The start of our day was pleasant and uncomplicated. We lazily had our second cup (complete with a heavenly guava pastry), and got on the road by 10:30 a.m. Our planned route should only take us 5 hours, 6 at the outside. Our usual drive took us south from Jacksonville on route 301 through Lawtey and Starke and over to I-75 on route 318 in Citra. I love parts of that drive, they take us through moss draped horse pastures, past huge fields populated by sheep, a few goats, horses and fantastic Brahman cattle, farm stands with watermelon and tomatoes.
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| driving along 318 near Citra, Florida |
We hate driving on I-75, but we try to minimize our travel time on it as much as possible. Today, however, we were stuck in 3 lanes of bumper to bumper traffic for probably 2 hours before we realized that the writing was on the wall. Sunday after Thanksgiving and everyone was trying to get home after a weekend away. Duh!
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| Uh Oh |
We knew it wasn't going to get any better as the day wore on, so after a quick look at the map for confirmation, we zipped off an exit and picked up good old route 301 south. Sections of the road were multi lane and parts were just one, but at least we were moving along with very little company.
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| 301 south near Bushnell, Fl. |
And that is why we broke our number one rule. The 5 hour drive took us 9 hours. Dave did a great job backing Beluga into our spot in the dark with salt misted mirrors and a narrow curved driveway. Thanks Dave.
We're all settled in now, wonderful, patient dogs fed and exercised, soup for our dinner and early to bed. Tomorrow is another day.
Whew...that was some day. Glad you made it.
ReplyDeleteBoy, that retired life ....it's easy to forget things like "never travel interstates on the Sunday after Thanksgiving!" I loved that picture of the horse fields...looked lovely and very rural. All's well that ends well. Sorry you had such a long, extended trip but glad to hear you're safe and sound now.
ReplyDeleteWe are with you....don't drive in the dark. We are early risers and usually try to leave by 7:30-8:00. Paul likes to arrive at the campground between 1-3. As we get older, we drive shorter and shorter time.
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ReplyDeleteWhoa-- that is a long day on the road. Glad you arrived safely in the dark. We have the same rule and have been lucky to only break it once in three years. We arrived here yesterday around 3 pm. Looking forward to meeting you
ReplyDeleteWe have that rule too and so far we are sticking to it. We had heavy traffic too on I95 S going to Lake Monroe on Sunday. And I think Dave won't be driving for a few months so all is well.
ReplyDeleteHoliday Cove is a tough place to get parked in the daylight. Must have been fun in the dark. Glad you are settled and waiting our arrival...haha!
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