St. George Island

Just a few days ago, Courtney and I made it back from St. George Island, Florida.

We road tripped all the way down crossing through numerous major cities: Oklahoma City, Dallas, Houston, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Mobile (AL), Biloxi (MS), Panama City. On the way back we saw such cities as Montgomery, Birmingham, Nashville, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Such an awesome trip we had. Round trip we added about 3800 miles to the ole van, which has since been dubbed "Waldo", by Courtney's Uncle Wayne. "Where in the world is Waldo now?" became a staple question. Pretty fun.

We visited a beach in every state from Texas to Florida, with the exception of Mississippi, although we did see a few pretty sweet beaches there, and the John C. Stennis Nasa Space Center.

Believe it or not, Courtney and I don't listen at the radio much when we drive that far, nor the ipod, nor XM, nor 8-track, nor record, or any other modern marvel of portable music. We talk a lot and play stupid games like "Guess the Musical". We're dumb like that!

As we went through New Orleans it was a Friday night, and we decided to check out Bourbon Street. Wow. Wow. Wow. It wasn't a bad experience and it wasn't the greatest night of my life, just one of the most unique: certainly a cultural awakening to some degree. From all the stipjoints to "live acts" to minors (I shit you not), it was just fairly overwhelming. After about and hour, Courtney and I had both seen enough for our first visit, and decided to hit the road.

When we got to Florida we saw my brother, Jeff, and his wife, Anne-Marie, whom I've lovingly nicknamed "Murray". Together they were accompanied by Max, my 1 year old nephew, and Marsha, Murray's mom. My parents had also made it down there too! We had a blast and seeing my nephew (and the rest!) was really something else.. that boy has gotten so damn big! He's running all over the place now!

After spending 5 or 6 days there, we headed back, and made it all the way back up to Nashville, TN. We decided to get a hotel in downtown, and went out that night. And I tell you what (swear I didn't pick that up in the south), Nashville has the nicest people! And some of the most attractive women - although I didn't notice and Courtney had to tell me ;)

The next day we hit up the Tennessee State Museum in downtown Nashville - which is FREE - and then hit the road. Awesome city - I highly recommend stopping when you have a chance.

I will leave for California's 101 in a week or so. I'll be going it alone, so say a prayer for me!