Days 54-58: A Tire Blowout, Civil Rights History & One Last Campfire Before Home
A high-speed Airstream tire blowout near Memphis added one last challenge before we explored the powerful National Civil Rights Museum. With fresh tires, we pushed through long drive days, made a quick stop at Hot Springs National Park, and arrived in Austin just in time for Logan’s soccer game. One final night of camping at McKinney Falls, Austin, TX, wrapped up our epic summer adventure before finally heading home!
Days 54-58: Memphis and National Civil Rights Museum (Sep 4 – Sep 8)
Jellystone Mammoth Cave to T.O. Fuller State Park, Memphis, TN – 319 miles, 5 hours.
Day 54 was another long driving day as we made our way to T.O. Fuller State Park, Memphis TN.
Along the way, we made a pit stop at a Tennessee Buc-ee’s for snacks and, of course, the world’s cleanest restrooms.
Just when we thought we were in the clear, disaster struck—a loud pop at 65 mph on the highway told us one of our Airstream tires had blown. Thankfully, we were able to safely pull over onto the shoulder. It turned out to be the front passenger-side tire. Having already changed an Airstream tire earlier on this trip, I am now considered a pro but it was nerve-wracking with trucks whizzing by at 70+ mph.
Once we were back on the road, Thao called around to find a tire place that has at least 4 set of tires we needed in stock, given that we are now out of spare tires. We found a Discount Tire in Southaven, MS and scheduled to come by for a replacement the next morning.
We made a quick dinner stop at a Love’s Truck Stop, stocked up on water and rice at Costco, and finally arrived at T.O. Fuller State Park after 9 p.m. Backing into the campsite in the dark was, as always, a challenge, but we managed.
Day 55: Fresh Airstream Tires and National Civil Rights Museum
We started our morning by towing our Airstream to Discount Tire where they replaced all 4 tires for us on the Airstream. Our Stella got 4 brand new Good Year Endurance ST225 /75 R15 tires. We felt so much more at peace for final leg of our trip home. With fresh rubber on the road, we decided to relocate to Jellystone Horn Lake MS, which offered laundry facilities and was closer to the attractions we wanted to visit.
While we initially planned to visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland, we realized we wouldn’t have enough time to fully enjoy it. Instead, we headed to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on the balcony of Room 306. The museum provided a powerful and educational experience, teaching the kids about slavery in America and the Civil Rights Movement.
To wrap up the day, we enjoyed delicious fried chicken dinner at Hattie B’s, a perfect ending to a busy and meaningful day.
Day 56-57: One Last Overnight Stop (Sep 6 – Sep 7)
Jellystone, Horn Lake, MS to Dallas Northeast Campground, Caddo Mills, TX (429 miles, 6.5 hours)
Day 56 was yet another long and grueling driving day. We made a quick stop at Hot Springs National Park Visitor, where we ate lunch in our Airstream and refilled our water jugs with hot spring water before continuing. Having visited Hot Springs twice before, we didn’t spend much time there this trip and were ready to move on.
Originally, we had planned to stay overnight at a campground near Paris, TX. However, we decided to push a bit further to shorten our driving time the next morning. Our final overnight campground stay before returning to Austin was at Dallas Northeast Campground in Caddo Mills, TX.
Day 57 – 58: Back in Austin, But Not Yet Home (Sep 7 – Sep 8)
Caddo Mills, TX to Austin – 291 miles, 3.5 hours
Finally, the homestretch! We had a deadline to make it back to Austin in time for Logan’s first soccer game of the season. Driving straight to the soccer field, we made it just in time for his 2 p.m. game!
Even though we were back in Austin, we weren’t quite ready to head home yet. Logan’s friend was celebrating her birthday with a campout at McKinney Falls State Park, so after the soccer game, we drove straight to the park and spent one more night camping—this time just minutes from home.
The next morning, after one final dump stop, we drove back to our sticks-and-bricks home, officially concluding our epic summer RV adventure!
