Well, this morning very early, we are off on a road trip of some 8,000KM from Winnipeg down to Florida where we’ll spend a day or two at a beach on the Atlantic Ocean before heading down to Disney World for a few more days. After that, we’re back to Gainesville, GA for a family wedding, which was the excuse to undertake this whole thing in the first place. After about a week with relatives, we’ll head for the Mississippi Delta and spend about a day and a half touring the birthplace of the blues before heading back home. Highway 61, the Blues Highway…
You know, when I spell it all out like that, it doesn’t sound like such a long haul, but we’re going to do the whole thing in about two and a half weeks. Yikes. We’ve got a couple of travel days that clock in above 10 or 12 hours, which seems like shorter stints then we used to do when we were young (and they are), but with two kids in the back seat, it’ll be high-time for a swimming pool and a nap by the time we turn in on those days. Do pray for our sanity, safety, and any other logistics you can think of!
My folks will be taking up residence in our house while we’re away, checking the mail and feeding the dog. As usual when I’m going to be away from the blog for a bit, I’ve future-posted a number of items so you won’t even notice my absence (hardly more than you might notice my presence!). I’ve made a list of some likely free wifi spots along the way in addition to the nightly stays as we go, so I’ll be checking in periodically of course, and plan to do a few updates from the road. I’ve hyperlinked the map to the Google plot that generated it, so if you happen to be along one of these routes maybe we’ll get a chance for coffee or perhaps to wave at you as we breeze through town. We’ll be in the dark blue Malibu with Manitoba plates with two bleary-eyed frazzled-looking increasingly graying adults in the front seat. We’ll have more leisure time in Gainesville, GA than anywhere else, but you never know.
We are stocked up on audio books, movies to watch on the laptop (a quiet backseat activity), plenty of snack items, and books by the box. And I have this song going through my head…
You know, seeing this makes me miss my Camaro… my first brand-new car, and I remember when I first drove it off the lot in 1985. We had to wait for another vehicle to move — it turns out that Randy Bachmann had parked his brand new ‘vette in the way and blocked us in. But it was the car I remember… 5-speed manual, and fun to drive. Too much fun actually, come to think of it. I had to sell it when I was started my second year of Bible College.
Alright, end of digression… today’s the day! We are East-Bound and Down!
I will be waving from 400 miles west. Your girls are at a pretty good age for such a long trip. Hope you have a wonderfully relaxing adventure.
You’ve already left and are on the best part of the trip … the beginning when everyone is happy and excited … and doesn’t yet realize the long hours of being in the car. No matter, you’re going to have a great time together. Road trips are the best …
Happy trails …
I live in Orlando. Email me and I will give you my number in case you get lost. It’s easy to do down here. The Atlantic beaches this season have had many man o war jellyfish incidents. They look like inflatable toys and kids grab them. You might want to try Clearwater, Florida on the gulf coast instead for white sandy beaches. Be ready for lighting in the afternoons while in Orlando. If you have any more questions about Orlando I will be glad to give you any tips. It’s a great place to visit.
Hey! Been following you through Bloglines for a while and was interested to see your blue trip line pass right through our town – Monticello, Arkansas. If you happen to get in the neighborhood (it’s between Pine Bluff, AR and Greenville, MS, give a shout, and I’ll treat your family to some Cokes at Sonic (or java at the Coffee Bean (free WIFI).
Wow, that’s a long trip with two kids in tow. We’re thinking about heading down to Orlando in October but our starting point is in Tennessee – about 80 miles from you flight path, BTW. But it still seems like a haul with an 8, 6, and 3 yo.
Happy trails and all that.
Hey, make sure you stop in at Lakeland! You wouldn’t want to miss this newest mighty move of the Spirit, would you? :)
Sorry, couldn’t resist. My bad.
You guys are awesome – thanks for the wellwishes, they are meaningful to me and the family. Watch for a road update appended to this week’s random linkage.
Steven, thanks for the tips. I think we’re spending all our Orlando time at WDW, but will keep you in mind if we need anything… it helps to know someone’s in the neighbourhood if you need some info or whatever.
Jeff, sounds pretty tempting! This leg of the trip would be around June 12, and is actually still tentative as we might return through Memphis which may be shorter. I’ll let you know what happens!
Brian, Tennessee was a blur for us today, like Kentucky. I can say that these two states have the best-looking license plates and some really nice scenery… and there’s only so much you can get in a view from the Interstate! Anyway, as I write we’re safely in Georgia, and it’s time for me to turn in for the night.