Overnight Tour Summary Report – Cross Country 2024
Date: September 1-27, 2024
Tour Director: Gene Gray
Driver: Glen Pearce
Starr Bus #: 209
EASTBOUND
Presenting the second half of our 2024 Cross Country Adventure recap by Starr Tour Director Gene Gray! (Click here to read about their Westbound journey.)
Day 19: Thursday, September 19, 2024
It was now time to begin our travels toward home.
After a brief rest stop on I-10, we turned northeast on State Highway 62 through the Mojave Desert to Joshua Tree National Park. We entered through the Western Entrance and stayed on the Park Boulevard loop. We stopped at five viewpoints to experience the diverse beauty of Joshua Tree. We stopped at Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, and Cap Rock lookout points to name a few. The rock formations are equally as important as the Joshua Trees in this National Park. The Joshua Tree is part of the Yucca Family of cacti and grows at the rate of one inch per year. Some Joshua Trees can get as tall as forty feet making them over 400 years old. Joshua Tree National Park was beautiful to ride through and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the passengers.
Before departing, we stopped at the Twenty-nine Palms Visitors Center for Joshua Tree National Park and subsequently the Twenty-nine Palms Inn for lunch which was satisfying.
We began our six-hour ride to Tucson, Arizona. Since we’ll be seeing “Shriek”, a parody of the movie, “Shrek”, tomorrow night at the Gaslight Theater in Tucson, I showed the movie, “Shrek”. Almost everyone had seen “Shrek” years ago, and most enjoyed refreshing their memories of the details of the movie.
I began playing Country and Western Music while riding through the deserts of California and Arizona. You can almost sense the cowboys/cowgirls riding off into the sunset in this arid environment containing beautiful mountains in the distance. The temperature outside continued to rise into the upper 90’s as we approached Phoenix.
The sun had already set as we arrived at our hotel in Tucson. Today was a long travel day. After a good rest tonight, we’ll board a Mountain View Tours Bus tomorrow to tour Tucson as Glen gets a well-deserved day off.
Day 20: Friday, September 20, 2024
Joe, our driver today from Mountain View Tours, took us to Saguaro National Park West in Tucson. The narrow road leading to the Park was adorned with magnificent saguaro cactus of all shapes and sizes. It was a scene straight out of the old-time westerns in which the hero rides off into the sunset. We all marveled at the beauty and uniqueness of the saguaros.
At the Visitors Center, Charlie, a park ranger, provided a twenty-minute guided tour of the cactus walk and told us about the different species of cactus that live in Tucson. Charlie was extremely knowledgeable and we were all so grateful for his information. We took many pictures, bought a few souvenirs, and thoroughly enjoyed this unique National Park.
A five-minute ride brought us to the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, a fabulous museum highlighting life in the Sonoran Desert that exists only in southern Arizona. The museum has interweaving pathways outside leading to different attractions in the Sonoran Desert. One walks through many species of cactus including the saguaro and prickly pear. Pathways lead to the outdoor zoo featuring the gray wolf and black bear. An indoor air-conditioned reptile house features gila monsters and many varieties of snakes (thankfully) behind thick glass in their natural environments. An aviary, a hummingbird house, and an aquarium display different life forms that exist in the Sonoran Desert. Another outside path leads to a man-made underground cave filled with colorful stalactites and stalagmites. In the back of the cave is a room that displays artifacts and rocks that span four billion years of geologic time. There was a lot to see and do at this wonderful stop.
Joe drove us back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Being outside during the heat of the desert hours, despite staying hydrated, was taxing. We had about 90 minutes to relax until we boarded the bus for Little Anthony’s Diner and the Gaslight Theater.
Little Anthony’s Diner and the Gaslight Theater are connected establishments and owned by the same person, Terry Tony. They both have been rated #1 in Tucson for family entertainment. The staff of the Gaslight put a sign outside welcoming Starr Tours. Little Anthony’s Diner is a 50’s/60’s style diner similar to those on Route 66. Pictures of Elvis, Marilyn, and The Beatles hang on the wall with other memorabilia. The fresh food was delivered quickly and everyone enjoyed their dinner. We had time to go outside and take pictures of the VW yellow van decorated “hippie” style. A Cadillac in pristine condition and other vintage cars are parked outside of Little Anthony’s. A giant wooden chair encouraged people to climb on and take pictures (but climbing down mandated some help).
The Gaslight Theater opened its doors and we were shown to our round tables flanked with three chairs around each. A large bag of popcorn, menus, and a newsletter about the show sat at each table. Servers took orders for drinks and ice cream – only fun foods. The small theater has a capacity of 223 seats and we were seated in the middle of the theater at entrance level, within perfect views of the stage.
