Neener neener boo boo, I went 1,100 feet underground today. And you didn’t. Oh, and I also petted alpacas with bouffant tufts of hair, so there’s that too.
It’s day three and the final stop of our Kentucky/Tennessee cave tour. Nestled into an Airbnb in Chattanooga, Evelyn’s inside watching America’s Funniest Home Videos while Dave and I sit watching the nail-sliver moon sink behind the same mountain the sun disappeared behind earlier. Somewhere up in those hills must be where all the cyclists go to recharge.
The number of physically fit bike riders and race-shirt wearers here is about as abundant as wide-rimmed hats at the Kentucky Derby. If you’re one of my Pacific Northwest readers, you’ll understand when I say Chattanooga feels like a cross between Leavenworth and Portland—mountain-town charm mixed with funky storefronts, outdoorsy people, and a little artsy weirdness.
Also, according to Wikipedia, Samuel L. Jackson grew up here, which somehow feels very important for me to tell you.
I’m plunked into bed feeling grateful for these new experiences and for the quality time with Evelyn and Dave. Earlier today, Evelyn said, “This is better than in my dreams,” and honestly, that alone made the whole trip worth it.
I think I’m going to snuggle in now and leave you with a few pictures from deep inside the earth.
See you back in Georgia tomorrow.
Love, Jaclynn
