Tennessee pt 1: Tourist stuff.

After Alabama, first stop in Tennesse is Chattanooga. We do a couple of touristy things: Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway. The railway is like a really slow roller coaster ride but its pretty cool - because its SLOW. Afterwards we have great ripped pork sandwiches with chili sauce at a diner nearby, delicious!

Incline Railway, Chattanooga, Tn.

The day after its Pigeon Forge, which our guidebook describes at "Vegas for redecks."

Pigeon Forge, Tn.

It appears to be a 5 mile long strip mall, with crazy golf courses, go-kart tracks and discount stores lining the roadside along with the obligatory food chains and motels. I like it.

The main attraction here is Dollywood and walking round the park in the 38C heat is a killer. Along with the rides, there's a bunch of shows, including Gospel band Kingdom Heirs, who suck, and the cheesy but enjoyable Country Crossroads (below).


Melissa insists on buying a keyring with a picture of me looking absolutely terrified on a roller coaster. The picture will not be re-printed here.

The next day we take a drive into the Smokey Mountains. We stop at this idyllic spot and have a swim in the river.
Smokey Mounains.

Several hours later we can continue on our journey. The reason: I locked the car keys in the boot and had to get a ride to the nearest town to arrange for a locksmith to get them out! At one point it was looking like even he couldnt get in but his last chance saloon bunch of keys did the trick and it was high fives all round. Honourable mention goes to the Visitor Center staff who were extremely helpful throughout the ordeal.

We drive round local beauty spot Cades Cove and see a bear but the strain of the day has taken its toll and I cant get excited, only annoyed by the inconsiderate a-holes not pulling into the lay-byes to let cars past. Hmpf. Roll on Nashville.