Defuniak Springs FL to Bristol VA

There was a big mistake, someone was not thinking right, and the crack of dawn was actually before 8:30, yes, you read that correctly.

We had pretty dense fog surrounding us for two hours and a bit, then it rained for a few hours more: nothing serious, just enough to get some of the dirt and pollen off the car.  Unfortunately, the roof dried while we were on the interstates, so it's really saggy and sloppy looking.  A good dry warm day in the sun should set that right: maybe by the end of April...

We took a few star roads and secondary roads to get out of Florida and that scenery is quite wonderful: rolling hills, many estate like houses behind white picked or brick fences with the occasional horse or two to distract the navigator.  Spring is behind San Diego's, and most of the southwest, but it really is colourful to see the trees break out in leaves or flower.  Some white, pink, red, and the usual young spring greens.  What a show, unfortunately, no pictures so you'll have to make this drive yourself to experience the magic.

The sun came out, as did the Interstates, and temperatures and speed limits went up significantly.  From a start of 12ºC to a high of about 25ºC and now it's about 5ºC and could well freeze overnight. That's not a gradual easing back into winter.  Shorts and sandals were not appropriate at all.  The Interstate speeds also went up to a sustained 70MPH, where the fast group was hovering around 80 / 85MPH, even when the speed limit went down to the usual 55MPH.  There were police around, usually giving tickets [not to the policeman's ball either].  Our group seemed to fare well and we made good distance.

Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee all showed up in the rear-view mirror.  We just entered Virginia and we're staying for the night at exit 7: Bristol VA.  Bristol has a great choice of eateries: Ruby Tuesday's, Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, Perkins, Ruby Tuesday's and the usual suspects.  Did I mention Ruby Tuesdays?  That's where we ended up: a really very good salad bar [from me that's very high praise] and good food, service and ambiance.

All in all, the day unfolded as it should; it was interesting, we made good progress, and we ended with a good meal.  Hope your day was similar, or better.