500 miles and 4 states

A smooth day of travel-- beautiful weather. Hot and sunny. And no traffic except through Jackson, Mississippi. Goodbye, Georgia. Hello, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana.

As of now, all three cats think they've always lived in the Jameson Inn in West Monroe, LA. Satchmo is in his love bucket, Lulu is on the bed, Rumi is sitting in the window, fascinated by the air conditioner.

Six random highlights from Day One:

Talladega Speedway.

America's Best Inn. Did you have any idea it was just off the I-20 in Union, Alabama?

Lulu. She spent most of the ride curled up on my lap or sleeping with her head on my shoulder.

Cracker Barrel. Best malted milk balls ever.

Road conditions. It's impossible to decide who has the worst road conditions: Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana.

The Jameson Inn. Where Mom and I made fifteen trips back and forth to the car, up and down the elevator, unloading the cats (Satchmo was one trip alone), cat supplies, and only the barest essentials for our overnight stay.

One more-- my favorite of all. Other travelers were so friendly, smiling and waving and pointing to us as they passed us on the road. At the Burger King in Mississippi, I figured it out. Pressed up against the back window, for everyone to see, was my brand new bag of Always Maxi Pads.

Tomorrow: Gibbsland, LA, where Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down.

Goal: Sweetwater, Texas.

On our way to Alabama...

My hands can barely type this because of all the strapping of boxes I've been doing for the past week. But Mom and I are on our way today, leaving Atlanta for all points west. Ultimate goal: Los Angeles. Two Nivens in a Beetle, and anyone who knows the Nivens knows we love to bring many things with us, especially on trips. When you're traveling with three cats in a VW Beetle, this can be a challenge. But the car is almost packed.

We have: crunchy Cheetos for Mom (her road food of choice), 500 bags of Salad Peas (or whatever they're called) for me, and several dozen cans of BBQ Pringles. We also have: my iPod, numerous CDs, three cat carriers, cat toys, cat food, litter boxes, suitcases, linens, pillows, books, multiple bags, wine (which we won't be drinking while driving), travel bingo, and many different make-up cases. And my camera, so the entire trip can be documented.

So now I'm getting up and getting ready and going to get this menagerie on the road...

Goal today: Louisiana.