On the road again

Oct. 19, 2011—Yes! We are on the road again. This time to Raleigh, N.C. to celebrate my son’s 40^th birthday (something I cannot believe!).

Our intention was to get underway by about 3 p.m. Jim had an appointment for his semi-annual doctor’s visit at the V.A. in the morning. I went with him and we picked up “Baby” on the way back home. It didn’t take us as long to load the bus as it did last time, although I am certain we overpacked clothes and probably forgot some “necessities.” Time will tell.

I initially wrote down 1:55 p.m. (ET) as our departure, but that wasn’t exactly accurate. We stopped several times as we inched down the street, to adjust the side mirrors. (We have a new windshield, and the mirrors got moved during the installation process.) Then we had to get diesel; we were well below a comfort zone.

After putting in about $120 worth of diesel, we headed out—only to detour one more time. Who can pass up Steak ‘n Shake’s Happy Hour when you are passing just a block from the restaurant? A take-out chocolate shake and malt in hand, we finally hit the road at 2:55 p.m.

We weren’t concerned about the late start, nor about darkness. Jim fixed the headlights, so we can travel at night now. I consulted Garmina (GPS) and discovered that we were well within drive time to have dinner in Walterboro, S.C. at our favorite stop—the Blarney Stone.

We discovered this restaurant by accident three or four years ago. When we are traveling, we like to eat at local establishments. We turned off I95 and drove into Walterboro and found this restaurant and discovered its wonderful shrimp and grits, the best we have ever eaten. (Actually, it was in this unlikely restaurant that I had my first taste of this low-country favorite.)

Garmina dutifully directed us to the restaurant, and we found ample parking in a public lot a half block away. Imagine our surprise, though, when we found that restaurant was no longer the Blarney Stone! Remodeled and under new ownership, it is now called the Main St. Grille. However, the waitress told us the chef remained with the restaurant. He came out to talk with us and to assure us that the shrimp and grits were gluten-free. He even made them mild for me and spicy for Jim. Excellent! Well worth the stop.

Charlie went into hiding when we first started the engine back in Jacksonville, and he did not come out until we stopped at a rest stop for the evening. He is not a happy traveler. Xena is better, but not much. They are just going to have to get used to it.

One more thing, before I close: It is cold. The temperature dropped to around the mid-40s. We had heat on until we went to bed, then we snuggled down under the warmth of a down comforter. There is something to be said for traveling during the summer.

Until next time,

Your Reluctant RoVer,

Linda