As usual, we had thunder and lightning and lots of rain during the night. This morning broke with clouds and spotty sunshine. We made our way to I40 and east to Knoxville. The hamfest is at the Kerbela Shrine Temple on top of about the highest hill in Knoxville. The directions told us to cross the river on the Henley St. bridge, turn left to the first right to the first right and into the temple lot. The first turn off of Henley street was alright, but the next right was on a 1 way street just over 1 lane wide, up a pretty steep grade into a residential area. The next right was in a rundown residential area and still up another hill to the Shrine Temple and up a steep grade to the parking lot. Once you get to the top of the hill, there is a nice relatively level lot to park on. A great view from up here. The photos are from here looking out over the river with the hospital on the left and a glass office building across the river. The second photo is the same view only at dusk. We can look out to the east and see the top of a church tower not much higher

than we are. A very interesting view of the city of Knoxville.
One of the big things on TV is the opening of I40 through Knoxville. They closed I40 and rebuild 9 bridges, numerous walls and a couple of miles of the highway. This was done in 14 months. The estimated time for this work, had they kept the interstate open would have been 3 to 5 years. Not to think of the added expense of the whole project.
Logistically, we are in a very good location. We will be taking US441 south to Pigeon Forge. All we have to do is to exit the parking lot, make a right turn, down the hill to the stop and make a left on Henley street, which is US441. A real no brainer. I just love that when it happens. Getting this rig with the van on the back gets involved some times making corners and getting in and out of filling stations, but so far, I have never been in a position that we had to unhook the van to get turned around or straightened out. It was close a few times but not a necessity. We are set up and ready for the hamfest in the morning, so it will be up and at it early, at least to catch the early bird and all of those that follow. Then on to Pigeon Forge and check in to the campground for the week of the Handicapped Travel Club national rally.