Whew! We just returned from a 2,440 mile trip stretching from Georgia to California passing through 9 states (10 if you count Texas twice since it is so big)!
Most people travel long distances in a plane but if you have the chance to go by a car, you get to catch glimpses of all those in between places.
Our trip began in Georgia where we loaded up the last of our belongings into a 16 ft Penske truck. It seemed huge until I parked it next to the other "truckers". Since we were in a moving truck, our sightseeing was drastically reduced to scenery from the highway, gas stations and visitor centers. Despite our limitations, we discovered there are lots of fascinating places across the country that we would like to go back and visit.
Unlike the drought in the West, Georgia has had an abundance of rain this year. Lush, green landscapes filled with blooming flowers are everywhere. Every day we were there, rain filled the skies as did a few tornadoes. After years living in the "tornado alley" part of town, we know not to ignore any of those warnings.
Day 1 - Destination - Florida
Driving to the panhandle of Florida includes passing through Alabama. One of our stops had a huge old Magnolia Tree still hanging onto a few of those iconic flowers.
There is a great gift shop/restaurant in southern Alabama called Priester's. Their specialty is pecans. Our favorite pecans are the ones covered in dark chocolate! Two out of the three bags we purchased returned to their melted state before reaching Florida. First lesson on Day 1 - Bring a cooler full of ice if you are traveling in the summer!
Without a doubt, the gas station with the best view along our route across the US goes to this one on Scenic Highway in Pensacola!
We arrived in Pensacola a couple of hours before sunset which gave us a chance to walk on the beautiful soft white beach and chase after a few shore birds. The Ruddy Turnstone was especially hard to photograph since it was in constant motion. What a great way to end Day 1!
Day 2 - Destination - Texas
While passing through Mississippi, we learned about sculptor artist Marlin Miller and his "Katrina Sculpture Project". He devoted his time and talent to creating 30 sculptures out of oak trees that were killed in Hurricane Katrina. Forty miles along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are filled with art that he was inspired to complete.
The tourist center in Louisiana has excellent interpretive displays of people and wildlife of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetland and swamp in the US. I could imagine paddling and exploring that mysterious place...another time, perhaps.
Day 3 - Continue through Texas
Texas is the state of stars! They adorn buildings and bridges in all sizes.
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Van Horn, a small town outside of San Antonio, is the exit for El Capitan and lots of other places that sound intriguing like Carlsbad Caverns. The Duke Castle was a private residence built in 1910. Notice the stars?
Day 4 - Destination - Arizona
Our trip through New Mexico was a quick interlude between Texas and Arizona. During that brief trip, we learned that New Mexico has been producing wine since the 1600's. Wineries and wine festivals are quite abundant in the state.
Willcox, Arizona has an annual Sandhill Crane festival every year in January. Thousands of these magnificent birds make this their winter home.
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La Unica is the restaurant to visit in this little town. Delicious!
Day 5 - Destination - California
When we crossed into California, we stopped at Chiriaco Summit. We were quite surprised to learn that our gas stop was a historic landmark. The gas station and general store were opened in this remote desert in 1933. In 1942, General Patton started a training camp for soldiers nearby increasing its popularity.
This trip reinforced to us that each state has something unique to discover and appreciate!
After 5 days, the long journey across the country ended. We are back in Idyllwild.
Texas is the state of stars! They adorn buildings and bridges in all sizes.
Our trip through New Mexico was a quick interlude between Texas and Arizona. During that brief trip, we learned that New Mexico has been producing wine since the 1600's. Wineries and wine festivals are quite abundant in the state.
When we crossed into California, we stopped at Chiriaco Summit. We were quite surprised to learn that our gas stop was a historic landmark. The gas station and general store were opened in this remote desert in 1933. In 1942, General Patton started a training camp for soldiers nearby increasing its popularity.
This trip reinforced to us that each state has something unique to discover and appreciate!
