As I write this, I am sitting at a rest area off I40 about 122 miles west of Knoxville. It would be nearly ideal here except for the diesel trucks that are running. This is an interesting pit stop because both east- and west-bound travelers go to one rest area on the north. The cicada are loud, and I see that many people travel with their dogs. (Just as an aside, I see his dog and her dog, and I wonder how many couples use their dogs to avoid their spouses.)
Highlights thus far include:
- Mystery Starbucks in an obnoxious mall in Mt. Juliet. I couldn’t find it. Apparently it was inside somewhere, but this was a long mall. (“Your destination will be on the left”–Where?) I am used to Starbucks being tucked into malls, but there was no external signage. If McDonald’s can have signage above the treetops, Starbucks should have the logo outside, at least.
- Dumbest driver yet. This young person (female, I believe) passes me on the left. (So far, so good.) The car in front of her moves to the right lane to pass a small truck towing a small black car on a dolly. The small truck is passing a cement truck. The first car passes on the right and cuts back in. Too late for the 2nd car. She slams on the breaks (road rage, I imagine), and then she tries to cut behind the truck as soon as his rear bumper goes by her. It was close, but she jerked back just in time to avoid hitting the car he was pulling. I do not understand how she could be so unaware since she just was behind the guy.
Added later: I took some detours and visited two waterfalls. I then drove through Sparta, TN on my way to Knoxville. I will post information about the two waterfalls separately.
Leadership Tour 