Our trip started out like any other trip.  Seemed like it would take forever just to get out of Texas.  At lest this time we were headed east and not west so the distance would not be nearly as long before we see some semblance of scenery.  Up I30 to connect with I40 and sure enough the next thing you know (okay, several hours later), we are crossing into the great state of Tennessee!

The next thought was where to stop for the night.  While I was debating on how far I wanted to travel at night on this twisty interstate, We decided to stop for the night at Hurricane Mills, TN at the Best Western.  Apparently, Hurricane Mills was once the home town of Loretta Lynn!  The town has seen better days but still get’s its share of interstate traffic.

After a restful night’s sleep, we pack up, get a good breakfast and hit the road.  But, as I punch it to get onto the interstate there is a strange noise from the engine compartment of the Jeep and all the sudden I have no power steering.  It seems that the serpentine belt has given way.

I back up the on-ramp and pull back into town.  A few questions later we find ourselves about a block from where the belt broke at Barnett’s wrecker and garage on this bright Saturday morning.  A quick check finds that the “harmonic balancer” has given way after only 175,000 miles.  I nod my head as if I understand what they are telling me and one guy heads to the next town to get a new balancer and belt while his partner stays behind to begin dismantling the broken parts.  It was a battle, but after 6 hours we are finally back together and on the road again.  The guys at Barnett’s did us right and I would recommend them if you ever find yourself broken down anywhere near Hurricane Mills, TN.

After a few more miles under our belt, we pull into Townsend, TN a little after 9pm.  Go to the lock box and gather the key and map to our rented cabin and then we are back on the road, but only for about 5 miles this time.

After winding through the dark two-lane forest lanes, we find ourselves at this lovely little cabin, nestled up in the woods.  Very inviting.  Another recommendation: Townsend Cabin Rentals.  The price for this cabin was less that the hotel rooms we paid for on our last two trips.  Very cozy!

 

 

Time for a good night’s sleep before beginning our Great Smoky Mountain Adventure for 2010!