Just one tank of gas. Show-stopping scenery. Weekend warrior voyages. This spring and summer. $40 and a Dream Tour.

With the first snap of warm weather, I was compelled to start my list of possible roadtrips, weekend warrior voyages, partner-in-grime reunions, volunteer expeditions, etc. to fuel the blood-pumping, muscle-toning energy that is otherwise harnessed in the cubicle world I spend more time than I like to admit in. Today I found myself in cubicle exile under flourescent lights getting rashy, itching to get outside to breathe the springtime mountain ether. Between scratching the itches (actually a result of pesky seed tick bites), I became preoccupied temporarily reading about paddling trips and scribbling down access points, distances, and potential dates to hop in the car and a canoe. Meanwhile, my mind turned to my budget, the most important aspect of it being the travel and leisure segment; but at the same time, I realized that the high cost of gasoline could put a damper on the number of, the duration of, and the distance travelled during this spring and summer's roadtrip season. My roadtrip fever is in high gear, so I'll find a way, including maximizing weekend fun and sun with a one-tank, $40, constraint. This new blogspot, called Tennessee-on-a-Tank, will be a journal of my travels to experience bright life in Tennessee small towns, the specialness of Appalachian culture, and the unparalleled beauty and serenity that can be found in the nooks and crannies of Tennessee's mountain peaks, pristine swimming holes, and blankets of wildflowers. The Forty Dollars and a Dream Tour begins this weekend; opening night: Ocoee Rivah, Polk County Tennessee! Check back next week, and throughout the Tour to learn about my weekend, Tennessee-on-a-Tank getaways. I hope that you decide to make them your own too!