A three-piece band featuring a piano player, bass player, and a drummer began the show by performing four songs. The words were printed in the newsletter to encourage patrons to sing along. Then the show, “Shriek” began and within minutes, the audience was laughing, booing at the villain, applauding “Shriek” the hero, and clapping to the music. The show was a parody on the movie, “Shrek” and followed the storyline closely. The songs were adaptations of other songs to fit the show. For example, Shriek, Donkey (named Jack), and Princess Sharona sang “I will walk 500 miles” and “My Sharona” with perfect timing to the script. The parody is written with such wit that the viewer often shakes their head in disbelief from the corniness. The actors were funny, witty, and involved the audience with great hand and facial gestures. We all knew when to “booooo”. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show which was so unique compared to anything we have back east.
Following the show, one cast member honored those with birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. Each recipient was awarded a free ice cream cone. Then they welcomed groups. They welcomed Starr by saying, “We welcome Starr Tours who completed a Route 66 trip from Chicago to Santa Monica stopping at 90 attractions along the way. And stopping at the Gaslight was naturally, your favorite! Right?” We all applauded wildly.
The thirty-minute finale was a Las Vegas style comedy and musical show. Actors dressed and performed songs by Cher, Madonna, Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons, and Lucille Ball. Then, in the rousing finale, all cast members dressed like Elvis and performed one of his songs. We filed out of the theater with smiles on our faces after experiencing a fun night of good food and rich comedy at The Gaslight Theater.
Tomorrow, we visit our third National Park in as many days.
Day 21: Saturday, September 21, 2024
We departed and set the GPS for Deming, New Mexico, our lunch stop at the Cactus Cafe. We were heading east towards White Sands National Park in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
I showed the movie, “Green Book” an Academy Award winning film starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. The movie depicts racism and travel in the deep South in 1962 and how two people overcame all the obstacles to complete a concert tour. The Green Book was a book that listed all hotels and restaurants that black people were only allowed to frequent while traveling the country. The passengers watched with interest as we continued riding through the desert into New Mexico (when our clocks jumped ahead one hour).
We arrived at the Cactus Cafe in Deming, New Mexico for lunch. The food tasted delicious and we enjoyed our lunch.
Continuing on to White Sands National Park, we passed through the region where the first atomic bomb was tested underground in southern New Mexico in July 1945. Three weeks later, the U.S. dropped the bomb on Hiroshima to hasten the end of WWII.
White Sands was established as a National Monument on January 18, 1933 and stayed a National Monument until December 20, 2019 when it finally achieved National Park status. The very fine white sand is made from gypsum and looks like snow. We stopped at three pullovers on the side of the road and many climbed on top of the dunes of gypsum to reveal endless views of white sand as far as the eye can see. It looked like a winter wonderland in 90° heat. We learned that the mountains surrounding White Sands contain gypsum. Over the years, erosion and strong winds created the fine sand that drifted throughout this vast region. White Sands National Park is the benefactor. Dry wall and sheet rock are primarily made from gypsum today, but the gypsum in White Sands National Park is 100% protected. Everyone enjoyed traveling the 8-mile Dunes Loop, climbing on the dunes, and playing in the sand.
After arriving at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Alamogordo, New Mexico, everyone was now on their own to relax and enjoy the many fine restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Autumn begins tomorrow at 8:43 AM. However, we continue to experience 90° temperatures and sunny, blue skies.
Day 22: Sunday, September 22, 2024
We departed Alamogordo and continued east along U.S. 82 through the beautiful Lincoln National Forest, part of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico. We rose to a maximum elevation of 7,900 feet. The views were spectacular passing through the many mountain ranges. I played a set of John Denver songs including “Rocky Mountain High” to enhance our ride through the Rockies.
After lunch in Hobbs, we entered Texas and our devices jumped ahead one-hour into Central Time.
Tonight we spend in Abilene and tomorrow we travel into Fort Worth for many exciting activities, including a cattle drive.
Day 23: Monday, September 23, 2024
The skies were cloudy and the temperature was 60°, a true sign of fall. Soon after departing Abilene, Texas, I showed the documentary, “Route 66: An American Odyssey”. This film was featured in the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum on Day 10. It summarizes beautifully everything we saw and learned while traveling fifteen days on Route 66. Many watched with interest and recalled some of the featured attractions in this 45-minute film. We continued towards Fort Worth, Texas. Our first stop was lunch at Cooper’s BBQ, the premier restaurant in the Stockyards District of Fort Worth.
Lunch was a feast. The food was delicious. The beef was so tender it pulled apart easily. The chicken was moist and perfectly barbecued. Everyone enjoyed this stop.
