Somehow I thought when I read “Trail of Tears” there would actually be a trail…maybe at one time it was a nice single track trail but today it is a paved country road that has lots of traffic! Nonetheless, it is good to be off the 4 lane logging roads and onto back country roads that have National Historic Trail signs that makes me feel like I am traveling on a route of significance.

Lucky is back to his old self, Doctor told me that the chemo he was administered is super harsh and he wasn’t eating so the irritation created bleeding. He is now eating wet food and all the leftovers Chris and I can’t manage. And, no more blood! We have our next appointment in Chatanooga on Monday. In the meantime, he is hanging with me on these back roads toeing the white line right behind me.

As we approached Chief Vann House at around 10am, Chris pulled into a shack called 4 Way Drive In. We decided to have our second breakfast - first was at 5am. I ordered egg, sausage and cheese which came on toasted white with lettuce, tomato and 2 sausage patties. Great sandwich! I asked about the back story and they told me it was family owned for 42 years and 3 generations. I asked if they would like to share the story and in thick Georgian accents they told me “we don’t want to be on film.” At least I get to tell you about the place!

Chief Vann House was sadly closed on Wednesday so Chris was unable to pull in. Lucky and I on the other hand jumped a fence and had the 137 acres to ourselves! When I think of the Cherokee I do not envision a beautiful brick house perfectly situated on top of a hill with state of the art facilities all around that were highly assessed by the Government at the time. Why didn’t I learn any of this growing up?!?

Somehow I’ve gained 5 pounds since I started the trip. Might have to do with Chris who is making great food like Gezpacho, Lamb burgers with feta and kalamata olives, salmon, mashed potato’s…I can go on but he is an amazing chef and I am loving every minute of hanging out together whether I’m eating or watching him create.

I was a little worried about my shin as I could feel it after the AT day and the next. Super excited that the shin feels totally better today and I’m actually getting back into shape again albeit slowly. Have to be patient ramping up and have faith that I’ll be full go in few more weeks.

We arrived in Dalton GA so we could stay at the Walmart Supercenter which is now the top landing spot for this trip. With McDonald’s free WiFi right next to us and all our shades drawn we will have everything we need for a peaceful night.

Thank you for your continued support,

David.