We left Cincinnati on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 10:50 AM. The weather was cool and clear as we left and expected to be that way all week. We are heading to Ormond Beach, FL for 4 nights, 5 days and then over to Lake Buena Vista for 2 nights, 3 days. I'll try to update a little each day.
Saturday was a travel day. We drove all the way from Cincinnati to Valdosta, GA down I-75. I had thought about taking a slightly different route, through the Carolinas, but Greg decided that we should go the way we always have. And it honestly turned out for the best, as I-40 was closed around Knoxville, TN.
We playfully argued about the heater in the truck on the way down, with me calling Greg a wimp several times. This is one time I really wished I had driven my Bonneville, as it has dual climate control and he could've cranked the heat on his side. But as we got farther south, the cold became less of an issue.
Traffic was fairly light. We averaged about 75 MPH through the whole day. Could've easily gone faster, but I am really leery about getting a speeding ticket in this truck! Already got one, because it goes really fast, without even thinking about it. Of course, I was having issues being passed by all the snowbirds (who are ancient) and by little Saturn sedans...but I figured I'd let them get pulled over and I could drive by laughing (and it did happen...an older gentleman in a Cadillac CTS went FLYING by and 20 minutes later, the Georgia State Patrol had him on the side of the road). We saw one major drug bust on the way...3 cop cars, guy in handcuffs on the side of the road. Drug dogs searching the trunk...almost thought it was "Cops". Pretty funny.
We stayed at the Days Inn in Valdosta, GA. There are 2, one at exit 22 and one at exit 18. We chose the first one because it was getting late, I had been driving for 12 hours and I was getting very tired. Plus it was about $20/night cheaper. Hmmm, that should have been a clue. The area was a bit on the shady side, but I didn't care. I paid $47 + tax for the room and it was barely worth that. It did have free WiFi, which is extremely important for me. The room was a decent size, with a baby coffee pot and it was clean. But there was a funky smell to the room. The windows were kind of disreputable looking, but all in all, it was OK for just an overnight. The staff was friendly. The worst thing was when I went to take a shower before we left on Sunday Morning...there was NO shower head. So, I was grungy for the rest of the trip.
Sunday, we got up early and were on the road by 8:30 am. We stopped at the next exit for McDonald's coffee and then another few exits down the road for gas. We didn't stop at the Florida Welcome Center, weren't in the mood for fresh FL OJ, I guess. I miss the old white coquina building, but the new one is very nice and modern.
Traffic was light until we got to Gainesville. Then for some reason, all the lanes were full of stupid drivers. And they were stupid. We cut over onto State Route (or is it US Route) 40, which goes through the Ocala National Forest. We had found this way a few years ago, when I-95 was undergoing some major construction and the FL Welcome Center gave us this route. It was a really nice drive through the forest and so, we go this way every year.
The Ocala National Forest and the surrounding smaller State Forests were hit hard by the 1998 Firestorm and it's really interesting to see the difference in vegetation every year. They have a major reforestration project going on and it seems to be coming along nicely. This year, I swear I saw a sleeping (dead) bear on the side of the road, but other than that, I haven't really seen too much wildlife on this route.
We got to Ormond Beach around 1 PM and stopped at the store to get ice and beer. While Greg was inside, I called and woo hoo, our room was already prepared. We drove to the Quality Inn and Suites on the Beach and Randi checked us in very quickly.
We stayed in this hotel about 2 years ago, when Kaitlyn was with us and I really liked it. So, when I got a good rate through my Farm Bureau Membership, I couldn't resist. The elevator seems to have an issue, but since our room is right by the stairs, it's not too big a deal. We got room 301 and it has 2 queen beds, a full kitchen, dining area, 2 chairs, a loveseat, a desk, various other furniture and STILL feels like a big room. We are oceanfront, with a nice balcony.
The temps today are supposed to be high 70's, so I guess I'll go get sunburned. It's supposed to be markedly colder tomorrow and Wednesday, but heck, at least we're not in Cincinnati and not working.
I'll update more as the urge strikes. Pictures can be seen at www.picasaweb.google.com/JacquiBee/FloridaVacation2008part1. Enjoy!
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