A truly fabulous day. Thanks to the wonders of nature. After we had checked the Caranex, to ensure no rattle snakes had crept in and taken up residence during the night, we were up nice and early. On the road by 9.20, we were soon in red rock country and…
The thing about this journey is no two days are the same and the events of the day are rarely predictable. This morning was one of those unexpected occasions. We started by driving through the town to have a look at Grants. It was larger than we had thought when…
Another long, hot day. The drive from Pampa to Amarillo took us about an hour and 20 minutes. This was serious oil country with tanks, pipes and various installations and tankers and trains transporting oil from here. It is dead flat, as far as the eye can see. Amarillo doesn’t…
Last night the motel manager was very chatty. I think he was bored, as there were few guests at the motel. He told me we were the most interesting guests he had had to stay! Later he was talking to Dennis and, apart from being an avid Trump supporter because…
After a beautiful air conditioned night, we didn’t feel like rushing to leave our motel. Setting off at about 10.20, we set a course out of Memphis via Interstate 40. We didn’t stop to look at any of the attractions – the main one, of course, being Gracelands, the home…
After leaving Thunder Rock Camp we followed the Ocoee River valley. A pretty, touristy area. Being Saturday it was packed with white water rafters. Dozens of them challenging the rapid strewn river, running beside the road. Soon, having passed a couple of power stations and dams controlling the flow, the…
The Parkway covers 469 miles. Today we started from around mileage marker 242 and finished at 408. It wasn’t fast progress. As Dennis mentioned yesterday, speed limits are low, partly because of the terrain but also because it is a scenic route designed for people to drive at their leisure.…
A beautiful day back on the Skyline Drive. The road is immaculately surfaced, the yellow centre lines and white sidelines perfectly painted and the curves lined with low dry stone walls. The views over the hills and George Washington forests on either side stretch for miles. The Blue Ridge Mountains…
Today was a very full day. Up early, we were waiting for the sun to dry the tent and ground sheet, as there had been a heavy dew. While we waited, Luther and Tracy came to say goodbye. Tracy had 4 horses in the adjoining paddock which I had been…
Last night’s fishing was singularly unsuccessful. Thank you for the loan of the rod though, Johnny. There were definitely fish in the lake, as I had masses of bites. Tim, you are the family fishing expert. I think they were only small fish and I had a very large hook.…