Beale Street is a slightly tacky strip of music clubs, souvenir shops and walk-up windows selling beer. Think New Orleans with a little less panache. But the music is irresistible, and walking down the street you can hear it all: Elvis hits from an impersonator, first-rate blues, Sweet Home Alabama, a little BB King, Jimmy Buffet from a karaoke duo.
It was in one of the souvenir shops – sorry, friends and family, I did buy Christmas presents here – that I ran into Lee and Magen Geiger of South Jersey, a father-daughter duo on the ultimate road trip.
In a week, the pair has gone down Virginia’s Skyline Drive, the Tail of the Dragon Road into N.C. and Tennessee, Sante Fe, Phoenix, Vegas, back to Memphis … with a few days left to go. Along the way they bought a six-week-old “Min Pin’’ – a precious miniature pinscher named Koko that was getting lots of oohs and aahs on the street.
“It’s the ultimate father-daughter bonding trip,’’ said Lee. And what have they learned along the way? “People in Tennessee can’t drive,’’ said Magen, 15. 
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Photos: Top, Lee and Magen Geiger with Koko. Bottom, Beale Street.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Fellow road trippers
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2 comments:
How true that is--if you want to find out who your child really is, take a one-on-one road trip. My first was with my older son when he was in fourth grade and we went around Florida. My latest was this year with my younger son (now 16) going from camp in North Carolina to Maryland to visit relatives and then down the coast. From learning about their taste in music, their navigation skills, the places they find interesting and overhearing cell phone calls to their best friends (and camp girlfriend), you get a real insight into their lives and minds. And you never know what they will blurt out on a roadtrip when you're traveling 70 miles an hour that they never would have disclosed at home (or what question they might have for you). I can say that my boys feel very comfortable "sharing" with me and we now have experiences that can never be replaced. My older son and I went to New Orleans for the first time last year, leaving one week before Katrina hit. We have felt emotionally invested in the progress there.
Hi all, and thanks. Hope everyone in South Florida is OK with the storm coming. Patrick, sorry I had to miss the Museum...too many things to do! But I appreciate the suggestion, and hopefully others will see it and follow your advice.
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