Graceland

At long last I made it to Graceland. Granted, it was something I always *kinda* wanted to see, but just figured I wouldn't. Circumstances planted it clear in my path and I was NOT going to pass up the opportunity. Of the 500 or so photos I took of everything, here's my Elvis synopsis.

 

1. Sun Studio. This is that oh-so-famous landmark where "rock n' roll was born", aka where Elvis recorded a couple of songs for his mama's birthday, one of which was "That's alright (mama)" that launched his career. Yes, this was a drive-by-shooting... time!

  

2. The record that came from (1)

   

3. Graceland is actually on the National Record of Historic Places?!? Who knew? I did not.

 

4. The basement den in Graceland, and kinda my favourite room. Look at the monkey! He had his "taking care of business" lightning bolt mural, his monkey, 3 TVs (one tuned to each of the 3 available stations), record-playing equipment and a bar. Considering he didn't drink, this is a testament to his party-hosting abilities, right? ;)

 

5. One of many halls/rooms/walls of gold & platinum records. I really had no idea just how many there really were that he produced. It's kinda mindblowing.

  

6. One of several framed evidences of his charity. These are all checks, all made out on the same day, all of equal amounts, to many many many charities he gave to. He also bought poor people houses and paid off other people's loans.

 

7. He also served his mandatory tour of duty. And then played a soldier in the movies (can you see the poster reflected in the glass? G.I. Blues). 

 

8. His most surprising of vehicles from the automobile museum. Among all the fancy Lincolns and Cadillacs and things, there was also this pink stripey Jeep Willis. Yup.

More Snowshoeing

To begin 2009 right, I went with Trukee friends to their cabin for some snowshoeing and Donner Party BBQ sauce.

The statue at Donner Park - the snow was up to their feet (the feet of the statues that is) at the time the Donner Party was stuck up there at Donner Pass.

It started as a gorgeous day for snowshoeing, and FlyBoy and I tested the hill-climbing capabilities of our shoes by scrambling up some short, but nearly impossible inclines.

Then, as a storm approached, we reached this pond for a spectacular view of the mountains (Sugarbowl?), clouds, and my frightening "fashion sense" - I'm not sure how else to refer to my outfit there...


Later that week we approached a sea of Elvi at Mt Rose - and giggled ourselves silly.


After soaking in our fill of Elvi, we went for a jaunt near Lake Tahoe - and while it was flat, the 8600 ft elevation was surprisingly breathtaking. Hmmm... worth jumping anyway though!