The rain started to fall here in Buffalo Creek in the early hours of the morning, and as we rose and enjoyed a hearty breakfast, the rain was coming down straight as stair rods. The flow was increasing in the creek which runs just a few feet from the porch, and none of us felt like going ahead with our plan for today: to ride the Tail of the Dragon. (If you google it, you'll see why we were disinclined to tackle this in the pouring rain.) So we kicked back, and chatted with our convivial and generous hosts, Robin and Rob, watched the creek waters rushing by, and tried to photograph the humming birds and Red Cardinals as they came to the feeders. A chipmunk popped by too, but was too shy to stay long.
With the rain seemingly set in for the day, Mandy Craig and I took up Rob's kind offer of a loan of their car, and we drove out to Deal's Gap, the starting point of "The Dragon." Sylvia stayed behind, happy to have a quiet time to read and rest.
Driving the the Tail of the Dragon, is no great feat, but an experience nonetheless. Craig and I took it in turns: one to ride up, and the other back down. Mandy was able to enjoy the scenery both ways! The rain eased up, and we had views of the tree-covered smokey mountains, wisps of clouds drifting below their peaks.
Back at Buffalo Creek, the evening has set in, and we're having a camp fire with our hosts ... Craig on the guitar.
It's been a relaxed day, and we needed that. Tomorrow, we'll make a decision on "The Dragon", then start our two day journey to Charleston. I must join the party now, and will sign off for tonight. No photos for now - we'll post extra photos tomorrow.