Harrah's Cherokee Casino - North Carolina

[michaeldterry]

Vita and I took Evangeline (our bus) to Harrah's Cherokee Casino in North Carolina yesterday to meet up with one of our son-in-laws and his family for a "last hoorah" before he is deployed to Afghanistan on Wednesday. We had a blast at the casino with our extended family (and only ended up $39 down after 6+ hours of gambling), but the best part of the trip was the gorgeous drive through the Nantahala River rafting area that spanned almost 25 miles along the scenic US highways 19 & 74. We stayed in the casino parking lot overnight and got a good night's sleep before departing to return to Woodstock, Ga at about 8:00AM this morning. Now, I must tell you - this is not a drive for the faint hearted. The portion of the route that ran alongside the river was one 7%-9% grade after another through curves that made me wonder if the front of the bus was going to meet the back of the bus coming/going. (My average speed was probably 25 mph). There was absolutely no shoulder and in many places, the road was lined with guardrails that were literally at the edge of the asphalt - zero margin of error! But the drive was breathtakingly beautiful and we even stopped a couple of times by pulling into scenic overlook pull-offs too walk the buspuppies and take a few pictures.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeldterry/3897005011/" title="IMG_0032 by , on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3897005011_61365b84d4.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0032" /></a>

Vita walks the buspuppies along the Nantahala river:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeldterry/3897005975/" title="IMG_0046 by , on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3897005975_37d8023a3c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0046" /></a>

Evangeline waiting prettily next to the river for us to reboard:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeldterry/3897005933/" title="IMG_0038 by , on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3897005933_37097c5ea4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0038" /></a>

A view upriver:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeldterry/3897785244/" title="IMG_0039 by , on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/3897785244_ce1b3f75a4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0039" /></a>

The short (300 miles round-trip) jaunt was a wonderful way to enjoy the bus, our family, the doggies (who absolutely love to go in the bus), each other, and some gorgeous scenery on the spur of the moment! We love our bus and it seems everyone we come in contact does, too! Everywhere we go, people "ooh & ahh" and ask all kinds of questions about her. Often people will ask to see inside and we always try to oblige, if we have the time. Evangeline never fails to impress! She may not be the newest or the most sophisticated, but she's a classic beauty!

[truk4u]

Michael,

Were on earth did you get a 7 - 9% grade anywhere on 19/74 other than a few mole hills around Bryson City that is 4 lane? From Woodstock I-575 - 515 - Spur 60 - 19/74 to Cherokee is a truck and bus route.

Are you sure you weren't in the juice while Vita drove!:D

[sawdust_128]

Been there many times. I usually park the coach over in Jonathan Valley and take the toad over to the Cherokee area via the Blue Ridge. We saw black bear in that stretch back in the spring.

Next time you're up in that area, ride the "Tail of the Dragon". 318 turns in 11 miles. Very neat. http://tailofthedragon.com/.

Also over in that area, I recommend a pilgramage to the Kilmer Memorial Forest. About the on;y virgin timber site east of the Mississippi. I'm not saying the trees there are the redwoods and giant sequoias, but you walk through the area with the same sense of awestruck.

Good for you that you took the coach up there. Hats off to you dude!

[michaeldterry]

Michael,

Were on earth did you get a 7 - 9% grade anywhere on 19/74 other than a few mole hills around Bryson City that is 4 lane? From Woodstock I-575 - 515 - Spur 60 - 19/74 to Cherokee is a truck and bus route.

Are you sure you weren't in the juice while Vita drove!:D

I don't know what to tell you, Tom - the Garmin routed us this way and the road going through the Nantahala National Forest was narrow two lane with no shoulder, sharp curves galore and numerous signs warning of grades from 7% to 9%. The rest of the route was as you describe, but 25-30 miles along the Nantahala River was quite an "adventure"!

On the way up, Vita did happen to be driving as we went through this stretch and it made her a nervous wreck! (Although she did pretty damned well - for a "girl"! :p) On the way back this morning, she made sure that I drove all the way home to make up for sticking her with the hard stuff yesterday. :rolleyes:

Sawdust - we'll have to check out the "Tail of the Dragon", but I think I'd rather try that one on the Harley instead of in the bus! :eek:

[sawdust_128]

I heard that!

[truk4u]

(Although she did pretty damned well - for a "girl"! )

Uh oh, now your in trouble Michael!:eek:

PS - I have a friend who owns Action Tire, if you don't solve your tire quest, let me know.

[michaeldterry]

(Although she did pretty damned well - for a "girl"! )

Uh oh, now your in trouble Michael!:eek:

PS - I have a friend who owns Action Tire, if you don't solve your tire quest, let me know.

I ain't skeered! :p (Vita knows I'm joking - thank God!)

If you recommend your friend at Action Tire and he can find it in his heart to cut a fat old handicripple guy a break on pricing, I'd like to hear what he thinks would be my best buy for a complete set of the product he thinks would serve my application best!

If you would give your friend a head's up that I'll be in contact and supply me with his name and contact number, I'll check it out!