We’re back in Austin again, coming home from our Smokies trip. The return trip went fine, though slow. Day 1, from the park to Vicksburg, was okay, but tons of rain. Day 2, from Vicksburg to Austin, was much more tiring. The first leg, to Dallas, was okay. The second leg, from Dallas to Austin was a mess. I-35 was super-busy, with several major slowdowns.

To anyone who says that “people aren’t traveling” is telling a bold-faced lie. There were TONS of people on the road during our entire trip, and Gatlinburg and the park were very busy. Economic downturn indeed. I sure didn’t see it on this trip.