Friday on the Road

A very quick summary: FRIDAY we left Chatsworth and headed north along the Old Federal Road, often 411, often the old road. The morning was soft and cool and fog strewn as the mountains lightened up on our right. We eventually left the old road and picked up the busier, but faster 411 headed north. We soon crossed into Tennessee, clear nopt only because of the sign that said so, but because of the fioreworks stand that appeared two hundred yards further, which confirmed the truth. We rolled northward on Federal Road, gathering our legs, warming the day as the cool lifted, the heat began, and then got serious. We shifted campground goals from one up the Ocoee River to one on the valley level further north, right at the mouth of the Hiwasee river. We made camp and then road 2.5 miles upstream into the Cherokee Forest. The kids walked down to the river and sat on a large boulder on the edge of some rapids, steep cliffs on the right and left. We had nothing but the sound of ancient waters rushing. Back in camp, we jumped into the river. Bracing would be a polite word. Terrific is how we all felt afterwwards. Thunder rolled up next, and the mountain storm has a fresh feel. All four kids climbed into one tent to play memory games while the storm spit at us. The storm passed gently, but the one womb tent refused to usher forth its quadruplets. Finally, they emerged, and food and sleep ensued. A great day. -- PJC