IN THE TRUCK WITH THE BELLES

While traveling, we still find fun stuff for the dogs to do. Chewies and toys to pass the time, playing tug of war, grooming, and just holding and cuddling them is enjoyment for them and me too. (notice Bella's "stash". ) :)

Anniebelle is grinning because she just stole Bella's favorite place to be: in the dog bed between the seats. Annie gets her turns sitting in my lap looking out the side window, too.

Of course, Breezey's favorite way to pass the time is lying in my lap like a baby.

MORE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Looking down on the truck from our hike.

More scenery. You can certainly see why they are called the "Smokies" and "Blue Ridge Parkway"

TENNESSEE: SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Today we came through Knoxville TN. (not bad) and then through Pigeon Forge to Gatlainburg (BIG MISTAKE!) A gazillion people, cars, traffic lights , narrow streets, like a gigantic carnival that stretched for miles and miles. aaaargggh. I thought Paul's mirrors were going to hit someone in the head. No kidding. It took us at least two hours to cover that cussed route. Paul was in a foul mood after all that stressful driving.

Finally made it to Smoky Mountain National Park. What a relief! It's pretty today, misty and blue. I have always loved this area. So surreal and awe inspiring. The dogwoods and redbuds are in bloom.

Strange thing: the Blue Ridge Parkway (0ver 450 miles) had a closed sign on it. hmmmm...thought we'd go as far as we could. We are in about 100 miles now and still no closure. It's fantastic, we have it all to ourselves.

We are now parked at a parking area at the top of an incredible overlook, and plan to spend the night here. Took the dogs for a long glorious walk into the misty hills. They are exhausted but so happy. I even made Breezey walk for a half mile or so, lol.

Life is good!!

THE TRIP EAST

We are now headed slowly North East to home. A few interesting things along the way:

Flooded areas in Arkansas. (we saw an area devasted by a (tornado?) but I wasn't fast enough with the camera to get a shot of it. Tree tops were torn off like toothpicks.

A truck carrying a bunch of fun!!!

Lotsa trucks on I 40

A cropduster flying low.

MORE MOUNT LEMMON

As we descended down the other side of Mt. Lemmon, we stopped at a cafe and had some lemon ice cream pie and iced tea. Then we turned around and went back through the pass again. :)

MOUNT LEMMON

After our cruise through the park, we decided to climb Mt. Lemmon at the recommendation of Winn and John, and Keith as well.

We had a ball!

Great switchbacks, beautiful vistas, totally fun twists and turns. I got a shot of Paul on his 'Busa coming around one of the turns.

Mt. Lemmon is a rare jewel in the Arizona desert. Jutting up 9,000 feet above sea level, this magnificent mountain peak stands amidst the pale backdrop of the sparse desert sand and cactus.

As we climbed into the higher elevations, we had to have the usual tourist photo in the snow (it was 70 degrees out)

SAQUARO NATIONAL PARK EAST

Paul and I took the loop road today on the motorcycles. I apologise for raving about the desert here, over and over. It has really left a huge impression on me. It's like a giant cultivated garden. So incredibly beautiful. If you are ever in Tucson, be sure to drive this loop, especially if the desert is blooming.