MAGGIE VALLEY DAY 5

HAPPY INDEPENCE DAY TO EVERYONE!

 

America, Home of the Free because of the Brave!

Started the day with another country breakfast, where a man and wife sat in the booth next to me.  I noticed the man had a hat that said  WWII Veteran, so I stopped on my way out to thank him for his service.  I asked where he served and he said Navy in the Pacific.  I told him my father-in-law was a Marine and fought at Peleliu.  He said he was there, too. What an honor it was to meet him.  I paid for his breakfast on my way out, a privilege.

 

Got on the road a little after 9 and headed southwest to the Natahala Gorge.  Stopped at this country store for coffee, where another customer was getting some "men-ahs" to fish with.

 

The gorge was beautiful, the weather cool, and the ride relaxing. That changed as I took the next road to a mountain called Waya Bald.  I call this road the most challenging road I've ridden to-date.  I had intended to take it easier today after yesterday's challenging and long route.  So this was only 204 miles, but still wore me out.

 

Still, I enjoyed my day and the many beautiful sights along the way.  Not any sweating today, never got above 80 degrees.  Lost my NC map and notes on the ride back, glad that is my biggest problem.

 

Back at the motel by 2:30.  The motel and the town were filling with people in advance of the fireworks display planned for the night.  The display was right across the street from the motel, so I was able to sit in my red rocking chair with my new friends Adam and Dawn.  Lots of people, families, barbecuing, horseshoes, swimming, etc.  Felt like I was in America!  The display was the best, most-enjoyable I had ever seen.  Some of you might accuse me of not getting out much, though.  I'll say the echo was not as good as at the Rocky Mountains.