Snowbirding 2018

I have never bothered to document our winter getaways before, but this year we plan a couple of different ideas (which will be reported on in good time!) and so, here goes.

We spent yesterday morning enjoying (some of our) grandkids opening presents.  Then, we invited them (A.J.'s family and David's) for a lunch graze - a nice relaxing get-together before we headed south.  Some frenzied packing then ensued.

Up at 3:30 a.m. to pack the food, including half a turkey, and on the road by 4:30 a.m.  Stopped by at David's to drop off the bike rack for his trip and then on to Amex Duty Free for breakfast at Tim's and booze for the trip.

An interesting discussion at the border.  "The names are different - are you married?"  "Yes".  "Rings?"  "No - really good friends."  And then a few more of the usual questions and we were on our way - we passed, so I guess he's not an Evangelical!

Weather was great until we were about 10 miles from the end of the New York section of I-90. 

Before:

Then the lake effect snow hit - heavy blizzard and intermittent whiteouts.  Interesting time - particularly since that was during Mardi's turn at driving.

After:

Saw several cars buried in snowbanks and an 18 wheeler in the median.  Just heard on the news that they got about 16 inches of snow!  We were in it for the 10 miles in New York, and from the Pennsylvania border to Erie, and for just a few minutes heading south.  Glad we had our winter tires on.  They'll be useless for the next three months, but they probably earned their keep today.  After that it was dry and clear.

We lost more time with traffic delays - too many stupid people travel the day after Christmas!  But we still arrived at the Drury Inn in Charlotte, North Carolina by 6:30 p.m., in time for their "Kickback" after 14 hours on the road.  Soup, salad, hot dishes and two free drinks (or one double that looked like it had about 4 ounces of liquor).  What a civilized hotel.  Saved the price of dinner and drinks.  Able to stay in the hotel instead of searching out a restaurant.  And, last but not least, lets you avoid a DUI.

Tomorrow is a take it easy time.  No plans, no particular destination, no stress.