We walked together as a group around Billy Bob’s and through a large courtyard to Exchange Place. Made completely of cobblestone, Exchange Place represents an authentic western street that was a center for Cattle Drives along the Chisholm Trail in the 1860’s. Fort Worth was also a center for raising cattle and sheep in the 1940’s. Today, western shops line one side of Exchange Place selling western apparel, gifts, and souvenirs.
I showed everyone the best locations to view the Cattle Drive which was beginning at 4:00 PM. We were now on our own to shop, sit and relax, and find our optimum spot to watch the Cattle Drive.
The Cattle Drive began with safety announcements. Stand on the sidewalks. Do not yell or scare the Longhorns. The Longhorn Cattle weigh up to 1500 pounds and are unpredictable when spooked. And remember, they have very sharp horns! All good advice!
The wagon master led the Longhorn Cattle up Exchange Place on the cobblestone. The sounds of the hoofs clicking on the stone, the sight of these beautiful massive animals with their magnificent horns, and the smells from about thirty cattle walking by utilized all of our senses to greatly appreciate the moment. Many pictures and videos were taken. This was a fascinating experience that everyone found different, unique, and special.
Next, we were off to our hotel in Frisco, Texas. I played western songs with cattle-drive themes such as “Rawhide” by Frankie Laine and “I’m Back in the Saddle Again” by Gene Autry. I also played a few Texas songs.
Tomorrow is a day of travel to Memphis, Tennessee.
Day 24: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
We departed Frisco and travelled to Memphis,Tennessee. Tomorrow is our visit to Graceland so I began the day by playing Elvis music and taking requests from the passengers. The music entertained us for the first hour.
I began playing the 2022 movie, “Elvis”, starring Tom Hanks as Colonel Parker and Austin Butler as Elvis. We stopped in Texarkana and its Central Mall for lunch.
Once in Memphis, we arrived at the Lorraine Hotel snd paid our respects to Dr. King. I pointed out the balcony and room number on which Dr. King was assassinated. I showed the trajectory of the bullet from the boarding house two blocks behind us that hit King. I talked about the possibility of a conspiracy to kill King and that James Earl Ray definitely did not commit the crime by himself. The truth about King’s assassination, like Kennedy’s, will most likely never be explained or solved during our lifetime!
We proceeded to the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Memphis and everyone was on their own for dinner and the remainder of the evening. Some ate in “The Greyhound”, the restaurant within the hotel. Most walked three blocks to famous Beale Street which was alive with much activity. Antique cars lined all of Beale Street with many people speaking to their owners. The restaurants were all bustling and serving their specialty dishes. Music, both Rock N’ Roll and The Blues, permeated loudly on to Beale Street from many bars and restaurants. On this warm and clear evening, Beale Street was the happening place to be.
Tomorrow is half about Elvis and half about celebrating our great trip with our Farewell Dinner.
Day 25: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
I played Paul Simon’s song, “Graceland”, followed by a few Elvis songs before we pulled into Graceland’s parking lot.
After handing our tickets and lunch vouchers, everyone was now on their own to take the shuttle to the mansion and explore the many museums that represent the life of Elvis Presley.
First, we watched an eight-minute introductory film on Elvis’s life. Before boarding the shuttle to bring us across the street to Elvis’s mansion, we received an iPad and headphones to hear the commentary by John Stamos describing each aspect of Graceland. Elvis songs often accompanied the commentary.
Next, once inside the home, we marveled at the magnificent living room to the right with Elvis’s white fifteen-foot sofa and ten-foot coffee table. Stained-glass peacock windows separated the living room from Elvis’s piano room with his white baby grand piano sitting in the distance. The iPad instructed us to walk to Elvis’s parents’ room, the dining room, and kitchen before going downstairs to his television room and pool room. Downstairs was Elvis’s man cave where many parties and good times took place. The final stop inside of Graceland was the Jungle Room. This room was an enclosed patio in which Elvis recorded music and did more partying.
John Stamos takes his guided tour outside to Vernon’s (Elvis’s father) office building, a museum depicting Elvis’s home and personal life, and Elvis’s racquetball court. It was the piano inside the racquetball building on which Elvis played for the last time, August 15, 1977. He played the song, “Unchained Melody”, before going to bed for the night. He died the next morning.
The mansion tour ended at the Tranquillity Garden, where Elvis and his family are buried. Gravesites are set in a semicircle and include his brother Jesse (only a marker as he’s buried in Tupelo, MS), his mother, Gladys, his father, Vernon, and grandmother, Mimi. Opposite Elvis are tomb gravesites with his daughter, Lisa Marie, and grandson, Benjamin.
After shuttling back across the street, we meandered through the many museums with exhibits that are continuously changing. Included are separate museums focusing on Elvis’s automobiles, his army life, his airplanes, his costumes, his daughter, Lisa Marie, and one dedicated to the most recent movie, “Elvis” starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. Music and videos permeate each of the exhibits which keep growing from year to year. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their time at Graceland.
