Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 3

Woke up early (0700L) and had breakfast in the hotel. Lee called to talk to me about Monday - Chris also called. I was able to be sitting in the parking lot of the James K. Polk House just after they opened, allowing me to take a personalized tour of the only remaining resident of the former President. I've always admired the man, since he was one of the only men who ever occupied the Oval Office who kept his campaign promises. The weather was very pleasant and I made the best of it in the gardens around the home. After finishing my visit, I drove west - back to the Natchez Trace to finish the last 30 miles. Turned out to be less of a pleasant ride than yesterday (very windy roads and more local traffic). Still, I finished the whole road (it only took 18 years!). Made my way over to I-40 and drove east for several hours before I had to stop again. Drove right through Nashville and actually made it around Knoxville without being too affected by their rush-hour (lucky dog!). Saw some snow on in a few mountain passes along the way. My goal was to be able to stop in Greenville, Tennessee, at the home of President Andrew Johnson - but I had to get gas as I exited the Interstate onto US-11E. I also had to contend with a time-zone change that happened along the way. Still, I arrived at the National Park Visitor Center just as they were closing (1700L) and the Ranger let me explore some of the exhibits before he closed. The place has an interesting display of Johnson's tailor shop (log cabin), along with several other buildings from the era when he lived in town. For a President who was impeached, you would never know anyone held animosity against him - the town seems to be proud of their native son. I was getting hungry by this time but had one more place I wanted to see before it was too dark - the birthplace of Davy Crockett. Using US-11E, I managed to find it. But it required some risk-taking: the sun sets fast in the Tennessee Mountains... Luckily, there were some good signs for the State Park - but I paid close attention to the landmarks so I'd be able to get back out of the rural area (farm roads) where it was located. When I arrived, it was already too dark to see any of the historical re-creations of the cabin or other relics from Crockett's era - definitely a place to visit again someday. Back on US-11E (after dodging deer and stonewalls), drove North toward Johnson City. Before I got there, I spotted a hole-in-the-wall place to eat dinner: "Pickles" (All you can eat Catfish!). Had some great conversation with the owners and ate my fill before leaving. Got through town and then used I-26 to drive up to Kingsport, where my reward night hotel was. Turned out that it was across the street from a hotel we've previously used (see MAR 2000). As I lay my head down tonight I realized I have always enjoyed my trips though Tennessee - friendly people, pretty views. It feels like home to me. But, after today, it is time to get serious and get to work (....).