mwheel, notice the date of the last post "Apr 8, 13 at 18:17". It seems the Garden Web is going back in time....... Lilo's post was apt then and more than apt now. You're right on about what's going on now, in the US: "no wheels at all", It's a movie reference.

Oh my yes, exit 205! It's been awhile since I was there in Clanton! That's always been a welcome stop especially during the summer months. My girls always got the peach ice cream cone or shake. I liked the pies for sure. We don't travel that far north much anymore since my Mom passed away three years ago. She lived in TN, eight hours from here and we always stopped there for treats on our way back. We lived in Jemison for two years and loved that area. Thanks for bringing back some great memories! :) Hello Joyful!....Yea, you know just what I'm talking about then, lol. Can really be scary when they do that, that's for sure. I couldn't wait to get off that road Friday in one piece, lol. I hope everyone else made it too. I don't post often, but I do enjoy reading all of your contributions here at the kitchen table. :)

I just travelled from London Ontario via Port Huron, then Flint, through MI via I-75 to their UP, WI, MN, and ND to Saskatchewan and later to Edmonton in Alberta in Canada, source of much of the oil and natural gas that the U.S. gets from Canada ... and was surprised at the low volume of traffic on that route - in tourist season. I used the method described above along much of that course, especially at night, when traffic was lighter. I have no idea how many miles I travelled with the engine not running, but it was substantial. And hardly ever did I interfere with the travel of anyone else using the road. Same strategy on the return trip. Last evening I started from near London Ontario and came down through Detroit, then down I-75 to Knoxville TN, then across on I-40 to Lake Junaluska, near Asheville, NC to a reunion of over 200 former missionaries and development workers to Korea, arriving just before the dinner hour. Though traffic was somewhat heavier, especially at rush hour, than on the northern route, I was able to coast dozens of times, without interfering with the rate of travel of people following me. Sometimes on a long downhill slope with rather light gradient, I'd re-start for a short speed-up of travel, part way down the hill, then coast again. I really appreciate the great effort that was expended to build that highway through the rocky hills/mountains of Kentucky, Tenessee and North Carolina: through the Great Smokies. More than I did earlier ... and I think that's an added benefit to my increased awareness of the importance of conservation of our resources, especially petroleum, plus reducing global warming and pollution. This profligate lifestyle that we've self-centredly carried out for three generations or less can't continue. And now, we have the gall to tell the rapidly industrializing countries, especially China, India, Brazil, etc. that tey've got to take an important role in decreasing pollution ... when we have three cars in every driveway, and they have about 1 car in 200 driveways (or is that 100)? Where do we get such gall? Many of us in the U.S. and Canada claim to be Christian. I wonder what God has to say about such heedless, greedy selfishness? ole joyful

I read this thread a few days ago and didn't have time to respond... I am about as far opposite you (and many of the others) as could be. I worked for an airline for 10 yr early in my working life and I was ready to travel at a moment's notice. I kept a bag in the trunk of my car! Still, I sympathize and can relate somewhat as my ex had terrible anxiety with flying-- to the point that he NEVER slept before a flight. It caused many arguments until I realized he just wasn't going to change. I think the thing that strikes me most about your worries is that they are all things that are out of your control. For many of us, me included, having no control is a recipe for anxiety (and sometimes for me-- bad behavior). I think the key is to recognize what you can control and what you can't. I liked the idea of planning an extra day for your trip-- a "throw away day". If everything goes smoothly, you have a bonus day.. if not, then nothing is lost. It doesn't sound like your uber planning is causing you stress-- in fact, it is part of the control you DO have over your trip. I would never go to such lengths but that's just my personality. I am the person running to the store on day 1 because I have forgotten a hairbrush or my new shoes I HAD to have gave me blisters. I say stick with your routine-- but be sure to plan a relaxing first day of vac. It will balance out. Mostly, I just wish you a wonderful trip!