Huntsville, AL to Marion, VA

When I woke up my left hand was swollen and tight. I had 5 bites all within a 2 inch area. I was worried about my wedding band. Mike suggested a ice my hand and take my ring off. A day later I still have a mark from my ring. Hope the bites heal soon.

This was our view as we headed into the Smoky Mountains and left Huntsville. 

We passed through the corner of Georgia and back into Tennessee. Our first stop was Chattanooga. It was the cutest little city right in the Tennessee River.

First thing we visited the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. It used to be the train stop. This was the women's bathroom! 

The first railroad line that connected North and South ran from Cincinnati to Chattanooga. Here is the history on the plaque. 

Of coarse we had to get a shot of the actual Chattanooga Choo Choo. They turned the train into a restaurant and hotel. It looked like a fun place to stay. So historic and charming. 

Then we met up with our dear close friends, the Outens. They drove from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA and then Chattanooga to meet us. 

We walked out over the Tennessee River on the walking bridge. Gorgeous day!

We caravanned to Marion, VA. Mike and John drove the suburban with the trailer and Jeannie and I drove in their rental van behind them. 

We stopped for BBQ along the way. Jeannie and Mike both ordered a piggy back potato. (Baked potato, brisket, cheese, sour cream, you get the idea.) John had the pulled pork plate. I had a BBQ hamburger with onion ring and bacon on it. My sides where fried okra (not to be confused with fried orca) and pork puppies. Both new to me. I really liked the fried okra. The pork puppies were a little too crispy. 

We made it to camp with just enough time to swim. 

As you can see it was nothing short of green gorgeous. The lake was in the 70's, nice and refreshing. They even had diving boards. 

For me the highlight of the day was seeing great friends and catching up. And bonus, to spend time in a new breath taking spot, couldn't ask for a better day.

One other thing I forgot. When we got into Chattanooga there were protestors on the corners waving American flags with anti-Arab signs. We were surprised and saddened by their signs. Later we heard about the shooting in Chattanooga the day before. Anot Arab-ish man shot and killed 5 service men at a Marine recruiting office.