Day One

Chattanooga, Day 1

I rose fairly early my first morning in Chattanooga. I wanted to tour Lookout Mountain before it got too hot and too crowded. I was right about the heat but, the crowd remained light all morning. I went to Ruby Falls, Chickamaugua Battlefield Overlook, The Incline Railway and, of course, Rock City.

From Chickamaugua Battlefield I had a spendid view of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. Rock City is the place to go to see seven states at once. I got my ticket and started out for the promontory. I never made it. I am extremely claustrophobic and suffer from severe allergies. (The reason I did not tour Ruby Falls Cave.) I did not realize when I started out that I would be going through some very narrow rock passages and sneezing my head off from mold and mildew on the wet rocks. I retraced my steps to the concession and inquired about a handicap path I'd heard about. I was informed I could not go on the handicap path unless I was in a wheelchair. After explaining to the management that the route to the promontory was deceptive in that it was not truly explained that is was what it was, and the only way I would be allowed to get there; and that what they were telling me constituted discrimination, I got my fee refunded.

I then took my leisure shopping at Gary's Leather Store in the back patio of the Rock City Gift Shop. Gary is not affliated with Rock City in any way except that he leases space on the patio and has erected a fairly large wooden shed to store and display his wares. Gary's stock is mostly leather goods. Handbags, fanny packs, belts, braid holders, etc. Some leather, some suede. And some jewelry including necklaces and keychains. I bought the missing security blanket a belt and found a pretty pewter butterfly necklace for myself.

As I was about to leave I asked Gary if he knew how to get to the Cricket Pavillion. The place in downtown Chattanooga where all the HOG events were to take place. The Rally coordinators had neglected to put an address on their confirmation cards and I had no clue. Gary, busy as he was, stopped what he was doing and made four phone calls in order to get enough information to get me within a few blocks of the sight.

Back downtown I found I was not able to find the Pavillion after all. There were no signs and I had no idea what it looked like. Stopped at a light I queried an older gentleman in a pickup truck. He suggested I pull over to the curb and he could give me detailed instructions from that spot. Mr. Lane was 71 and still riding his Gold Wing every chance he got. He not only gave me verbal instructions but, drew a map on the back on one of his own business cards. With that I was on my way and at the Pavillion within a few minutes.

I had finished my registration and signed up for the Jack Daniels Tour and the Poker Run within 20 minutes. I was then able to visit the vendor mall inside the Pavillion. I ran into some vendor friends from other rallies and, yes, I did make at least one purchase.

Last, but not least, off to Steele Harley-Davidson to partake of the festivities there. There was more than enough food and drink to go around. All pay as you go. No free lunch here! Hooters Girls were in charge of the Budweiser tappers. There were vendors here too! And a parade of bands getting on and off the bandstand. All in all, a great time which would continue daily through the duration of the rally.

Finally, after a very busy day seeing the sights in and around Chattanooga, it was time to head back to my room for a shower and a good nights sleep.