It was supposed to be a weekend thing but somehow turned into a day-trip thing. 11 hours one way. Oh my aching booty!
Yep. I was told to pack for 3-5 days. I had 2 hours to pack for myself and my 9 year old son and - of course - get ourselves ready to go. Shower, all that.
That part wasn't a biggie. We've traveled so much that I've got the hurry up and pack thing down pat.
Most of the time we were flying so I have my little baggie system, my 2 "carry-ons" (a backpack with our tech and a snack/blankie bag; stowed behind the seat this time) and one small suitcase (it's all in how you pack it).
Heck, we were ready before the driver was. An adult man with only himself to worry about. We actually had to wait for him! (Typical, huh, ladies? LOL)
Timeline Recap: We left Saturday morning at 9am, arrived at 10pm, got up at 7am, spent the day with my Louisiana relatives, went to bed early in order to hit the road by 6ish-am on Sunday.
So there we were. Driving along in a newer F150 on a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning. When suddenly, the truck's battery and alternator decide to go out. Just as we entered Texas. Still 9ish hours from home!
Thank God for GPS with "Exit Points of Interest" and auto parts stores! My favorite is Auto Zone because they can do a lot of tests for free but since we were running on the generator, I couldn't be picky.
The first parts store we came across was O'Reilly. They hooked us up with a battery but couldn't test anything else. We were then able to make it to an Auto Zone, where we got help with the rest.
I saved my Uncle some money, time and discomfort that day, even if he doesn't realize it and never thanks me.
After getting over the nervous panic, he actually told me "I never buy parts". Lucky for him, I'm a single mom who has traveled a lot. I learned a little so I wouldn't be stranded or suckered. Besides, I kinda like working on vehicles. LOL
After that 2.5 hour delay, we got back on the road for a few hours and then stopped to see my cousin (the driving Uncle's son) for a bit. We wound up getting back at 9:30pm on Sunday.
It turned out that he had to come back to get paid for a job he did. As an older contractor, he's always trying to make sure he gets paid on time and the right amount. I guess the woman said she would only pay him on Monday morning or something.
The trip wasn't a total loss though. We love our Louisiana Aunt and Uncle. Although being there because his dad was passing wasn't ideal, it's always a pleasure to see them.
While we were there, he got me to try "gator bites". CJ wasn't so brave. Looked like popcorn chicken, tasted like popcorn chicken and had the texture of shrimp!
We also visited a swamp. My boy was a bit upset that we didn't spend as much time as he'd have liked but we did get some great shots. We also have a notebook page full of ideas for a longer trip we plan to make on our own.
It was also kinda funny. My Aunt and I kept freaking out at every sound. "Was that a 'gator?!" Her husband, the Uncle we were there to hug, would say "No. I told you that was a bullfrog!". LOL
Sadly, my Louisiana Uncle's dad died after we left but the original plan called for us to be gone by then anyway so ...
Yeah, I feel bad but since I can't change anything, all I can do is accept it. At least we showed up?
Have fun, stay safe, and G-d bless,
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