Tuesday, September 14 – This morning started on the elliptical, transitioning to working with some hand weights.

One thing I have noticed, the hotel fitness centers are blissfully empty. This morning, I realized why. All the old retired people are busy being in the way in the breakfast areas…please, please let me not become one of them!

Moving on, we headed south on the Blue Ridge Parkway which was absolutely beautiful (though many areas appeared to be guardrail optional). Again, my phone is not up to the task of depicting it.

After that, it was 200+ miles on the interstate into TN which was less than thrilling, capped by 9 miles of the tackiest tourist strip I have ever encountered. The stream of Ripleys, wax museums, pancake houses and $9.99 gift shops never seemed to end…towards the end I figured the Live Alligators might save us.

Dan and I did decline the opportunity to attend the Hatfield and McCoy dinner review (what is that, a giant food fight?).

Anyway, currently nestled next to the Great Smoky Mountains where tomorrow we hope to dive back into the beauty of the natural world.