How Great Thou Art, Elvis, You Moved Me

On Friday, Nov. 2^nd I woke once at 4 but went back to sleep until Bill got up around 6. I think it was closer to 6:30 when I crawled out of bed and hopped into the shower. Today is the day and I wanted to be wide awake and ready to go. It sure feels nice to have a full force, hot, long shower and we’ve each enjoyed one here in the park. We had our tea and coffee and Bill had cereal while I had oatmeal with strawberries and cream. It hit the spot.

Bill and Rob setting their cameras to 'no-flash'
before going to Graceland Mansion

We met Pat and Rob outside around 9:10 and walked up to the Ticket building to get in line for the shuttle at 9:30. It isn’t far, just across the Boulevard but it beats walking. We all had ticket lanyards to wear so the drivers knew who went on what shuttle. 

Looking down the driveway to E.P.Boulevard

The world renowned gates to Graceland

There were quite a few changes in the whole Graceland experience from when Rob and Pat were here 3 years ago so they were very glad they decided to do this tour again with us.

She's so very pretty!

If you’ve been through the Mansion and the grounds you already know how an Elvis lover feels. If you haven’t been, well, all I can say is that it is overwhelming to say the least. I wasn’t as emotional as I thought I would be and I’m thinking that is because of the group we were walking with, people always around. 

Also, we were listening to an audio recording on an ipad and that kept me grounded. Until, we walked out to the Meditation Garden. Let me just say, I should have had Kleenex. I couldn't stop the tears and Pat couldn't look at me or she would've started.

Bear with me while I record some personal favourites here
A 15' long chesterfield on the right and his white piano in the back

It was an exciting experience and although we could have gone back on our own and walked through at our own pace later in the day, time was not on our side. By the time we caught the shuttle back to the ‘new’ Graceland grounds, and walked through the 15 exhibits (consisting of more than one room each), into the 9 various shops and had a bite to eat at Glady’s Diner, it was 2:30. Bill and I still hadn’t seen Elvis’ airplanes.

We couldn't go upstairs to his personal bedroom but I got as close as I could

Elvis! Come on down!

It's dinner time!

Rob and Pat skipped the planes this time and walked back to let Clemson out who must have had his legs crossed by this time. We were back around 3:30 and the guys took the trucks out to fuel up for tomorrow’s travels. 

The hub of Graceland
Gladys prepared meals and everyone gathered around in the kitchen

A peek at the Jungle Room

Yesterday, I asked at the office about the history of this park. The gal told us it used to be a KOA, then a private campground and for the last 10 years, bought by Graceland and renamed. Interesting. It isn’t huge and it isn’t really fancy, but it certainly serves the purpose and is indeed a hot spot for touring rv’ers.

One of my favourite 'ooh' rooms, so much to see in here

The originality and creativity Elvis had for decorating
The ceiling and walls are actually 'pleated' paper

I suggested before we left this morning that reheat the Chicken Fettucini Alfredo from Walmart, I mix a salad and we eat together again. That plan is going to work so after Bill gets a few things in order outside, we relaxed until 5ish. I think we will all sleep well tonight! As if I haven’t walked enough today, only 2.5 miles, I went outside with my camera to watch for the famous Pink Cadillac (replica) that picks patrons up for dinner. I just wanted a picture.

Yellow and blue room

By 5:30 it was still a no-show but boy, are there ever a lot of new rv’ers coming in. Rob told me Pat went up to the park office and we met up and decided to walk up to the Souvenirs of Elvis store to check out their inventory close-out sale. I found a couple of small things for less than $7 and we walked back together to our sites. I heated up the noodle dinner a bit in our microwave and we carried it, baguette, our drinks and a salad over to Pat and Robs.

Bill and Rob enter Vernon's office

Rob can set up their small card table and it gives us a dining room ‘feel’ in their trailer. Supper was good, although it was a favourite meal for the guys, Pat and I enjoyed it. For the price we got everything for, we have no complaints about the meal at all. Bill helped Pat with some pictures on her laptop while Clemson and I relaxed on the sofa and Rob did the same in his chair. At 7:30 I brought Clemson home with our stuff and that was it for the night.

So happy our friends took the tour with us

And the back is very neat and modest

The only painting Elvis ever commissioned of himself

We all know what this is and it is truly gorgeous without being 'too much'

The rain started soon after Bill got back, which was the first we’ve seen it all day. It was a wonderful day with mild temps and quite a few patches of sunshine throughout the day. 

And we wee definitely here
Yay!

I’m so happy that I can cross this off my bucket list and now I’m another one of those die-hard Graceland fans. I’d love to come back another time just to go through the Mansion again. I’ve taken far too many pictures so will have to sort through them to decide which ones to include.

And this was the moment for me
It became real

I hope you’ve had a great day too. 

Just caught the sun leaving us

Dinner was great

Clemson was comfy too

Thank you for taking the time to see what we’re up to. Check in tomorrow to see what other exhibits we explored today.