'banjo's blogtastically stooopid day trippin' picture thread

[mark1305]

Wow! Finally caught up reading the last 4-5 pages.....

I lived in Texas twice as a child, and I don't remember Belton or Killeen being near that pretty. I could live in much of that green hill country. Or eastern OK, or Arkansas too. Beautiful.

I agree with Lady Draco, that doe is preggers.

That's the most water I've seen at Bridal Veil Falls in years. They must finally be getting regular rain up there. (My family's roots are in Highlands, NC - lived there too for a while in the 2nd grade circa 1958).

Your pics from all these states to the west of The South prove that small town America is alive and thriving. And preserving its heritage. Even though I enjoy living here in coastal Flatistan where there is a lot of heritage and old stuff, I really miss my middle GA stomping grounds.

And lastly, get your new camera ready for the evening of May 5, 11:35 PM. I know you like full moon shots, and that will be the moment of the perigee full moon - a Super Moon. Last one was March, 2011.

[knybanjo]

Yeah Mark, I'm like you and prefer the small towns. Thanks for the moon reminder, gotta figure out where I should be to get the best view?

Originally Posted by advtenn

Dang man! Your posting like you ride, I can't keep up with you.

Working a double shift on a scheduled day off today, gotta get the most out of that double time I'm earning.

[Bulleteer]

As always, I'm enjoying your ride report, Kevin. Great photos.

My grandfather worked on those steam locomotives in Cowan in the early part of the last century. He lived in nearby Decherd for many years until he retired in the 1940's. I like riding through that area because of the family connections. The scenery's not too bad, either.

Originally Posted by knybanjo

The town of Cowan looked like a good place to stretch my legs and grab some lunch.

[knybanjo]

Originally Posted by Bulleteer

As always, I'm enjoying your ride report, Kevin. Great photos.

My grandfather worked on those steam locomotives in Cowan in the early part of the last century. He lived in nearby Decherd for many years until he retired in the 1940's. I like riding through that area because of the family connections. The scenery's not too bad, either.

Cool!!

[knybanjo]

...and out of the gorge we go....














Unfortunately the neighboring mountain roads were still wet and foggy. The lack of traffic is why I like them but it was also what was helping to keep them wet.

[knybanjo]

We had fun anyways.




OU812 was always right there on my wheel! (probably wishing I'd speed it up!)

























As nasty as it looks here...it was quite warm and never did rain on us while we were riding!

[knybanjo]

Maybe somebody can straighten me out on the history and folklore...but I was once told that it was thought that aliens visited the Indians here?














Smokey Mtns.














The rock is located along an unassuming little dead end farm road...














It's also been 'dug out' and more exposed than it was on my last visit...that walkway is also new.














It's easy to see the former 'soil line'

[knybanjo]

Here's a bit of info for you....FS711 has been partially re-paved.



























Maybe Jimmy is finally gone build that house up there after all?














No worries....it goes back to a crumbled mess just past 1/2 way.














BTW...the lead sled rode all the way across it!!

[knybanjo]

The Chicago crew had come down for a little sport tour rally from another board. Their group rides were planned for Friday and Saturday but 3 of the 4 just kind of wanted to take it easy and go check out the Wheels Through Time Museum. Well Maggie Valley was about 1/2 way to Hot Springs where I was headed to next so they let me tag along again as I'd never made the time to check it out before and this seemed like as good of a time as ever.


First thing on the agenda would be a big breakfast at the NOC














I did my best to earn my keep and tried to get them there without going through the middle of town.








































Mission accomplished!

[knybanjo]

****WARNING, HIGH MOTO CONTENT****


Evel bike?
































That's just a sample from the lobby.

[knybanjo]

The restored bikes are sweet but Dale's taste seems to lean more toward natural patina patched up and kept in running condition. Check out the newish plugs and fresh oil leaks.

[knybanjo]

[knybanjo]

[knybanjo]

[knybanjo]

Hey! I thought this was supposed to be all vintage American iron?....what's with the Jap-crap?















Cannonball Run bike, notice the extra fuel tank.














There's a whole herd of these in the nearby Cataloochee Valley!