Sensational Smokies

I cannot come to the east coast without stopping in the Smokies. It is one of my all time favorite places. Yesterday, I had a special mission of adventure that was on my bucket list. Route 129 through the smokies is the most infamous motorcycle route on the east coast. And, I just happened to have my scooter with me ;) To qualify as a motorcycle route worthy of mapping, it must be scenic and twisty. This one sure qualified ;)

So off we went to the ride the "Tail of the Dragon"



The bikers were out in full force. I think Luckenbach has got them beat though ;)





I wasn't as bad as it looks. The speed limit was only 30 miles per hour, but with some of those switchbacks, you couldn't even go that fast. But is was a fun and gorgeous ride!





There were canopies of trees to ride under



And mountain lakes to view



11 miles wasn't enough, so I rode some back roads for a couple of hours and came back down over the "Tail" to my rig for a grand total of 636 turns in 22 miles ;)



It was an awesome, awesome day! After being in that fresh air all day, I was hungry. Rumor had it that Paula Deen had a buffet in the Harrah's casino in Cherokee. And lo and behold, it was true! That same great fried chicken graced the buffet ;) And, I still had to wait an hour for seating here too! But it was worth it :)

This morning, I headed back through the Smokey Mountain National Forest from Cherokee to Gatlinburg enroute north. It was a gorgeous 64 degree morning with sights to behold :)



Drove along under more spendid canopies of trees and the mountain laurel was in full bloom along the crystal, clear trout streams :)





And the views of the mountains were just breathtaking :)





Tonight, I am nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Tomorrow, it is off to Pennsylvania. There are some special people there I need to go hug :)