There have been a couple of times when we couldn't leave until after work and had to sleep a few hours at a rest area or truck stop, but only in cooler weather. We like the A/C too much also. The problem with truck stops is the noise--its a 24 hour business, lots of trucks coming and going all night. You'll be arriving in Balsam at the perfect time. Looks like the leaves will be at their peak about then, possibly a few days earlier. They are looking good right now above 4500 ft, and the next 3 or 4 days are supposed to be nice and warm (above normal). The high temp in Balsam today was 71, mid 40's tonight. Be sure and stop by Barber's Orchard and Bakery, its on the way to Waynesville (1 1/2 miles east of the BR Parkway on Old Balsam Road) and just below our house. Great apples, and you just have to try everything in the bakery!