Today we drove from Dallas to Birmingham. It was a long drive! We brought plenty of things to keep us occupied though. We are trying to spot as many different license plates as we can and so far we have about twenty-eight. We also have a sign spotting game and a book for us to fill out stuff about us as a couple. We also have full iPods and a FM transmitter for the car!
Gas prices weren't too bad in Dallas.
If you have never been to Medieval Times you must go! It's sort of expensive but pretty cool. This is the castle they have in Dallas. Basically, knights have a tournament with jousting and stuff while you eat your dinner and cheer them on. It really has nothing to do with our road-trip except that we were driving past. I took Mike for his 20th birthday and it still entertains us.
Until today I've never driven through East Texas. I really like all the trees. In Dallas we don't have very many lush areas of vegetation. One of the reasons I like living in Houston is because of all pretty trees.
I didn't actually take this picture. It was raining really hard so I searched for one. I even picked one that was off center and looked like it could have been taken from a moving car so it would match the rest of my pictures. I also figured I could stop at the tourist center and get some pictures but they didn't have one.
One time when my family was driving through Missouri I brought it up to my dad that using the shape of a state for highway signs is ridiculous. They try to fit a bunch of numbers in there and it totally distorts the shape. I guess it is sort of weird that this bothers me...but you have to remember that I use to teach geography and still love the subject. Also, you would never see the state of Texas purposefully display a distorted state of Texas on anything.
I was in a desperate search for postcards to send to my grandparents. I didn't think post cards were too much to ask for. All of their tourist centers along I-20 were closed since it is Sunday. They also didn't have any post cards at the gas stations.
Here is Mike with a bell that was at the visitor center in Shreveport.
Gas prices in Louisiana weren't too bad. We are going to enjoy that because we know it will definitely go up when we swing north.
I was so desperate to find postcards that I actually stopped at Cracker Barrel. I was pleased to find some. Not only did I stop at Cracker Barrel in Louisiana, but I also sought out this restaurant in Mississippi and Alabama just to buy postcards. This has only managed to slightly lighten my great dislike of this chain. I'm not big on southern or country theme things and having the two combined with gravy on top is just enough to send me into distress. We aren't sure what we are going to do when we start going north.
We found Mississippi much more welcoming than Louisiana. They had a fabulous visitor center right by the river with plenty of picture opportunities.
Here is the famous Mississippi River! It is far more impressive in person than it is in pictures. I think it is definitely one of those things everyone should see at some point in their life.
I was already missing Sadie and then I saw the No Pets sign. It made me miss her more! I was very supportive of the No Smoking sign though.
If only we could each have a canon at school with us!
I like the river boats and I would like to ride on one. Unfortunately, this one appeared to be permanently placed.
The trees in Mississippi were even more lush than Louisiana. The trend ended when we got to Alabama. Their trees are super skinny but still pretty and green.
I didn't know that Kangaroos sell gasoline. I think the baby might be at the right height to pump the gas for his mom.
Gas prices in Mississippi weren't bad. That's why I love the Gulf Coast states!
Finally, we made it to Alabama. I had it in my head that the drive was only supposed to take about eight hours but I was a few hours off. I didn't take very many Alabama pictures because they didn't have much of a visitor center and I was a little grumpy from being in the car so long. We are in Birmingham for the night and I'm happy to be out off the car!
We didn't have time to go to an amusement park but it definitely looked like a good time!
Gas prices were good in Alabama. The company in the car was even better!
I can't get over how pretty it is everywhere! (Mike says all the prettiness was in the seat next to him.) Doesn't rush hour look great!
We made it to Georgia!
They have a Six Flags amusement park! Sadly, we didn't have time for any rides.
The Olympic Torch in Atlanta! I love the Olympics and I was so excited to spot it from afar and snap a quick picture.
We switched to highway I-85 for the rest of the day. There was crazy traffic in Atlantic but it still doesn't compare to Houston! We like the stubby Georgia's on all their highway signs.
Mike and I really like college sports and actually like to collect college shirts. We decided to stop by and do some shopping. Go Dawgs!
Gas prices in Georgia were not as friendly as the people. Lucky for us, my car gets great gas mileage.
This is a picture I got off the Internet. I missed my opportunity because I was busy eating my lunch. It was a tasty lunch!
The gas prices in South Carolina were great! I think the lowest was $3.72. It was right by Georgia too...made me suspicious of those Georgia gas prices...
More pretty foliage!
Have you ever seen a truck with a bunch of fire-hydrants? I guess it is one of those things people don't really think about until they see it.
Yes, it is a giant peach. Yes, it is in South Carolina. Any comment from Georgia? Speaking of peaches...we noticed something very interesting. There are a bunch of roadside stands that sell peaches and firecrackers. Maybe it is because I teach middle school or maybe it is because I am slightly devious myself, but I think that is a really bad idea!
I can't remember what kind of ivy this is but it apparently covers the trees until they can't get any sunlight which causes them to die. Something else I haven't thought much about...hmmm...
Again, I had to get this picture from the Internet. Mine turned out really bad because my car antenna got in the way. Mike doesn't really understand my fascination with being welcomed by states.
I know...you are probably tired of scenery. The landscape is starting to get rugged. I haven't spent much time in mountain areas. I'm excited!
