I will be glad to get off the Interstate. We intentionally set the first leg to Mobile, Alabama slightly longer than the next. So we rode the interstate just to “git ‘er done.” The kickstand was up at 6:36 AM, after we said our good-byes to Elizabeth, and we arrived at our final destination after 5:00. Along the way we captured Welcome signs for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as a county or two for our ABCs.
Though weathermen threatened us with storms, we had only blue skies with white clouds to shade us from the sun’s heat. Cooler temperatures afforded us the opportunity to wear our Cut-n-Shoot vests. This is always a conversation starter. And the further we get away from home, the more lively the conversation. The valet at the hotel reported there were storms in Mobile yesterday, knocking out power. And Bryan told us it hasn’t stopped raining since we left home. So it seems we are in the Lord’s hands, and He is keeping us dry thus far.
We chose Mobile on the off chance our good friends could join us as this was our original route. We have been planning a trip since almost a year ago, where we would meet them in Jacksonville, go up the coast on the Outer Banks then back down through the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unfortunately Rob threw his back out about a week ago, and he isn’t well enough to ride. We were disappointed as they are I’m sure. We have t-shirts and everything. Maybe next year. But for now, we will head Northeast and get as many ABC points as we can find.
The Battlehouse Renaissance Hotel is the tallest building in Alabama. It holds a lot of history as well as some interesting architecture. Our corner room had a wrap-around balcony, and a view of the USS Alabama. This may be the nicest room we stay in the whole trip. Fortunately our son got us an employee discount.
We walked to a nearby restaurant, via the local park. Tim was leery of asking the homeless couple to take our picture, so we opted for the gay couple walking their very large Great Dane. He was happy to oblige, and we were satisfied with the photo.
Downtown Mobile was a nice place to eat for Tim’s special day. Can you believe he is FIFTY! Yes, it’s his fiftieth birthday. Crab cakes for an appetizer. Our waiter was new, but adequate. He obliged when I asked if they do anything for birthdays. A brownie appeared with a single candle, and he helped me sing, “Happy birthday…Mr. Customer…Happy birthday to you!” All in all it was a good day.
Aside…I realized only too late that Tim has a new iPad. The connector I use to upload photos is for the old iPad. And of course I left my computer at home. So, all the photos we took on my Nikon will have to wait until we have a chance to download them … Big Sigh.
Good night.