Note: This is a pretty brief post from my first day off in Memphis, as not much has happened. Also of note, after planning with Christin and doing some recalculations, I’m now planning to finish in New Orleans on October 19. I don’t expect I can make 50 miles a day for 13 days, so I’ve tempered this a bit to allow a little more relaxation on the pace.

Word for today: CURATIVE. My only focus today was to do as little as possible, eat as much as possible, and not think about the journey ahead. Oh, and to get caught up on the blog! Which if you haven’t noticed, there’s a lot of new posts there in the past two days as I fill in the blanks; and I’ve added photos and videos to update some of those earlier text only posts. In a few days I’ll rearrange these to get them in chronological order (the one of the Stag party did get in order, so you’ll have to scroll down to find that one if you haven’t seen it).

It’s odd to me thinking about trying to put on weight, but when I see myself in the mirror, I recognize there’s not much body fat left to spare. I have two weeks to go, and two days to beef up, so I need to make an effort. I had four meals yesterday, and three meals today plus a snack. Even when I’m not hungry, I’m forcing myself to eat.

Physically all is in pretty good shape, though my knees are sore. I’ve been putting my feet up and icing my knees in the hotel room, which has been a help. Again, this isn’t anything of great significance, so please don’t be concerned.

I stayed in the hotel for lunch today, but in the evening I thought I should get out and maybe catch some more live music. I got a chuckle when I saw my hobo stick still in the garbage can in front of the hotel. I pledged that if it’s still there on Tuesday morning, I’ll forgo the Uber and hobo back to the boat.

I walked back to Beale street and peeked in a few places looking for music. I finally settled on Alfred’s where the Memphis Jazz Orchestra was about to start their routine Sunday session (I think they said they’ve been playing there Sundays for 38 years). I wasn’t at all hungry, but I forced myself to eat most of a sausage and cheese plate. It was a short evening out as I felt better relaxing in front of the Sunday night NFL game in the hotel room rather than acting the friendless, homeless type on Beale street. But all in all, it was the day of mostly nothingness that I needed.

Last night I bought a drink for the lead guy in the first band I saw at the Blues City Cafe. He told me his favorite bands and biggest influences were The Band and the Eagles. As a nod to that, request from Dr. Gatz, my day of taking a load off, and trying to put on some pounds… playlist addition today is The Band with The Weight (let’s hope I can gain some in short order).