Mount Vernon to Macon

Photos.

Ohio River crossing

Quite a day. I woke up a couple of times during the night, a little worried by the ever increasing rate of rainfall. The Weather Channel was not reassuring this morning: dangerous storms on our route, threat of tornadoes, and let's not forget the flooding in the Ohio River Valley.

Sure enough, we left in heavy rain, but no fog. Bob was in his element: possible tornadoes, hydroplaning on the freeway, idiots driving too fast. No challenge excites and energizes him more than poor driving conditions. I, on the other hand, felt a little despondent. Driving challenges are not on my bucket list.

We drove out of the bad weather in a couple of hours. The temperature rose steadily and I saw my first robin in Kentucky at the Welcome Center. Bob is playing hardball with me on driving and he suggested it was my turn to drive. He assured me that we would switch well before Nashville so that he could get us through h the city. Turns out, that didn't work, as Nashville crept up on us -- or we crept up on it -- and there I was, at the wheel over the noon hour.

There was lots of traffic, but, in fact, I was undeterred. Since I've always been the navigator, I knew the route well and I trust the GPS, as well as the excellent signage in Nashville. Bob was super calm, sounding much the way I do when I am in the passenger seat. We sailed through the city without the slightest problem. Yes, I am inordinately proud. Here I am, a 67-year-old woman, as happy as a teenager with a new driver's license.

Atlanta

We switched seats a few more times and Bob got us through Atlanta in the HOV lane (easy, after an accident slowdown about 25 miles north of the city) and on to Macon. The weather is unseasonably warm here. The crabapple and cherry blossoms are beautiful along the roadways. It is 78F here in Macon. The birds are singing and nesting. Full spring.

Our hotel, Comfort Inn North just off Exit 169 near Macon, is in need of a makeover. It is comfortable and I'm OK with our free upgrade to a King Suite, but it is not what we're used to. We are very spoiled.