Friday, November 11, 2011

The Start of my Epic Journey Southward

I started my journey bright and early.

Okay, for definition’s sake, “early” was 8:00 a.m.

In any case, after shoving a very disgruntled red minpin into her crate and tossing her lovingly on the front seat, fueling up my car with gasoline and my belly with hot tea, I was on the road.  Noticing the frost on the grass as I sped past my neighbor’s lawns for the last time in an immeasurable while, I couldn’t help but feel excitement knowing that I would soon be in the South—in the warmth, in the heat, in the sun.

Tessie, in a non-happy sort of mood.



The drive to South Carolina (my destination for night one) is a mountainous trek that, thankfully, this time of year is beautiful. Painted horizons of reds, yellows, greens, oranges, and rusts led my way as I sped up, down, and around the mountains of West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina.



Birdies attacked my car at a rest area.

Road trips are fun, believe it or not. I keep myself entertained (being my favorite person on the planet has its advantages—for example, I don’t mind traveling with myself. Ha!).  I like to be alone, to a point. I like to think, ponder, mull over. Driving for eight hours can lead to super epic thoughts (what will I name my children?) to super trivial thoughts (I need to paint my toenails once I get settled in Orlando—what color shall I choose?). My favorite part though is browsing the radio stations of whatever area I’m in. Who knew there could be so many banjo stations!  One thing I love, though, is the closer I get to the equator, the more sunshiney and happy songs I hear. It seems every time I hit the South Carolina state line, I suddenly hear the Beach Boys.

And so, I reached South Carolina. I pull into the Lizard’s Thicket. I rush in to pee. Driving with Sweet Tea at your side? Bad idear. I pee. I leave the restroom. YAY DOREEN IS HERE with her lovely daughter Eleanor. Table, located. Another round of sweet tea, ordered. Time for friendsy catch-up time and lots of Eleanor lovin’s. She is two. She can say my name. She has met me once. I love this little girl and her mother so, so much.

After an exciting catch-up time over Fried Flounder and squash casserole, I must be gone. There is more driving to do tonight. A few hours later, I recruit the special forces (my friends who are home near their computers) to start sending me phone numbers of cheap hotels I’ll be passing.  A trusty friend who never fails me sends me the number to a sweet little inn just outside of Savannah, Georgia. I’m grateful at this point because it’s very late and I’m getting what I’ll call a case of Road Trip Grump.

I reach the little inn, step inside, and pass the lady at the desk a copy of my drivers’ license. I sign the lines and pass the form back, noticing after I’ve paid my fee and obtained a room key that it reads, “Strict No-Pet Policy”. It’s cold, so she cannot sleep in my car. I also have a staunch view that my dog is significantly cleaner than most small children, yet they are not prevented from sleeping in hotels. She’s quieter, too.

I round the back corner of the building, park my car, and pull Tessie inside my sweater. She’s shaking again from fear of the trip and cold.  I rush to my room and sneak her in.

The room is lovely; recently remodeled with sweet French Toile bedding in a sage hue, a granite sink, wrought iron curtain rods, and granite –lined shower. No matter, I won’t have time to enjoy them. I call my mommy to check in, set my alarm on my cell phone for 5:00 a.m., and then remove my jeans to crawl into bed in the day’s clothes. Tessie curls up next to me despite policy, and I am asleep almost instantly—what a long day.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Chelsea Loves the Commentses. They're her precious.

Winter Park Scenic Canal Boat Tour

When my parents visited, we went on the scenic canal boat tour in Winter Park, Florida. Here is a video compilation!