APPALACHIA TRIP DAY 2

Appalachia Trip Day 2

 

405 miles

 

 

 

 

It was 74 degrees when I headed out at 6am.  Stopped just up the road at Micky D's for breakfast and coffee, then 45 miles of quiet, peaceful road until I-24.  I decided to listen to country music on the radio today, it seemed fitting, and stations were plentiful in Tennessee.

 

Got to Nashville just in time for morning rush hour traffic, was slow going for a while, but the country music couldn't be beat!  The morning was overcast and muggy, uncomfortable if you stop, but great if you are at highway speed.  Spent the bulk of the day on I-40, but with plenty of green to look at.

 

I left I-40 at Sevierville and intended to turn off quickly to take some scenic roads and avoid the tourist congestion.  But, I missed the turn and ended up riding through Pigeon Forge.  What a nightmare!  Its like Branson traffic but much longer--for instance I passed 3 Shoneys and 3 Cracker Barrels!  They have a max museum, Ripleys, and Titanic just like Branson.  Boy, the bike and I were both red hot, the sun was bearing down!

 

 

After Galtinburg, I road the Foothills Parkway, which was scenic and much cooler.  Whew!

I look forward to lots of nice scenery, cool temps, and peaceful riding in the next few days in the Smokies.

 

After the parkway, I rode over the Smokies via I-40.  There were two tunnels and lots of big, sweeping curves.  Very nice!

 



 

Staying in Maggie Valley, NC at a great little mom & pop place that caters to motorcycles.  Love the rocking chairs!  Only drawback is that there is a Spyder ralley going on and the Spyders outnumber the Harleys.

 

Tomorrow I'll be getting onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and heading north with an eye on the weather.