and the Great Smokey Mountains

Unfortunately, the traffic stayed with me here as well....

But worth every moment!

The drive into the Smokey Mountains National Park was lovely. Although the trees along the road are looking a little bare,  there is enough leaf color below, on the tops and behind the trees on the mountains that reflects almost a glow as you drive ... very pretty.  There was a rocky creek that followed the road through the park that added to the beauty.

The Trail heads were packed with cars/people, so I didn't stop to do any of the hikes. When the trail is that crowded, I don't find it as pleasurable.

There were groups of wild turkeys along the road.  I wonder if anyone picked up dinner while they were here.

And this was a cool tunnel under the mountain ...                       

I had the privilege (and the terror) of driving over the range again on my way to South Carolina.  I would consider myself a good mountain driver, but even I had to pull over twice to cool the brakes.  On a "fun" note, I got to use my "jake brake" for the first time!  Even down-shifting didn't slow that 16 tons down.

Between Knoxville, TN and Fair Play, SC - only a distance of about 200 miles - the drive took 6 hours.  I went through Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and into South Carolina - just the "corners" but I was glad to finally arrive.  The drive was some rough back roads ... funny, when I asked Google for the route the first response was "you can't drive there from here." Good thing my GPS knew the way.

Interestingly, I had trouble finding propane.  None of the travel centers or truck stops supply propane. I finally found it at a nursery with the help of the camp ground host.  If the outside temp is 45 degress or below, I have to use propane for heat (it keeps my pipes from freezing).  I was able to milk a 1/4 tank for 2 weeks in Tennessee, but knew I couldn't go any longer.  Fortunately, the first day in South Carolina the temps were in the high 70s and it didn't get cold at night .... but I know that's a lull.

The people that stay long term in this campground have their Christmas displays up .... you don't need a light to wander around at night.

My first Thanksgiving alone in the coach .... I ate left-over red beans and rice that I made in the crock pot before I left Tennessee, planned what to see while I'm here in South Carolina, and watched a Christmas movie ... just like home.  ha.