Delta Blues

After leaving New Orleans, we pointed ourselves north, up the Mississippi Delta, and prepared to leave the 80+ degree weather behind.  

Our plan was to get as close to Memphis as we could.  We knew we wouldn't have a lot of time in Mississippi, but we wanted to get off the beaten path a bit, so we picked the Shack Up Inn for our overnight accommodations.  What an experience!  This place is a photographers dream - I kept thinking of Mr. Pete.  We stayed in the Cotton Gin rooms since all the converted sharecropper shacks were occupied that night.  

Somewhat unwittingly, in picking the Shack Up Inn, we had stumbled upon the birthplace of the Blues, Clarksdale, MS.  If only we had more time to explore the town and take in some live music!

But unfortunately, we only had time for a quick breakfast at Yazoo Pass before we had to hit the road again - our goal was to make it to Memphis by 11:00 (more on that later).  In our short time in Clarksdale though, we were greeted by several of the locals who wanted to hear about our trip and were eager to share the many features of their town.  Amazing hospitality.  This is the best of what road trips can offer - finding unexpected gems that leave you wanting more.

Next stop, Memphis... with a 2 hour detour through Arkansas so we could add it to our list of states!