The Mountains were calling.
We had a late start headed to Gatlinburg today.
I asked Mom what time we left, and she said, “11:30 AM, I think.”
I didn’t argue.
I think it was more like 1 PM CST.
We got on Highway 160 and headed toward Oneonta, Alabama, to get on the interstate.
About 25 miles into our trip, I remembered the Chinese Restaurant right off the road once you get into Oneonta. “China Wok Buffet” is the name, and I love that place.
We live out in the county and don’t get to eat Chinese very often. So, less than 30 miles into our five-and-a-half-hour trip, I made our first stop.
The “Hot and Sour Soup” alone was worth the stop. Afterward, we got back on Highway 160.
I’m driving Papa’s Ford truck. I’m not about to get into any Ford/Chevy debates, either.
The thing is nice and drives great.
I filled up, and the dashboard gas display said I had about 600 miles worth of gas. I’m jealous of it.
I’ll keep my truck forever, but I will eventually need a new vehicle, and I’m thinking of getting something like my Papa’s truck.
The interstate was calm at times.
Then, at times, people were trying to kill one another to get to the front.
I kept “Johnny Dollar” playing on XM Radio, kept my head down, and kept driving.
In Tennessee, I stopped at the Rest Area. I always stop at that Rest Area.
I posted a picture of the flags.
They have something that is super special there: A separate and private Handicapped Bathroom.
It stays locked, and you have to ask to be let in, and I needed some real privacy on this stop.
I was wearing my Travel Pee Bag, and the attendant saw it hanging on my shorts. —Yes, I clip it to my shorts when traveling.
“Excuse me, ma’am, can I get let into the Handicapped Bathroom?”
She smiled sweetly, and I continued, “I have a Colo—…”
“You don’t have to explain, Sir. I’ll gladly let you in. The door locks on its own when you leave.”
She unlocked and opened the door and said, “You have a great day, Sir. Safe Travels,” and smiled the sweetest smile.
It was a nice restroom too. Not like other restrooms. Lots of room—and Privacy.
I finished, washed my hands, took one more look at it, and walked out. The door locked behind me.
“Wow. I wish more places had more restrooms like that,” I thought to myself.
The rest of the drive was driving in and out of what we call “Spring Showers.”
Some were storms with lightning, and others were small showers, but it did rain off and on the rest of the way up here.
At 9:15 PM EST, we arrived at the cabin.
I quickly got my luggage out of the truck and placed them inside the cabin. I’ll worry about that in the morning.
As I sit here on the couch writing this, Facebook tells me that I started my Public Facebook Page two years ago. May 16th. Also my brother Tony’s Birthday.
And as I sit here on the couch, listening to the rain outside, I’m already feeling better.
The Mountains were right to call me.
Love you,
–Lynn
