The Scenic Road Home

Last Wednesday Sheila and I took our usual route to Joneborough, Tennessee for the National Storytelling Festival, mostly along Interstate highways 75, 40, and 81. That was a mistake. Those highways sometimes seemed more parking lot than freeway. By the time I'd deposited Sheila near the Library Tent where Donald Davis would present his usual pre-festival evening program, found and parking spot, and walked several blocks back to the tent, Donald was already being introduced.

So when it was time to come home we decided we'd take the scenic route. Our host, John Vogt, suggested we follow state highway 81 south from Joneborough to Interstate 26 to Asheville, NC. From there we consulted Siri and followed her route through southwest North Carolina back to Georgia.

It took us, with several stops, a good bit longer, but what a gorgeous drive on an equally gorgeous fall day.

Here is a photo log of the day

The fog creates an eerie and very different view off the front porch of this beautiful home this morning.

The fall colors seem intensified by the fog.

At an overlook in Tennessee but near the North Carolina line...

... three nice ladies offered to take our picture.

A few miles farther along we stopped at the North Carolina welcome center.

The welcome center had a nice collection of artwork that included this folk art made of found objects.

It is difficult for me to come within sight of Lake Junaluska without a sentimental stop .  Today took about an hour for huge single scoop each of Cappuccino Crunch ice cream at the gift shop and a slow drive around the lake.

We drove slowly through Nantahala Gorge enjoying the scenery but without stopping till we came to Pattons Run Overlook.

At Pattons Run Overlook I recorded this sign to add to my growing photo collection of "Signage that may some day inspire signage at Arrowhead". 

The Nantahala at Pattons Run Wass beautifully decorated with stained-glass-like sourwood and maple. leaves...

...and great light...

...on the water.