Day 5 - 154 miles

Today was not the best day for the Brits. I needed a bit of air for my rear tire, and used my compressor. Michael needed some air too, and he used the compressor, but plugged it in the chase van Brenda and David have rented so not to drain my battery. Unfortunately , the van's battery was nearly flat for some unknown reason. We left the van behind to get fixed up by the rental co.

We all got a bit lost getting got of town, but eventually headed out US 421 south. The signs warned truckers to find an alternate route for the next 22 miles, and for good reason. This has been the most twists and turns so far. I've driven this road many years ago, and several other twisty roads, but this is the first time I've seen roads on my GPS unit looking more like intestines than a curvy road. Its so curvy, there's not warning signs at every curve. So you know when you see a warning sign for 20 mph curve ahead, they really mean it.

We got to Boone, and Moe had managed to eek out a discounted lunch for us. Thanks Moe. We didn't stop for long however, we fueled up and continued on the Blue Ridge Parkway south. Our first stop was Beacon Heights Overlook. A short trail lead to an outcropping stone platform with incredible vistas of the mountains. Our stop there became long winded due to a patrolman deciding to stop Brenda (of David and Brenda from the UK) driving the last chase car. Our quaint customs regarding the proper procedure for a police stop were somewhat lost in translation, and those things customary in England didn't go over too well. Apparently we needed a 'permit' to drive the parkway. She finally talked the patrolman into meeting with Greg at Beacon Heights where it mostly went from bad to worse. We got the full Barney Fife story later in the evening.

We wound our way to Linville Falls, and took a short hike up to the several viewing areas of the falls. It was steep in a few places, but a good workout after eating way too much for lunch. The trail through the lush forest did little to muffle the sound of water crashing down the falls. I was expecting to see some wildlife towards the end of the trail, but only saw delicate flowers peeping through the low lying foliage.

We wound way back towards Boone where Greg and Alice managed to host a delicious Mexican feast for the more than 30 of us at their home in Boone. I'm not sure how they managed to pull that off being on the road for the last four days, but it was a treat. Thanks, it was awesome.

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