I know, I know but I just had to!

I know I said the blog was finished but we have just spent the past two amazing days with two very lovely people, Dwane and Nancy Powers.

We left NY, and some very lovely people on the sidewalk who had gotten out of bed very early to see us all off: thanks Jo, Chris, Rob, Gill and Jody.

We got out to Newark all ok but finding the rental car place was a mission as some guy sent us on a merry chase that just about got the van stuck over a curb, but all good in the end. The lady at the counter didn't want to be there as all we got out of her was "credit card and licence" and when we offered her the reservation stuff I was sent we got a rather short "no". We got our car and went to the exit but couldn't get out because the barrier arm was down and some ramp thing was jutting up out of the ground: we couldn't see anyone in the hut but after about 10 minutes this head pops up and a rather sleepy looking young lady asks us for our contract which she scans and drops the barrier then lifts the arm allowing us to go. We laughed as she must've been asleep on the floor!

We stopped down the road to set the GPS then we were off to brave the off ramps, on ramps and interstates; it didn't help that road works had changed the way we needed to go but we managed, with the help of Judy's phone, to get onto the right road and up up and away we went. The drive was uneventful and pretty straight forward except for a bit of confusion at the end but Dwane had been in contact with us all day and arranged to meet us to lead us in which was great. In the end we (Judy did drive as well) drove 680 miles in just under 12 hours and two tanks of gas costing about $45.00US.

I actually hadn't met Dwane or Nancy prior to this visit, as we had struck up a friendship over C10 truck parts, parts I needed to get our truck on the road, so we were new to each other but right from the start we all hit it off, including Nutter and Lollie their two beautiful Toy Poodles who jumped all over us and licked us to death, just about. We had a beer and then some smoked brisket and pork bbq which Dwane had had on all day I think; it was lovely and a joy before out came some Apple Pie Moonshine and cherries laced with straight Moonshine; these not such a fan of but the Apple Pie Moonshine was real smooth and quite enjoyable; a nice nightcap to finish the day on.

Saturday saw us rise at about 9.00am After  breakfast it was into our car for a guided tour of the district,  first stop was the oldest house in Newport which also happens to be Nancy's mother's house! Then it was off to Maggie Valley to have a look at the Wheels Through Time Museum, a working museum of predominantly american motorcycles etc. but first stop was for a bit of pick'in at Pickin Gems.

They were shooting a FB live post starting up 17 very old and rear bikes to celebrate their 17 yrs in operation. This is Dale's son. We got on TV lol!!

We really had to limit our time here as there was plenty to see: Jo you have to work this into your tour next time you visit The Dragon as it is only a very short distance from Cherokee Next was the Smoky Mountains National Park, a beautiful area much like the Skyway we rode into Front Royal except this park is America's most visited and we could see why; there were trampers, campers of all types and day visitors like us just passing through for a look.

Coming out through the other side, without seeing a bear, we went through what we thought was a little town called Gatlinburg, well how mistaken were we; this place was packed to the rafters and very commercial and had a theme park atmosphere.

Longest suspension bridge in America.

Chair lift.

From here it was a quiet amble through more beautiful country back to Parrottsville, via Newport for dinner, passing by the school Nancy teachers at and a great fruit and veggie place that also had jams, apple pie, lollies and chocolates - heaven!

Dinner was at Milanos Pizza and Italian Restaurant then it was a out to have a look at Parrottsville and was treated to a fireworks display to celebrate the 4th of July. By this time we were pretty tired so it was home for a quick debrief and into bed.

Lightning Bug (Firefly). It lights up it's backside to attract a mate.

On Sunday it was back into the Smokies to visit Cades Cove, an isolated valley which was home to settlers before the formation of the park; their homes still stand. It is best seen by driving the loop road which is only one way. Unfortunately not only us knew of this area so it was quite busy, it was also very peaceful but full of life; we even saw a nest full of chicks in one of the houses. On our way into Wears Valley we passed through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge the later well known for the home of several attractions but most notably Dolly Parton's, Dollywood and Stampede facilities: we didn't stop.

I don't know who was more nervous Judy or the bear!

This one didn't mind us stopping to take a picture.

You can see just in front of the step to the left a bug; it was a wasp and would've been close to 35-40mm long: it was big but wasn't interested in me.

I wonder if this will pass building consent?

Unfortunately from here we had to say goodbye to two people who have become good friends; to share their home with us and give up their weekend to show us their beautiful country speaks volumes, so much so that we will be back for sure. Thank you Dwane and Nancy from the bottom of our hearts; you are treasured friends.

Now we were on our own again and had to find our way to Birmingham, Alabama. The drive was pretty straight forward really and we got to Chattanooga without a hitch, getting out of Chattanooga was a different story as I decided to go exploring and by the time we were ready to head off again we had to contend with road closures and detours which the Garmin didn't like but Judy's phone came to the rescue and we got back on track.

Next stop Birmingham, Alabama which was reached on time without issue which was a relief!

Our hotel.

We didn't get to do very much as there was a thunder storm but we did get to walk around the area where we were which was quite historic. Our accomodation was next to Linn Park which played a significant part in the struggle of African Americans fight against segregation. 

Birmingham was named after Birmingham in England and became known as the Magic City because it boomed so quickly from the iron and steel industry. It is also known for playing a major role in the civil rights movement.

Hi Ellie, Paige and Jayde, it was great to talk to you last night, we miss you and will see you soon. We hope the start of your holidays has been good xox.

At the moment we are in Laurel, Mississippi outside Hellfighters Motorcycle Shop about to stretch our legs. Catch you later.