The first 250 miles went smoothly, after 4 hours in the saddle our trusty steeds had brought us to the foothills of the great smoky mountain national park.

 After some great directions by the chrome guy we got off the interstate to find our way, but it seems we were misguided. We did find a steak to fill our stomachs and some fuel for our journey. Seems our tour guide was someone other than ourselves,as we heard there had been several accidents on the interstates and the traffic was backed-up for miles,thus began the adventure that we soon won't forget.

 As we ventured on, we used the parkway to by-pass the trouble only to find that the dragon had sent a storm to stop us and our quest. What is the first thing they tell you to do in a thunderstorm? Find shelter. On the parkway there is no shelter,especially on Mt. Pisgah probably one of the highest point on the parkway.So with the lightning flashing and the thunder rolling we done the only thing we knew to do.Ride on, figured it would be harder to hit a moving target.(sorry no pictures of this the lightning would not stand still or pose for a shot.).The next 20 miles or so were a L-I-T-T-L-E  hairy.We jump off the parkway at the next crossing of a major road, Well we thought it was major highway.Only to find that it was a two lane road twisting down the mountain raining at a pretty good clip about 2 inches a hr rate.We gingerly headed for the valley below.Dodging water crossing the road like a river and rocks washed onto the road we used all our skills just to make it down in one piece.

Well, we finally made it to the castle,(in this case it was a microtel) 343 miles and seven hrs. later including fuel stops,dinner and 40 miles of 20 mph. storm driving. At the bottom of Mt Pisgah, we were soaked to the bone, but after the rain the skies cleared and the warm air of summer returned.the last 40 miles were eventless even with Chrome leading the charge. We made it to Robbinsville at the foot of the dragon.