Well, the day started fine and ended fine. In the middle...not so much.

We gathered for breakfast at a little place in downtown Boone called Melanie's. A funky, homey, really good food kind of place. Breakfast is their specialty. You should try it sometime.

Then it was off for more riding through the North Carolina country side. Nice mountain roads. The valleys weren't too shabby either. We stopped at the Mast Store in Valle Crucis. It's an old general store. Looks pretty much like it did back in the 1800's I understand its been in the same family since the beginning.

Then it was time for Roan Mountain. The road up the mountain is great and so is the one going back down the other side. Unfortunately, we had missed the turnoff (MOE!) at the top of the mountain so we had to go up the backside to get back to the top and then down the front side again when we were finished. There's a rhododendron garden at the top that I suspect is really pretty when it's in bloom. It wasn't blooming when we were there. But it was kazooing. A family reunion was going on when we got there so we kazooed them all. What a racket. The mist rolled in as we were leaving making for a rather surreal feel to the place.

Then it was down the highway to Johnson City for lunch. As we ate the weather began to go sour. Clouds rolled in and it looked like we were going to get wet. Then, miracle of miracles, the sun came out. So, off we went. We had about 70 miles to Cumberland gap where we were supposed to hike for a bit and then another 50 to Corbin KY where we are spending the night. Well, that miracle of sunshine lasted for, oh, about 30 miles or so and then it started to rain. It rained for the next 70 - 80 miles. Sometime a little, sometimes a lot. The wind kicked up and lighting flashes ran across the sky. It was interesting, to say the least. I'm not ashamed to admit that I hate riding in the rain. I don't trust myself. During the very first ride in 2004 I almost became one with a Chevy van on I-10 in Houston because of the rain. I've never quite recovered.

But we all made it in one piece. We were met at the hotel by Dana Taylor, his wife Jenni and their daughter Katie. Dana is the guy who puts together the Short Reach Short Riders event every year. They had driven six hours to see us and have dinner with us. These guys are great supporters of the LRLR.

Dinner was at a Mexican place in Corbin call El Dorado. It may be a chain, I'm not sure, but the food was good and the staff was terrific. There were over thirty of us but there were no problems or waiting or anything you might expect when a horde descends on you. The manager, Orlando Delguy even gave us a 20% discount. Way to go Orlando. Muchas Gracias.

After dinner we went to Moe & Christine's house...yes, they live in Corbin...for dessert. To be more precise...for pie. Lots and lots of pie. Christine baked them all. (I had the cherry. Mmmmmm good)

So, other than getting thoroughly soaked...my leather jacket is now draped over the fan....it was a fun day. Every day we get better at riding together and better at being friends.

Hope your day was good too.
See you tomorrow.

Bill

Other Links:
Dennis Booth's Facebook Photo Album
Star Markham's Vespa Journey's Blog