- There was less traffic on the southbound interstates than I've ever seen. It was wonderful. For once I didn't have to fight nut-case drivers and truckers who take pleasure in playing chicken with cars who don't choose to drive 90 mph.
- The speed limit on all interstates I traveled outside of Illinois was 70. Most people drove comfortably at 78 mph or so. Really didn't see anyone pushing the speed limit beyond that.
- Illinois's interstate speed limit is 65 and just over the river into Illinois on Interstate 24 they enforced it with a vengence. Hey Illinois--raise the limit to 70 like everyone else!!!
- Gas was cheaper everywhere other than the Chicago area. The cheapest I paid was $3.86/gal.
- Interstate rest stops need shaded areas for pets and their owners. Those dinky little dog walk areas are definitely not sufficient.
- Restaurants need shaded outdoor eating areas for pet owners. You just can't travel with your dogs and still get a fairly good meal in the summer. How hard would it be to have a covered patio for people to sit with pets or whatever?
- Having a black car with black interior just isn't a smart thing in the south.
- Tinting your rear windows in your car is a MUST (but haven't done that).
- I hate fast food and eating it in your car (because it's in the high 90's outside) isn't fun.
- Spending 3 days in your car with your offspring is a good thing. I love my kid and she never ceases to amuse me, astound me, and impress me.
Lessons learned
- Visit your relatives when you can. They're aging (aren't we all) and it's important to see them when you can.
- No matter how much you hate air travel and how annoying all the waiting is it's better than driving over 1000 miles.
- Airlines should make it easier to fly with dogs--and if they did I'd never drive as far as I did. If I could have brought them on a plane I would have. Ah the curse of having dogs bigger than postage stamps.
- Those of us in the north have preconceived beliefs about the south. Some are true, some are not. It's fun figuring out which is which.
- Education is important. Those people I encountered in the south who seemed like a typical stereotype weren't well educated and acted that way. GO TO SCHOOL kids and pay attention and the odds are you won't be poor.
- Shaving is optional among men in lower socio-economic groups. NOT A GOOD THING. Makes men look like yokels and they acted just as they looked.
- Showering for them was also optional. YUK.
- Use the services of the internet for trip planning. I always use TripAdvisor and check out potential hotel stops for EVERY trip. It was correct again.
- Use this site to check out hotels in towns along your route if you travel with pets. Also, use Travelocity and click "more search options" to search for hotels that accept pets. Great info there.
