With a a relatively short drive today, we enjoyed a lazy, unrushed morning, complete with a full breakfast. Afterward, it was back to the river’s edge where we watched a pair of adult eagles cajoling, and catching and eating an occasional fish; they are very efficient fishers—swooping down picking up a fish without missing a wing beat.

At 11:30 am, we withdrew the slides, contracted the leveling jacks, and unhooked from shore power. And then we hooked up the Honda, checked brakes and lights, and began the last leg of the trip onto I-40 and through the mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina just as the rain began in earnest. It rained the entire 75 miles, and the interstate was both hilly and curvy, with speed limits of 45 mph in places, and we passed through several tunnels—not the best of driving days.

After arriving at Cross Creek RV Park on the eastern outskirts of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, we set up in the rain. As it continued to rain, we caught up with social media, extended the awning, and enjoyed the cool air and terrific view of the Smokies. We feasted on leftovers from home—smoked spareribs. Even with great cable, we continue watching Deadwind, a Finnish mystery television series.