The Way to Cocke County

We departed Kingston on Saturday morning and, after crossing the border, it began to rain and rained until we arrived for our overnight stop (10 hours later) in Winchester, VA at the Flying J. That first travel day was uneventful EXCEPT for seeing Janet and Tim Ketchum first on US 81 and then again at the Flying J. Tim and Janet are long-time boaters and owners of Village Quay Marina near Ivy Lea on the St. Lawrence. It was great seeing them en route and yacking about each of our travel plans!

Our second travel day landed us in Cocke County in eastern Tennessee. Despite the fact this area has earned the name of “Moonshine Capital of the World”, they do not permit alcohol to be sold on Sundays within sight of a church – and there are churches on every corner! Finding Johnnie a 12-pack became our own mission! We stopped in at Food City and, when we asked where we could buy beer, the sales lady’s eyes pierced John’s brain like two lasers! We prayed immediately for redemption and proceeded to the closest convenience store (out of sight of a church) where we secured some Bud.

While here, we’re hoping to see the Forbidden Caverns in the Great Smokey Mountains. We will skip the birthplace of Davey Crockett and the Dollywood theme park – I’m not sure we can miss Dollie’s statue though in downtown Pigeon Forge!

"Be back atcha this weekend some time... m.