We had perfect weather and great roads all day today. We rode NC-209 north to Hot Springs. The upper 24 miles is dubbed, “The Rattler.” It’s less technical than the Dragon, but it is challenging. There are no yellow diamond warning signs and no speed advisories. You just have to read each curve as you come to it. The ride is most enjoyable and picturesque.

We stopped at a Walmart in Newport and picked up a USB charger for Bob’s bike. There was a Subway in the Walmart, so we ate lunch there.

From Newport we rode over to Gatlinburg. That town is a tourist mecca. It’s not the kind of town I like to visit.

Gatlinburg is on the northern edge of Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We rode through town, into the park, and up to Clingmans Dome. We took pictures of the valley and distant mountains then hiked up the hill to the observation tower.

We had dinner at a different restaurant in Cherokee. The Newfound Lodge features a buffet dinner.

Tomorrow Bob heads home and I go on to Richmond.