Nathan posted on July 03, 2008 17:20
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Day Two TAT I:
Sorry about the cheesy subject line. I couldn't resist.
Woke up a bit late this morning, but we made good time anyway--TN is a lot of paved roads besides some dirt and gravel. Last night our awesome hosts directed us to a swimming hole just off the road we were traveling, so this morning we donned bathing suits. The trail included a bridge that went over a relatively small creek, but a lovely clear pool developed just by the road. We pulled off, grabbed the Camp Suds and a towel, and I got to jump in first. It was cold. I did not jump in. I edged. Nathan manned up and got right in the water, and we both washed off a bit. You will see a pretty picture of us in the water, if I can post pictures. Right now, posting consists of stealing a bit of wireless from a hotel or something, so it will probably be a while.
Nathan made it up to the Jeep from the creek before I did, and when I came back, it became clear from the various clothing strewn about that Nathan had changed clothes. All of his clothes. By the side of the road. And I had the towel. I'll just leave that lovely picture to all of your imaginations. :O
I think my favorite part of today's drive was when there was a bridge out. We found our way around on some tracks that were even more off-roadish than the TAT has been putting our way so far. The two-track we found met up with our proper route in the woods, but there was a gate. We considered driving around it, but couldn't. I took a picture in the sort of hopeless "so close, yet so far" mood. Then Nathan tried the lock on the gate and found it to be dummy-locked, so victory after all. We drove through feeling like highway bandits, and then I returned to re-dummy the lock. Except I couldn't get it to hold. It kept looking just plain open. Nathan came to fix it for me. Except he accidentally closed it all the way. So, to whomever had his gate dummy-locked, we are sincerely sorry. Especially if we ruined your day.
We also passed a farm with llamas, donkeys, peacocks, and reindeer. !!! Oh, and another farm with yaks. I swear they were yaks--long horns like a steer, but with long, matted hair in dreds. Interesting stuff.
We are camping tonight in a real, if mildly seedy, campground. It was there, just off our trail, so we decided to go with it. We have met some very nice neighbors already, however. The roof-top tent draws quite a bit of attention. If only we were staying through tomorrow, we could be eating baby-back ribs with a really nice guy from Florida. Or partying in a much rowdier style with the people who camp permanently "up on the hill" (we've already been warned against them twice).
The trail is treating us well, with good windy roads and interesting sights. Have a wonderful Independence Day. Later!
Posted by EHenson at 7:47 PM