• Tania and Allan Simpson
  • Tania and Allan Simpson

USA- Road Trip

We are off to America. Allan is to have the Intracept procedure on his spine. Hopefully, this will be life changing for him.. This is our journey!!! Read more
  • Trip start
    June 11, 2025
  • HOUSTON TO FORT WORTH

    June 12, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    4hr drive from Houston to Fort Worth. Had rain and fog, which made driving stressful as it was hard to see cars, road markings, and signs. It's quite overwhelming!!! But we made it to Fort Worth with no incidents. Met up with Greg and Angela and had a lovely tea at the stock yard hotel then went to the cowtown colosseum
    to watch Bull Riding.
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  • FORT WORTH DAY 3

    June 14, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Spent a few hours at Walmart today. Walmart is like K-Mart , The Warehouse, and Pak n Save on steroids.
    Protests going on in Fort Worth City today, so we decided to keep away. The rest of the day, we have just been relaxing back at our accommodation in preparation for another big drive tomorrow.Read more

  • FORT WORTH TEXAS TO HOT SPRINGS ARKANSAS

    June 15, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    A big traveling day today, 511km and about 5.30 hrs driving. We crossed from Texas into Arkansas. We stopped off in a little town called Hope and had a tour through President Bill Clinton's Birthplace home.
    Bill Clinton, born William Jefferson Blythe III, spent his early childhood in Hope, Arkansas. He was born on August 19, 1946, at Julia Chester Hospital, just three months after his father's death. His mother, Virginia, later married Roger Clinton, and the family eventually moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas. In Hope, Clinton lived with his mother and grandparents, who played a significant role in his upbringing.
    His grandparents owned a grocery store and instilled in him the values of equality and treating everyone with respect, regardless of race. His grandmother also taught him to read at a young age.
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  • HOT SPRINGS TO MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

    June 16, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Drove about 300km today to Memphis Tennessee. This is the 3rd state we have been to.

    Memphis is a city on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, famous for the influential strains of blues, soul,and rock 'n' roll that originated there. Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash recorded albums at the legendary Sun Studio, and Presley’s Graceland mansion is a popular attraction. Other music landmarks include the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.Read more

  • GRACELAND. ELVIS'S HOME

    June 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
  • Elvis.. Elvis..Elvis

    June 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Absolutely mind-blowing the size of this place.

    This entertainment complex features exhibits like the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, showcasing Elvis's car collection. The Entertainer Career Museum displays his gold and platinum records, jumpsuits, and movie memorabilia.
    There are also interactive exhibits, photo booths, and restaurants within the complex.
    Other Highlights:
    Elvis's two custom airplanes, including the Lisa Marie, are open for tours.
    The Graceland Exhibition Center features rotating exhibits on various topics.
    Visitors can find the largest collection of Elvis merchandise in the world.
    The Guest House at Graceland offers accommodations for those looking to extend their visit.
    Live music performances and events are often held at the Graceland Soundstage.
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  • MEMPHIS PRO SHOP PYRAMID

    June 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    The Memphis Pyramid, formerly known as the Great American Pyramid and the Pyramid Arena, and colloquially known as the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid,
    is a pyramid-shaped building located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, United States, at the bank of the Mississippi River. Built in 1991 as a 20,142-seat arena, the facility was owned and operated jointly by the city of Memphis and Shelby County until Shelby County sold its share to Memphis in April 2009. Its structure plays on the city's namesake in Egypt, which is known for its ancient pyramids. It is 321 feet (98 m) (about 32 stories) tall and has base sides of 591 feet (180 m); it is by some measures the tenth-tallest pyramid in the world.
    The Memphis Pyramid has not been regularly used as a sports or entertainment venue since 2007. In 2015, the Pyramid re-opened as a Bass Pro Shops megastore, which included shopping, a hotel, restaurants, a bowling alley, and an archery range, with an outdoor observation deck adjacent to its apex.
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  • NASHVILLE TENNESSEE

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    The first day in Nashville is done and dusted. We are staying in an awesome location, with most major attractions, a short walk, or a free shuttle away. Visited the Dukes of Hazard Museum this afternoon , then went to the Opry Land Mill shopping area. We will go back there tomorrow and visit Madam Tussauds wax museum and might have a tour of the Old Grand Opry. We finished the day off with a meal at an amazing underwater restaurant in the shopping center. There is also a jungle theme restaurant, which we will also check out.Read more

