[AT] anybody close to this?

[David Bruce]

I had forgotten about being able to drive to Johnson City on I-26 - With 
that in mind the I-26 route over the mountain sounds much better.  When 
I lived in Spartanburg County (several years ago) I-26 ended at 
Asheville and that would not be any help.
IMHO, the route on I-77 is much more scenic than the I-40 route - and 
maybe with fewer problems as well.  A little longer in miles but I would 
think easier when pulling a trailer (except when the wind gets up - bad 
news in the passes around Fancy Gap.

David