everyone. I can't resist sharing a few nuggets from my golden childhood; fishing with my Grandfather on Lake Bloomington in Central Illinois, the annual trip into town to watch the fireworks at Chenoa High School football field, and of course the legendary food produced by my aunts & Grandmother (splendid jell-o salads, big fresh tomatoes and corn on the cob, crazy ice cream deserts, and more). Actually, where we ended the day determined if we were going to go into town and watch the fireworks display, or stay at the lake and see the whiz-bangs they had. Both were dismally matched.

This year, I plan to watch the fireworks from the rooftop of my hotel, The Residence Inn in Memphis, TN. Vanderbilt, the valet, has informed me this is the absolute best place to see them in town. I reckon he is right, as the hotel overlooks the Mississippi River. From my room I can see the mighty river churning and rolling south and carrying much needed fresh water to the Gulf of Mexico. My trip started this morning at 9:00 a.m. If you've ever driven 55 south, you know there isn't much to report until St. Louis (except for the awesome place off Exit 37-- http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/9949). I also got a vacation bonus in St. Louis, as I got to see part of an air show going on all around the downtown area by the Gateway to the Midwest, the St. Louis Arch. It was pretty crazy to see a big old Steerman plane bearing down on my vehicle while crossing the Big Muddy. I tried to snap a few pics while I was driving, but that was a near disaster. Once outside and south of St. Louis, the terrain gave way to rolling hills, lush with every hue of green. Then the crazy sedimentary rock formations start, with colorful layers of limestone and minerals; I am definitely not in Illinois anymore.

I rolled past places with curious names like, Herculeneum, Festus, and Cape Girardeau, finally driving past Hayti (and out of the Boot Heel of Missouri) into Tennessee. Memphis came up fast after that, and I was checked into my hotel by 4:30.

Chauntay, the hotel clerk, informed me that if I hurried, I could still make it to Graceland. As I was driving into Memphis I realized that I only have a few hours to make the most of my stay. I made a short list; 1. Graceland 2. Beale Street 3. Fireworks 4. Don't get shot (http://www.morganquitno.com/cit05pop.htm) I mean, they are number 13, gulp. Anyway, I drove like madwoman to get to the other side of the city to see the King's digs. They close the tours at 5 pm, even on the 4th of July, and I missed it by 5 minutes. I can't think of anything more patriotic than going to Graceland on Independence Day. Ah well, I have an early start tomorrow anyway.

Tomorrow, I plan leave by 7 a.m. to get to Mobile, Alabama by 1 p.m. I hope to meet with Tammy Herrington (Deputy Director, Mobile Baykeepers) tomorrow to figure out what I'll be doing for the week. The hurricane is causing some issues, so I'm simply keeping an open mind -- not to be confused with openly keeping a simple mind. At any rate, I feel a bit like a kid going on an awesome field trip. What will I learn? What will I see? What is the truth?

I've been pondering Independence Day, and what the modern definition of 'independence' means for Americans. We associate independence with freedom, but freedom from what? In the 21st Century will that come to mean independence from fossil fuels? Learning new ways to decrease our total impact on our precious resources? What about independent news resources in this country? Are we getting the truth? The definition of independence is no doubt deeply personal for everyone. This trip for me is an exploration of the meaning of independence. What does it mean for you?

My friend, Linda, can't read this now. But those of you who knew her understand that she was/is an inspiration to me. An inspiration not only in character, but in her writing, her humor, and her sense of adventure. She will be sorely missed.

So, I'm going to wrap up now, but I'm headed out with my new camera, a Canon Power Shot SX 210. Small world, but an artist I know in Duluth, MN, sold me this camera just a couple weeks ago. Even cooler, is his (Tony's) art & photography, which you can see at http://www.tonyferguson.net/, and at http://www.fergyphoto.com/.

Peace.