In Roanoke now, with the bikes loaded on the trailer.

 Third cup of coffee, bags packed, life is good!  I have a Spot Tracker and will be posting the locations on SpotWalla. Here's the link:  https://spotwalla.com/request.php?ck=d234f563a79b1a3e   We should be in Tellico Plains by early afternoon so I'll post more then.

 I am now looking back and filling in some blanks. We had a smooth journey from Roanoke, lots of conversation, a good BBQ lunch

, and then we rolled into Tellico Plains at 4pm. I can't pinpoint what I was expecting in TP but the actual town is delightful. The very small town square has a motorcycle accessory shop (clothing and gear) that rivals any shop I have ever seen.

 The  ventilated gear was very tempting but I decided to stick with my plan... Roadcrafter light for both rain protection and daily wear. The alternative was to carry one set for wet and another for dry. I am trying to simplify so my plan was set. We found our lodging and it was a pleasant surprise. Sam's maps list one place to stay and it is pretty swank, not what we needed. I found a motorcycle campground (Hunt's Lodge Motorcycle Campground, 423-253-2918) that also had 5 cabins with AC. SOLD. They also said we could leave the truck and trailer for a week. Sweet.

We talked to Jack Hunt, the owner.  Jack is a rider and had just done Wills road (our first TAT segment) the day before.  He told us about the various water crossings (!!!), that the first few were pretty easy but the last one was to be approached with caution.  That crossing looks like a sideways slice of the earth's crust.  You can see three lines of rocks sticking up like the spine of an alligator.  STAY TO THE RIGHT of the rightmost spine.  Remember that he said the first 4-5 crossings are pretty easy.

It is worth mentioning some of the little touches that made us feel right at home at Hunt's.

Notice the work stand with vice, and the stand for mounting tires.  Jack even has GoJo in the bathroom!


 After we got situated and met a few of the Motorcycle Campers group at the campground, we went into town for dinner and a beer. We found a place with live music, cold beer, seafood, and BBQ.

Over a few adult beverages we got to know Margaret (aka the beer lady) and her husband, who own the place.

 Wonderful people!  We are going to vote for Margaret to be the head of the Chamber of Commerce since she is such a good emissary for Tellico Planes.

Before we headed back to the cabin, Mark made friends with another local.  I should note that Mark in a Veterinarian so he can't pass a dog without saying 'Hi'.