So yesterday didn’t go as planned.

As I cross the North Carolina state line, I had stopped at the welcome center. When I came back out, went to continue the drive and the car shouldn’t start. Great. So after hours of calling AAA, waiting on the truck, not being able to start the car, waiting on a second truck because the car won’t go on the first one, getting towed to the shop, hours of trying to figure out the issue, determining that it’s the starter, and not being able to get parts, I have found myself at the Quality Inn in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Yes, this is rough set back for the trip for sure. No, I’m not gonna let this stop the trip. I am here until Monday at the earliest. They feel confident is being able to get me a starter and get me back on the road. So, if all goes well, I will be in Savannah tomorrow night. I am hoping that’s all I need. As much as I love NC, there isn’t much here. Thankfully, unlike the time my brother and I got stranded in York, AL due to a broken down truck, there are places to eat here. Thank the lord that there is a Ruby Tuesday next to the hotel. Much needed after the day I had. I honestly can not remember the last time I had been to a Ruby Tuesday, but this was the time to try it again. It was very good and the 25oz beers were just want I needed after all the stress and disappointment of the day. While sitting at the bar, I got to listen in on the conversations around me. One thing I have always loved about small towns and one of the reasons I started this blog is people. Just listening to the familiarity, the love and concern, the catching up, the pleasantries, and the sense of neighborhood brings me so much joy and comfort. That sense of community is how I fell in love with my college town of Bristol, VA and I carry that with me always. It was nice to hear the customers catching up like old friends all night. It really put into perspective my situation. Things can always be hard, hell, they can even be worse, but as long as you have a community with you, you’re never alone despite how you feel.

Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to everyone who has reached out, texted, messaged, snapped, called, and everything else when they heard about my situation. Y’all are the best. Things may be down but I’m not out. Hoping to get back out on the road tomorrow and get into Savannah. Also, thank you Quality Inn for getting me in and helping me out, I have a pretty nice room for the price! This is only a minor setback, nothing more!