Day 3 Bullies

Day 3 Bullies, originally uploaded by Gail S.

As we prepare to head over to the Lost Sea, Sid is approached by the duck pond bullies - three big white ducks asking for a snack!

Day 3 Lost Sea Adventure, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We embark on the the Lost Sea adventure. Listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as America’s largest underground lake, the Lost Sea is part of an extensive and historic cave system called Craighead Caverns.

Day 3 To the Cave, originally uploaded by Gail S.

We entered Craighead Caverns via this bright yellow tube. The caverns have been known and used since the days of the Cherokee Indians. From the opening on the side of the mountain, the cave expands into a series of huge rooms. I didn't post any photos from inside the cave because they really looked bad. I really needed a tripod to keep the camera steady.

Note the couple walking in front of Sid. We chatted with these retirees during the entire tour. They are from New England, but live in St. Augustine, Florida, now. Avid cave visitors, they also spend lots of time metal detecting on the Florida beaches and near battlefields (on private land). In addition, they are ghost hunters! They even shot some photos of "positive energy orbs" while we were on the boat tour. Our young tour guide, Brady, told them how the door to the maintenance shed had slammed open when he was cleaning the boats...in a cave with no wind currents. He was pretty disturbed at the thought of ghosts in the cave...bless his heart.

Day 3 Glass Shop, originally uploaded by Gail S.

An 18th century village outside the Lost Sea entrance has a wonderful glassworks shop, Glassworks Mfg. Master glass blowers August Bopp and his son, Van Camp, have over 60 years of combined experience producing beautiful and unique handmade glass art.

Day 3 Glass Bikes, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Artist Van Camp Bopp can create a custom motorcycle from a photograph. The red bike looks like our ride!

Day 3 Happy Surprise!, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Just as we left the Lost Sea, it stopped raining, so we headed south on Hwy and came across this Rock City barn between Sweetwater and Niota! I was ecstatic, and Sid actually stopped the bike so I could get a good photo.

Day 3 Our Buddy, Chuck, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Back at the motel (Econo Lodge in Sweetwater), we were greeted by our favorite duck from the pond. Chuck seems to have deformed wings and is constantly picked on by the other ducks in the pond - just like children on the playground at school taunting another child who is "different." Sid has taken to this intrepid underdog, giving him treats and pushing the bully ducks away.

Day 3 Bike Inspection, originally uploaded by Gail S.

Sid and Chuck circle the bike and trailer for a full safety inspection. Chuck is safe from the other ducks when he is near Sid.

Day 3 Chuck's Rain Shelter, originally uploaded by Gail S.

When the deluge came, Chuck took shelter under our trailer, napping and grooming himself. I gave him some cereal from breakfast. Who will protect him when we're gone?

Day 2 Soggy Trip To Sweetwater, Tennessee

Day 2 Oldham Theatre Winchester, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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.

Day 2 Polly Crockett Festival, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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...

Day 2 Sequatchie Valley, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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!

Day 2 Welcoming Committee, originally uploaded by Gail S.

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!