  • DAY 2 IN NASHVILLE - GAYLORDS

    June 19, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Started the morning at a hotel/ resort called Gaylords having a nosey around, we didn't stay here as it's about $850nz a night, so we stayed at a shit hole down the road lol.
    The resort features nine acres of indoor atriums with lush gardens, waterfalls, and winding pathways.
    A four-acre, three-level indoor/outdoor water park with slides, pools, and other attractions.
    Over 750,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including ballrooms and exhibit halls.
    Multiple restaurants, bars, and retail shops are located within the resort.
    Situated near the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills mall, and other attractions.
    We then caught a
    shuttle back down to the Opry Land Mall to have a look at the jungle themed restaurant and then the wax museum.
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  • JACK DANIEL WHISKEY DISTILLERY

    June 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Jack Daniel's early years were marked by a challenging childhood and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Born around 1846 in Lynchburg, Tennessee, he was the youngest of ten children. After his mother's death and a difficult home life following his father's remarriage, he left home at a young age of 6yrs old. He found refuge with Reverend Dan Call, a local preacher and distiller, who taught him the basics of whiskey making. Jack Daniel eventually bought the distillery from Call and established his own distillery in 1866, officially registering it as "Jack Daniel Distillery".

    Lynchburg, Tennessee, is located in a dry county (Moore County). This means that the sale of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, is generally prohibited within the county's boundaries. However, there is an exception for alcohol produced on-site at the Jack Daniel Distillery, where visitors can sample and purchase their whiskey.
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  • CLEVELAND

    June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Stayed in Cleveland last night, not a lot going on there, but did come across the M&M factory.The plant is the largest M&M's plant in the world and produces about 51 percent of the M&M's candy. It is also the only plant that makes peanut butter M&M's in the United States.
    We also did a drive around the historic area and looked at some of the beautiful old homes.
    We are now up in the mountains at a beautiful little mountain town called Clayton.
    It's so nice to be out of the rat race, traffic, motorways, etc. The drive here today was like driving in NZ again, although on the wrong side of the road.
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  • CLAYTON TOWN GEORGIA

    June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Clayton, GA is a thriving small town located in northeast Georgia. Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chattahoochee National Forest, Clayton offers a unique blend of rural charm and modern amenities to its residents. From downtown eateries to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in Clayton. The area is known for its friendly people and strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to call home. Shopping and dining options are available throughout town, while nearby state parks provide both hiking trails and beautiful lakeside views.
    There are over 30 waterfalls in the area.
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  • CLAYTON DILLARD - BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN

    June 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    The day started with a horse ride at Dillard Stables at 9.30am this morning. We were very lucky and had the guide to ourselves on the ride. After the ride, we headed up to Black Rock Mountain to tramp a 6.5km round trip to a waterfall and swimming hole . Was planning on having a swim, but it was too chilly for me, and there were too many Rock in the water to clamber over.
    Black Rock Mountain is the highest mountain in Georgia.
    It's also Black Bear country, but we were told not to be too concerned with them.
    Allan did take his walking pole as some kind of protection. Lol
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  • ATLANTA - GEORGIA

    June 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Arrived in Atlanta at lunchtime today and went to Axion Spine Clinic to say hello and " We are here."
    Lovely staff and Dr Tran met us and gave us a tour through their facilities.

    Day 2 - Operation Day.

    Day 3 - Allan is feeling fantastic and isn't taking any pain relief at all. We did an 8.5km walk today with no pain and no stumbling at all. It's very hard to believe that 24 hours ago, it was a different story.
    40deg c today.

    Day 4 - Today, we headed to a very upmarket beautiful area called Avalon with overpriced designer shops and fancy eating places.
    After lunch, we went back to Axion Spine to say our goodbyes to the wonderful staff.
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  • MONTGOMERY - ALABAMA

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Left Atlanta today and drove to a place called Montgomery, which is 1/2 way between Atlanta and New Orleans. The drive was about 300km.
    On the way, we stopped at a Buc-ee's.
    The following day prior to leaving Montgomery, we drove down to a beautiful park and had a drive around.Read more

  • BUC-EE'S...ALABAMA

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    There are 51 Buc-ee's stores in the United States. These stores are primarily located in Texas, but they have also expanded into other states like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, among others. 

    This Buc-ee's is in Alabama.
    There are 128 gas pumps at this station .
    This was one of the things on my bucket list for America that I wanted to see.
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  • BILOXI - - MISSISSIPPI

    June 28, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Biloxi is a Mississippi city on the Gulf of Mexico. It's known for its casinos and Biloxi Beach on the Mississippi Sound. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum offers exhibits on boatbuilding and seafood-processing.
    We spent just one night in Biloxi.
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  • NEW ORLEANS..LOUISIANA. DAY 1

    June 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along
     Bourbon Street. The city has been described as the "most unique" in the United States, owing in large part to its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage.
    Additionally, New Orleans has increasingly been known as "Hollywood South" due to its prominent role in the film industry and in pop culture.
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