TRAVELING-WHAT HAPPENED TO MY AMERICA?

       When traveling this past March to the Smokey Mountain and Blue Ridge area, I was reminded was how much traveling has changed since vacationing back in the 1950's and 1960's. 

         There was a time with just two lane highways and before the Interstate System you could simply pull off the road and pull into the service you needed. An example, if you needed gas you simply spotted the gas station and rolled right in and pulled up to the pump. No exits and service roads. 

        Today, and without the aid of "apps" on a smart phone, if wanting to eat you have to check the little signs along the highway and decide what and where you want to eat. Then you get that certain exit and figure out which way to go and then possibly negotiate one or more service roads. 

        Back in the dark ages you just checked out a a restaurant and if it said "Alice's Restaurant" and you liked it's looks from the outside, you gave it a try. And, most eateries had a little of this and that on the menu with maybe a "Special" of the day. You can find these "Mom and Pop" places today but, you have to take the time to search them out. Don't get me wrong It is a different ball-game in traveling, but, it is a less stressful ride getting to your destination.