Four states in one day

Our first stop on the road was in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I think it's good we're experiencing the south on our way west. I'm going to miss being called "darlin" or "sweetie" in casual restaurants, and it also gives the mosquitoes one last opportunity to absolutely bite the shit out of me. Seriously, I woke up with like six new bug bites this morning.

In NC, we stayed with our friends M and J. Despite being our age, they are who I want Eddie and I to be when we grow up. Everything about them is so incredibly effortless and cool. They have an amazing house they just remodeled into something that could appear in a magazine. The decor is eclectic mid-century modern. They have the most adorable 3 year old son, who is precocious, stylish, and such a charmer.

They're from Los Angeles, and moved to NC a couple years ago. And their hospitality would put any born and bred southerner to shame. They had laid out robes and slippers for us in our room. They provided a wide selection of  toiletries for our use. J made us some truly amazing gluten-free pancakes and M played barista and introduced me to oat milk, which might be my new favorite thing. Something tells me I will have a much easier time finding it in Nor-Cal than he does in Chapel Hill! As we were leaving, their trainer showed up for their work out. Getting Eddie to work out with me is probably in my top three of things I want to change about my marriage. So, they aren't just #lifegoals - they epitomize #couplegoals too.

We said our goodbyes and headed south en route to Alabama. We stopped in South Carolina for lunch at Bojangles. I figured before leaving the south, I had to try it. I also felt justified, because breakfast was so healthy! One thing I will not miss about the south (VA is a southern state) is how forking slow everyone is. We ordered, and I was waiting for the food. I saw the guy plate everything except Eddie's biscuit. And then he walked away. He went in the back to deal with stuff coming out of the ovens or microwaves or whatever they use at Bojangles. And I waited for him to come right back. He didn't. So, when someone else walked by, I innocently asked, "Is that my food?" He completed the order and handed it to me. It was good, but I'm not sure I get the cult following.

Bojangles

I always thought GA was the Peach State; apparently, the best ones come from SC!

Our next stop was Atlanta to charge and see some family. As it was midday and midweek, we were only able to see my aunt and uncle on my dad's side. Thankfully, one of the Atlanta superchargers is actually at a desirable location, and we were able to meet them at a Yard House. I was feeling sort of rushed, because everything was taking longer than anticipated that day. We were trying to get to Alabama before our friends put their baby down for the night, and it was getting dicey. But then my aunt said, "You know you get an hour." 

We did not know that. I realize that we will cross all the time zones, but I failed to remember that Alabama was central time. It was like a gift from the heavens.

We had a nice visit, and got back on the road to our fourth and final state of the day: Alabama.

By this point it was getting late, and then sun went down. So, we're on this very dark highway in Alabama. The only other cars we saw were abandoned by the side of the road. The banjo music from Deliverance played in my head on repeat (RIP Burt), and I just wanted to get the heck outta there.

We finally arrived at our friends' house in time to meet their precious little one and visit for a bit.

We decided to meet them for breakfast the next day, and then went to our hotel to crash.