Nice trip to Bowling Green

Since we broke up the first leg of the trip, we weren't in a big hurry to leave early today.  After getting gas, we left Cleveland on Hwy. 60 and headed toward Bowling Green.  It was overcast and cool and turned into an interesting day.  Traveling the back roads of Tennessee, through towns like Birchwood and Dayton, we came upon two large, black and white cows out for a romp along the highway being chased by their owner on foot!  Don't know how far they got, but they looked like they had smiles on their faces!  We continued on Hwy. 30 and started on some nice  twisty roads going up the mountains.  The road was narrow, with no shoulder and a steep drop off with trees on both sides.  For a brief few seconds, the trees on the right disappeared and there was a spectacular view of the town of Pikeville in a large valley below.  Unfortunately, there was no way to stop and take a picture.  We wound down the mountain, went through Pikeville, then up the mountain on the other side and on through Sparta and Smithville.  There was interesting art along the way, such as the fence along one farm where there were rusting hulks of various large farm implements and tractors regularly spaced along the fence, like sculptures.  The roads have been very good, not many trucks or billboards, light traffic and in good condition.  We stopped in Lebanon, TN for lunch and gas.  We spotted the Sunrise Cafe, a local diner that was not much from the outside, but there were many cars and pickup trucks in the parking lot.  We decided to give it a try.  It was not much on the inside either, but it was very busy.  And, it was wonderful.  The people couldn't have been nicer.  Very friendly.  It's one of those places where everyone calls you by your name, if your name is honey, sweetie or baby!  We ordered hamburgers, which were the good, old-fashioned, cooked on a griddle, moist and dripping grease, multiple napkin kind.

 From Lebanon, the roads flattened out, the sun came out and it started getting warmer.  We got to Bowling Green and realized that we had gained an hour, so we headed to the Corvette museum, stopping first at the Assembly Plant.  Although the plant is closed for tours because of the model changeover, we saw a new 'Vette in the parking log so stopped to look.  Not sure if I like the new styling, too sharp and angular, but maybe it will grow on me.  Will have to wait to see what the convertible will look like.

We then went across the street to the National Corvette Museum which is filled with some very nice and interesting displays and dioramas with many Corvettes from all the years.  Many are on loan from individuals from across the country.

After the museum, we headed over to visit friends who have several British cars, including a wonderful collection of pre-war MGs.  We had a nice visit and dinner in downtown Bowling Green.  We'll get a good night's sleep before the next leg to Louisville.