(Written from the safety and sanity of a Marriott… after three very colorful days on the road.)

I meant to post before launch, but here we are: the Colonel, Sadie, and me, three days into Operation Get to Florida. And what an opening act it’s been!

Day 1: Gallup, NM

Our first stop… and easily the scariest. As the Colonel would say, “I looked like a sweat snack for the taking” walking Sadie in the park she had picked to give Sadie a nice spot for her evening walk (poop 💩). Add in the fact that our ride, a brand new Ford Expedition Max looked like it was calling to be taken as well… and well, things got dicey fast. We believe we may have interrupted an actual drug deal: four blacked-out cars circling the park, one stopping with occupants blatantly staring us down. Decided very quickly that Sadie did not need that park (or poop) after all. Back to the car, doors locked, out of there very quickly. Let’s just say… I didn’t sleep much that night.

Day 2: Amarillo, TX

Weirdest. Place. Ever. The strange “hotel” turned out to be a roadside motel… with an indoor RV park/entertainment center. But lucky us, it also housed a steakhouse bar & grill, and that night featured local country dancing lessons and a truly delicious steak dinner, although Texans don’t have any idea how to make a mild dirty martini (sadly it was olive juice with a splash of vodka).  For a while, it was actually fun. Weird surroundings, but good food and a strange little local charm balanced it out.

Day 3: Van, TX

A tiny dot on the map, basically a pimple, but finally back in a Marriott with some standards and, more importantly, a feeling of safety. The Colonel is at ease, Sadie is content, and I’m happily back to a place where I can (finally) exhale.

More playlists and miles ahead… but if the first three days are any indication, this is going to be one unforgettable road trip.