We traveled to Nashville to celebrate our fabulous trip with our Farewell Dinner at Paula Deen’s Restaurant. While on the bus, I handed out the eight-page “Details at a Glance” summary of our 2024 Cross Country trip to each passenger. I gave a brief speech thanking the passengers for making our trip so perfect every day. Then, each passenger received their 2024 Cross Country Award that was signed by Sandy Borowsky, Glen Pearce, and me. I further honored passengers by playing celebration songs they had requested on Day 1 of the trip. Everyone thoroughly appreciated this unexpected ceremony.
After a brief rest stop, we continued our travels to the Country Music Capital. I played music from Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. After a quick check in at the Holiday Inn Express Nashville-Opryland, we departed for a quick ride to Paula Deen’s Restaurant for our Farewell Dinner.
We were seated at three very large round tables. A very large Lazy Susan covered the entire center of the table. Within minutes of seating ourselves, platters of food were placed on the Lazy Susan; fried chicken, pork slices, fried catfish, macaroni & cheese, beans, rice, salad, and cheese rolls. We continued moving the food in circles on the Lazy Susan until everyone was satisfied with filled plates. The servers refilled all platters at our request. The food tasted absolutely delicious and was plentiful. An individual bowl of peach cobbler was served to everyone for dessert. After we were done eating, we had time to shop in Paula Deen’s Gift Shop. Everyone was extremely satisfied with dinner here and this was an excellent choice for our Farewell Dinner.
Day 26: Thursday, September 26, 2024
We departed Nashville and headed East on I-40 towards Sevierville, Tennessee and our lunch stop at the Applewood Farmhouse.
We stopped at a Buc-ees in Crossville, Tennessee. Everyone fell in love with “The Beaver”!
The rains were consistent as we continued traveling east so I played rain songs as we traveled closer to our destination
Lunch at Applewood was fabulous. The tables were set with fritters, applewood butter, and julep (made of four juices) for each person. Those fritters are amazing! We each chose our main dish from a menu of six items along with a drink (soda, lemonade, tea, or coffee). A cup of vegetable soup was served and “hit the spot” on this cool, rainy day. Our main course was served next followed by apple cobbler for desert. This was another feast. The food was delicious, the servers were marvelous, and within an hour, everyone was leaving the restaurant to shop in the wonderful Applewood Shops.
The rain let up a bit. However, the creek that runs parallel to Applewood and on the other side of the roadway was rising at frightening levels and was flowing rapidly like a river. At 2:15 PM, stores announced they’d be closing as a precautionary measure at the possibility of the creek overflowing and flooding the one road in and out of Applewood. Everyone arrived at the bus quickly. By 2:30 PM, we departed!
I played a few Dolly Parton songs being ten minutes away from her home in Pigeon Forge and then played songs requested by members of our group. The rain lessened as we approached Wytheville and the Country Inn & Suites.
Tomorrow, it’s “Homeward Bound”!
Day 27: Friday, September 27, 2024
As the bus pulled out of the Hotel parking lot, I played “Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel.
The skies were overcast and rain was intermittent as we traveled north. I asked our travelers to complete the Starr Survey for this trip. Many had taken notes about each hotel as I had suggested on Day 1 so they had little difficulty remembering details from 26 days ago. The passengers took their time and were very diligent in responding to the survey.
We arrived at our first rest stop, White’s Travel Center, in Staunton, Virginia. This is huge facility selling quality clothing, snack food, trinkets, and much more. It also contains four fast-food restaurants and outside, many gasoline pumps.
Our next destination was Martinsburg, West Virginia off of I-81 for lunch. On the bus, I did a review of our fifteen days traveling on Route 66 and replayed many key songs. This took about an hour and we were soon pulling into Martinsburg and a choice of six restaurants adjacent to each other. Most chose the Martinsburg Family Diner. The Diner reserved tables for us prior to our arrival. Two of our travelers, who live in proximity to Martinsburg, WV, were picked up by a loved one. Everyone showered them with goodbyes, good wishes, and good health.
We arrived in Bensalem at 5:00 PM, thus completing a 6,443 mile round trip across our beautiful country.
Upon arrival, Starr’s 3rd generation owner, Sandy Borowsky enthusiastically greeted us waving a black and white checkered flag signifying we made it to the finish line. She stepped on board to congratulate all of us on a trip well-traveled. Everyone disembarked, hugged each other, and wished eachother well. It’s always difficult saying goodbye to great people after spending 27 days together. It was a beautiful scene here in Bensalem.
Finally, the shuttles and our bus departed, thus officially ending the 2024 “Trip of a Lifetime”. We are all happy and satisfied with so many fabulous memories to share with our friends and family. I’m hopeful that one day, we will travel together again!
