I've taken many trips to the South, including one in April 2012, October 2019, August 2022, and April 2023. Each time, I stayed with my grandmother.
This time, my mom had her class reunion and wanted to go. She decided it would be best for me and my grandma to leave the house.
We had transportation covered since my grandma got a new ride last December. She drove starting and I drove the rest of the way. I've never driven outside of Illinois before. I have no sense of direction. I'd get lost if it weren't for road signs and GPS.
We left in the Am. Construction delayed things and missed the exit to get off the highway to stop for gas. I forgot being In the country, it's miles before the next gas station, eatery, etc.
I don't get to do things like this a lot and feel I should go out with a bang.
Here are some of the photos I took in between stops and when my grandma drove.
My folks didn't want to stop as often as my uncle did when I went with him and my aunt.
Depending on the distance, i feel stopping to stretch is paramount.
watching the sunrise on the road is a pretty sight.
It's looking like fall now. When the month started, it was still hot out. Now we're seeing the leaves turn brown, it's getting colder out. I took this photo at the first rest stop. I also see some folks letting their doggos get some exercise. I enjoy seeing doggos. I'm a dog person.
I stopped at a rest stop near a lake, what a nice lake to admire. It would be easier to admire it in the summertime. Maybe see some folks fishing/boating on the lake. Maybe see some people camping by the lake. If you have a camper/RV, you can use it for shelter at the camping ground sites.
We finally arrived at the hotel. It's pretty nice. Got a restaurant/ bar downstairs. They can bring your food to your room which is cool. I want to go for a drink at the bar (I'm old enough) just to chill. I will drink responsibly. I won't drink and drive.
There is an ice machine in the hallway.
a king-sized bed and a pull-out couch in the room. You can also stream on Netflix or whatever streaming platform you use which is cool. I can also pull up YouTube on my laptop.
And an elevator with a decorative door. I also have a vlog coming up that I am editing soon. I love the art style on the elevator door.
Normally when I come to the South with someone, I stay at my grandmother's house. I don't do anything besides get the train going by. It's kind of cool getting to kick back at a hotel, go to the pool/hot tub, or other things the hotel may have for the guests.
I haven't vlogged a trip in a minute so this one might be rusty. This blog is probably Rusty, I haven't written a travel blog in a minute.
I want to travel by train as well and vlog that. Travel by Amtrak, maybe fly one day. I want to see things, explore, etc.
I hope you enjoy the blog and the video when I post it.
I also hope you enjoyed a little change in gear with my journey to the south.
