You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?

There is something about neatly packing the last needed clothing item in the already full suitcase, putting all of your strength and weight into closing it tight enough to zip all of those precious belongings inside, the night before leaving on a cross-country trip.

Waking up early in the morning on the day of the trip is so fun! The excitement in the air is palpable. A quick shower, clothes thrown on, and last-minute toiletries are added to the overnight bag. Loading everything into the trunk of the car is like winning a game of tetris before breakfast.

In the car, prayer prayed, ready to go!

“Hey, Google. Navigate me to Tampa, Florida.” Looks like it is over 2000 miles.

The country music is cranked, Yacht Rock Radio on XM is playing, or talk radio is keeping us company

We like to stop for meals at local restaurants to enjoy the flavors we can’t get just anywhere. Interesting “home-grown” types usually serve the food and have a story to tell about their lives or the locals there.

We have learned over the years that the destination is not the trip. Side trips are fun, rivers are beautiful, mountains are majestic, forests can be earie, freeways are fast, cityscapes are cool, and the ocean and warm sand on a sunny day is the BEST!

Ahhhhh… I can’t wait for our next car trip!