So no touristy stuff today. Pretty much just straight driving. We left pretty early, but North Carolina is a bit of a haul, so we didn't get there until a little after nine at night. A bit of a downpour as we were leaving Florida. I was under the impression that it was the Sunshine State, but after some thought, I've decided it should be known as the "rains every afternoon during the summer" state. Beautiful skies, though, as we travelled northbound.
We stopped for gas next to this barbeque place, pictured below. Needless to say, we did not eat there. When you advertise as being "just as good", it makes me wonder... just as good as what? Real pork? The Wendy's next door? Also, South Carolina roads are horrible. You know you're in SC when your butt starts to fall asleep. We noticed a 10% sales tax when we stopped for lunch. I really hope that money is going to the DOT.
Some things I learned (or maybe relearned) about driving: driving is more fun when you sit up high. I think that's why truckers have such big trucks. It's not because they have to haul huge trailers. It's 'cause the other cars look like ants and that amuses them. Also, driving a Buick is better than my Stratus. And being a passenger is highly underrated. Finally, driving in good company and conversation makes the time pass by so much faster. I can't imagine a long trip by myself.
We sort of experienced a back to basics day in the car. This is going to sound silly coming from a techie, but having technology with you is no excuse to not have a backup plan. We brought two GPS units with us (just in case!). Halfway through, the battery light started flashing. We think a fuse blew out, so it was never charging. And then we couldn't find an address using either one. Add in my phone dying around the same time. Luckily, we did have a backup plan and busted out the maps from AAA. I mean, a Marine and an Eagle scout? Disaster, you never had a chance.
