Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Put a LITTLE GRAVEL in Your TRAVEL...Lady Travels on Highway 378 to Myrtle Beach

Home of Josh Turner, one of my favorite country singers
Highway 378

Makes me wanna take a back road
Makes me wanna take the long way home...
(a Tim McGraw song)

Last week, my cousin, Vernon Roy, and I took a road trip to Myrtle Beach.  Highway 378 is a road that has been around years before the interstates were built.  I drive 378 from Lexington to Sumter because I prefer roads and highways to the faster interstates.  Why?  Because you get the feel of the countryside and the little towns along the way.  And at my young age of 67, I'm in no hurry to get to the next town.  I enjoy the moment.  Try it.  You'll like it.


FYI:  Highway 378 will take you all the way to Myrtle Beach.



My last trip to MB was three months ago with my cousin, Ronnie; we were meeting our cousins, Judy and Bettie, for lunch.  This time the trip with Vernon was more somber.  We were meeting Bettie at the hospital to visit Judy who recently had a major stroke and was paralyzed.  We were greeted by Judy's smile and her funny stories about her stay in the hospital.  Then we laughed about the time ...



...  I was in sixth grade and my family drove from California to South Carolina for a three-week Christmas vacation.  I stayed a few days in Sumter with Judy, and when her mother announced we were having fried chicken for dinner, I followed her outside, thinking we were going to walk down the road to the local Piggly Wiggly to buy a chicken.   Suddenly she grabbed an ax and I watched in horror as she proceeded to chop off a chicken's head (needless to say, that evening I had a difficult time eating one of their pets)... 



... The laughter we shared gave us strength to get through the heartache of seeing our cousin lying helpless in a hospital bed.  Before we said our good-byes, I asked Judy, "May we pray for you?"  As I prayed, peace filled the room, and our tears felt like tears of hope.  We are believing for Judy's miracle from God.
Travel TiP:  Laughter AND Prayer is good for the soul.  Remember that the next time you visit someone in the hospital.

The two hour drive back to Sumter gave Vernon and I some 'cousin time' to walk down memory lane.    As we drove along, something felt familiar.   Then suddenly out of nowhere,  a big sign on the right side of the highway caught my attention. "Josh Turner!"** I exclaimed.  Vernon quickly asked, "Do you want me to pull over so you can take a picture?"  Vernon has gotten to know me quite well since I moved to South Carolina seven years ago.  Although we only get together a few times a year, he has learned to read my body language, especially when I pull out my iPhone to take a picture...a dead give-away.

Travel TiP:  Take time to smell the roses and read the signs--and take pictures!  It's the little things that mean a lot, and I thank Vernon for having the patience to pull over for me to click about ten shots of this sign.  Yes, rich and famous people are born in small southern towns.  And I feel that this sign was a smile from God, letting us know that the whole world is in His hands, especially our sweet cousin, Judy.
By faith
we understand that the entire universe
was formed by God's command,
that what we now see
 did not come from anything that can be seen.
Hebrews 11:8-10 NLT

You may apply all above Travel TiPs to any state or country you visit.
I wish you oceans of blessings and smooth sailing for your Autumn days


** BTW: Quick story:  The first time Jacquie came to visit me seven years ago (before she moved to Lexington),  I accidentally took Highway 378 to Myrtle Beach, which takes twice as long as driving on I-20east...but hey, it was my first time driving to MB!  Jacquie and I did see the Josh Turner sign, but that was before I had a smart phone, and I never thought I'd be traveling down that road again.  But here's the proof!  *smile*

Put a little gravel in YOUR travel

Monday, October 21, 2013

Lady Traveler's road trip to Jacksonville FL and Darien GA

Jacksonville, Florida
October 2013

Life is short and we never have enough time for gladdening the hearts 
of those who travel the way with us.
O, be swift to love!
Make haste to be kind.

I love road trips, especially on roads I haven't traveled.  And so it begins, another little adventure.

Do you ever say to yourself, 'last week I was in ____'.   Well, last week Rob and I spent two days in Jacksonville, Florida with dear friends we've known since our California years.  After they gave us a tour of the area, which by the way, has the same beachy feel as several west coast towns that we're familiar with, we ate lunch at a seafood cafe that overlooked the Atlantic.  Afterwards, we strolled along the beach where I collected a shell or two, a hobby I began years ago.

Travel TiP:  If you don't have a lot of money to purchase souvenirs, start collecting special items, i.e. rocks, shells, or even sand ... something to remember your travels by.
Sunset on the inter coastal waterway
Jacksonville, Florida 2013
On our way home, we decided to pull off the I-95N to take a detour to Darien, Georgia, and we are so glad we did.  Darien is a sleepy little river town that bids welcome to all who drop in.

Another Travel TiP:  Take time to drive off the main highways and byways to find your special place to return.

We stayed in a cozy Bed and Breakfast, ( www.darienriverfrontinn.com -- we'll stay here when we return next year for a longer visit).  We had a delicious dinner at a romantic little restaurant a stone's throw away from our room, right on the waterfront.  Can't get much better than that!
Welcome to the second oldest planned city in Georgia.
Lots of fun things to do ...
Bike riding, kayaking, exploring the history,
or ...

relaxing with a book
and a glass of wine.
So please ...
... drop by the next time you're in the area.
(deck of B and B overlooking the Darien River)

Wait! There's more... another Travel TiP:  Be flexible with your schedule.  Be open to find new places to explore.  You'll meet friendly people along the way, and for that, it is well worth the trip.

History galore in this part of the south,

On the Darien River in Darien, Georgia
More Travel TiPs:  Pack light.  Bring a book, favorite CD's, snacks for the car, including water; a light jacket and umbrella for a change in weather.  And of course, wear your favorite smile...that's what people see first!

Stand at the crossroads and look...
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV


I wish you oceans of blessings on your next road trip!




On life's journey, whether traveling around the world or walking around your block, there's lots to learn about life, faith, friendship and fun! so lets dive into a new ocean together ... and lets keep that body movin'!