Saturday, June 15, 2024
This morning, after departing the campground, we fueled-up in Corbin, TN. Because of closures on I-75 S, we were routed onto US-25 E. This alternative was shorter in distance but due to lower speed limits and traveling through many small towns with traffic lights, it took us much longer. But, on a positive note, we had lots of nice scenery along the way including passing through Cumberland Gap as we entered Tennessee. We were both pleased to once again behold the familiar beautiful forested rounded mountains of the Appalachians. After over three hours of travel on US-25 E, we took I-81 S for about eight miles to connect to I-40 E east of Knoxville. This final 70-mile leg of our journey was familiar and became more so as we progressed eastward. We made a brief rest stop at the North Carolina Welcome Center then shortly afterwards, had a long delay as traffic merged into a single lane to wind through a road construction project. Eventually, we would pull into the Asheville West KOA Holiday and set up in a back-in site (B6). We would spend the final night of our two-month excurion just a few campsites away from where we had spent the initial night of our trip.
—— Along the Route ——
After setting up, we tracked the progress of my siblings with anticipation as they drove up from Greenville, SC, with our cat, Zorro. After they arrived, we had a reunion in our motorhome. Zorro was familiar with the environs and felt at ease. After socializing awhile, sister Lisa drove us a few miles to Canton where we enjoyed a nice meal (and beverages) together at Bearwaters Brewing.
—— Bearwaters Brewing ——
After dinner, we returned to the RV and conversed some more. Eventually, Lisa reluctantly said her goodbyes to Zorro (and us) and then she and Robert departed, heading back to Greenville. A KOA ice cream truck was making the circuit around the campground so Jane and I purchased ice cream bars (in support of their effort to raise funds to counter childhood cancer). We enjoyed them at the outdoor picnic table then returned inside and retired for the last night of the trip in our RV.
—— Lisa bids Zorro Goodbye ——
