We left home on Saturday 9/2 to ride to Maggie Valley, NC, to visit with a great many triker friends, and ride the beautiful countryside there.
But, on the way, I had planned two more stops on our National Parks Tour. We were again joined by friends for the ride. Saturday was riding only, we went as far as Pearl, Ms and overnighted there. Sunday had us up early, and headed to Russell Cave National Monument, Al. We arrived at the out-of-the-way area, toured the visitor center, then walked out on a boardwalk for about 100 yards to view the cave. It was interesting in the number of peoples, over the number of years, that had used the cave system as a home or camp while hunting.
The boardwalk out to, and the large cave (that we weren't allowed in)
Remember, you can click on a picture to enlarge it.
After visiting the Cave, we rode back to Stevenson, AL for supper, and to overnight.
Monday found us leaving early, wanting to stop at Lookout Mountain, just outside Chattanooga, Tn. This should complete more than the 50 NPS sites and 25 states visited to complete the Tour. Yay!!
It was a nice cool morning for a ride, winding up the mountain thru sub-divisions built up around the Civil War Battlefield.
And, the views of the entrance
View of the monument at the top of Lookout Mountain
And views over the sides of the Mountain. No wonder it was a coveted position, desired by both sides of the war. You could see for miles in every direction.
We left Chattanooga for our ultimate destination, Maggie Valley, NC, and riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We stayed at the Best Western, they had cut a deal on their rates to get this many folks there. I believe there were about 30+ trikes with riders & passengers here for the Reunion. There was a great time visiting and catching up on community news Monday night, then, no hesitation, head out into the cold Tuesday morning to see the country side.
About a dozen going on the first day ride:
Following are pictures of the rides we did while there. Lanora took so many pics, and some videos, it's rather hard to separate the days.
All good things must come to an end. We had to leave Friday morning, as there were many folks coming from Florida & Georgia, to get ahead of Hurricane Ivan. The return was uneventful, ready to get home and get to the chores I knew awaited me.
We did take a snapshot on the Mississippi side of the Big Muddy. There's a beautiful rest area there overlooking the river and bridges.
Our next outing is scheduled for 10-4 thru 10-8, for our Texas Reunion at Kerrville, Tx.
See ya then.
