Long Drive

It's a long drive from Chicago to the Outer Banks of North Carolina--about 1100 miles. It took us two days in our wee VW wagon. Through the plains, the heart of it all, the mountains (holy fog, VA?), the lowland marshes, before finally arriving at our destination.


Something a little sad about the drive. Heading to the beach in Fall feels off--the leaves are changing, no other cars on the road loaded with beach balls, lots of places feel quiet and forgotten.

the forlorn pool outside our hotel in Charleston.

Even the golden dome of Charleston looked a little morose.


A short break in Raleigh to have lunch with Scott at Lilly's Pizza (seriously good pizza and these funny bathroom doors).


L.P. figured, once on the beach, that all 20 hours in the car had been worth it. . . and then we took him to the kennel downshore. (never fear, we will break him out on the weekend for fun, but our rental house doesn't allow dogs).