Lunch at Carver's Apple Barn

April 10th, 2004

   
by Dan Harvey

    It was cool enough today to get a few grumbles from the "girls" in the group, but troopers that they are, there was never a request to cut the ride short. Since we were running a little late for lunch, I even offered to change the route and stop in Gatlinburg, but the vote was to head on to Carvers as planned.
    The first group left Sevier County and headed over to Alcoa to pick up 3 more bikes. The total for the day was 9 people on 6 bikes.
    Our route included the scenic Montvale Rd. out of Maryville to the Foothills Parkway. At 321, we turned towards Townsend and entered the National Park at that entrance. After a brief stop at Metcalf Bottoms, we headed through downtown Gatlinburg and then got on Newport Highway to Carvers.
    As always, lunch was great. A wide variety of meals were selected by the group and smiles were seen on all faces...except Bobby Smith. Bobby always seems to be left hungry no matter where he eats. An hour or so later and he has a candy bar and drink to curb his appetite.
    The weather could have been better. It was mostly overcast with cooling temps butat least, there was no rain.
    The temperature was dropping quickly so we elected to get on the Interstate and get home ASAP, but the ride was warmed with good friendship which always makes it worthwhile.