I took some "back roads" rather than I-40 Interstate the entire way and saw really beautiful fall color; the disadvantage was the 2-lane mountain roads, which "moved" a lot of the interior belongings from their resting places, but it was well worth the trip. The route took me through the Pisgah National Forest, and along a river part of the way.
The first Tennessee County I crossed after entering the state was Cocke County. The entire time I'm driving across the county I'm recalling a conversation I had with a lady at the Natural Bridge; she was from Tennessee and was giving me advice about her state. Her recommendation was to not to go into Cocke County .... oh well.
Diesel is about 40 - 50 cents cheaper here than in North Carolina. I'll have to remember to fill my tank before I leave. This is the first/only place I have seen Pilot gas stations without truck lanes ... they are just "normal" corner gas stations. I didn't know about that aspect of the company. I'll have to pay attention before I stop to fill the tank, as they are my preferred station.
My biggest issue at the moment is I'm running low on propane for heat. I can drive down the road and fill the tank, but I'll have to pack up to move the coach. I checked to see if there was a mobile service - no. The guy will rent me a tank for the time I'm here, but I have to figure how to move a 50 pound tank and hook it up. I was hoping they had a maintenance man here at the campground to help me, but they don't. I walked around the campground to see if anyone else was using a portable tank in hope of asking for their help, but did not find anyone and all the residence are older (like me!) gentlemen and I hated to ask them to help me lift the tank. I'm trying to conserve as best I can, but I won't have enough propane to last my stay.
After settling in, I took a short tour of the area. Although there is nice color on the trees, unfortunately I'm seeing more and more bare limbs. The temps are mid-60's and sunny during the day (perfect!) and 30's at night with freeze warnings. Because of the freeze warnings, I'm not able to leave my hose connected, so I have to fill my holding tank as needed. It was 38 degrees at 10am this morning; but it doesn't seem cold. I haven't worn a jacket yet and the day temps seem perfect. I did put flannel sheets on the bed when I changed it, just in case.
The first stop was the car wash. I try to make it one of my first stops when I land somewhere, to get the road dirt off of the car. I use one of the $10 drive-thru type and then do the inside myself.
I did pass Pond Gap Elementary School - what a name.
This is Walmart heaven; I haven't seen this many since I left their home state.
Off to see some sights ....
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| 4-ton International Friendship Bell in Oak Ridge. Built in Japan, the bell represents the new found friendship of American and Japan after World War II. |
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| Conner Creek Covered Bridge |
Next stop - Log Cabin where Sam Houston taught. As a boy of 18, he taught school in this one-room log cabin, as a way to pay off $100 of debt. He went on to become US Representative from Tennessee, Governor of Tennessee, General of the Army/Texas, President/ Republic of Texas, Governor of Texas, and US Senator from Texas.
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| Alex Haley Heritage Square |
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