The bare forests and Rhodies continued this morning as we traversed the Smokey Mountains. Exiting the tranquil forests and mountains into the excessively and garishly developed towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge (which among other things is the home of Dolly Parton, and boasts her Dollywood theme park) and Servierville was a bit of a jolt.

Continuing North West we passed by Knoxville and crossed into Kentucky. The country flatted into rolling hills and that famous grass (though I have trouble seeing the blue). Near Lexington we detoured through Versailles and passed many obviously expensive/valuable horse farms. Spring seems to be a little more advanced in this part of the country. More leaves are visible on the roadside trees and the temperature in up into the high 70s. It feels good to be in a T-shirt and feeling a warm breeze.