Day 33: Knoxville, TN to Ringgold, GA

Gone fishing: Mike Kittle, Dave Kittle, Dana Kittle, Kevin Baker (about 1976)

Got up this morning, ate breakfast, and then headed 90 miles southwest to Ringgold, GA, which is very close to Chattanooga, TN. Arrived just in time for lunch with Dave and JoAnne Kittle, who have known me literally since the day I was born; Dave and JoAnne were the best man and matron of honor at mom and dad’s wedding, and Kevin and I grew up playing with their children Mike, Julie and Dana.

This afternoon took a beautiful drive through the mountains overlooking Chattanooga, including Chicamauga battlefields and Point Park atop Lookout Mountain, which is part of the National Park Service. Also in this area are Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall; Rock City, a rock “village” from which you can see seven states; and the Incline Railway, a funicular that takes you up the sheer face of Lookout Mountain. (These are all very interesting — will have to come back and take more time here when it’s not so hot). After a quick stop for ice cream at Mr. T’s Pizza and Ice Cream, home to pork ribs, potatoes and carrots that had been in the crockpot all day. YUM.

Dave Kittle, John Baker, JoAnne Kittle at Point Park atop Lookout Mountain

Nice chatting with Dave and JoAnne tonight - tomorrow we visit the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, where JoAnne is a regular volunteer.

Sleep well!