Southern Tennessee

June 10, 2010

Upon recommendation from Kyle, we made the 350m trip from Memphis to Chattanooga on state highway 64. Our well-traveled son claimed it is one of the prettiest drives ever. We had to agree. Leaving Memphis, hills gently roll on by, all of them green. Trees-unencumbered by kudzu, pastures, hay and corn fields, and picturesque houses line the equally beautiful 4-lane divided highway. We were travelin' in RV heaven!

The towns we passed define "quaint." Selmer, Boliver, Adamsville, Savannah, Fayetteville are towns surveyed by the likes of David Crocket and established soon after. old Davey survey the road that became SH 64 and represented the area in Congress. Another person of note is Bufford Pusser, Adamsville, which led to a conversation about "Walking Tall". Savannah is by far the most beautiful. It is situated on the Tennessee River, not as wide as the Mississippi, but also not as muddy! Savannah has beautiful old buildings in grand southern-style.

The scenery continued in its beautiful green-ness with gradually increasing hills. As the hills work their way into mountains, the pastures give way to forests with rock outcroppings. As we neared Chattanooga the mountain terrain took over. One 6% grade took our breath away.

One thing we noticed by its absence is trash. The highways are not littered and even the most modest farm house is well kept and tidy. Very impressive!

The scenery continued to amaze, as did the road conditions, but not to the good. Our smooth 4-lane divided yielded to 2-lane narrow with active construction on either side. We were often held to 35-45mph, making for a very long day. One day soon, this will be a completely wonderful trip.

Our park in Chattanooga is also scenic. Located on the Tennessee/Georgia border, it is near the Civil War Battlefield and is the site of one of the skirmishes. We will enjoy our stay here.