It was a rough start today. We went to the town square to get this photo. It was such a pleasant surprise to find the Oldham Movie Theatre on the town square in Winchester, Tennessee. The entire historic downtown is undergoing renovation, and the theatre is showing current movies.
When we left the town square, I directed us to the wrong highway, so we had a side trip to Dechard and Estill Springs. Finally, with the help of a fellow biker who spotted us on the side of the road with the map, we made our way up Monteagle Mountain. Believe me, Sid wasn't thrilled with his navigator, but he was kind and gracious to me.
On the way to Monteagle, we passed through Cowan, Tennessee, which was getting ready for the final day of the annual Polly Crockett Festival. In spite of the rain, it was busy and festive.
After making our way through the rain to Tracy City, we entered the Sequatchie Valley through Whitwell. Folks, we saw areas that looked like the old comic strip L'il Abner...poverty stricken Dogpatch. It was sobering. So many mountain folks living a hardscrabble life with little or no income in an economically-depressed area. I didn't shoot any photos...
The Sequatchie Valley is so beautiful, but we've never been here in pretty weather. Even on this dreary day, we felt privileged to be able to travel from Whitwell through Dunlap surrounded by mountains. We cheated a bit and took the four-lane Highway 111 to Soddy. You know, we avoid the big roads if possible, but we needed to make some time since the rain and wrong turns created a few delays. This view from Highway 111 shows a big section of this valley. One day we will come back and see the sun!
At long last we found our motel in Sweetwater. While unloading the bike we were surprised to find these ducks standing in front of our room. They live in the pond just behind the motel and have formed an informal welcoming committee for guests. I guess they were looking for a little snack...of course, I gave them a few tidbits. Our neighbors at the motel, Darlene and Don, are looking for property in the area. Their home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was destroyed by Hurricane Gustav. They want to get away from the coast and come to Tennessee where four of their children have settled. What interesting folks with a fascinating story.
We had a long day and are looking forward to staying in Sweetwater for two nights. Tomorrow we plan to see The Lost Sea and visit Tellico Plains. We promise to update you. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't make many wrong turns!
2 comments:
Gail you write like a professional author! You can make a walk down a dirt road sound like a chance of a lifetime! Be safe you guys!
Judy, you are too kind!
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