DEC 8th: well it is 8:00 PM and we are packed to go. Will finish loading van in the morning. Next update will be from Tucker Georgia. Nick is getting ready for the trip, click on Homeward to the left, he is getting a foot massage from his mom.

DEC 9th: We left Florida this morning and travelled to Macon Georgia. We got off the interstate and went back roads to Tucker (same hotel as on the way down) just outside Atlanta. We did some site seeing and went to Jarrell plantation, an original one from the 1800’s. We then went on to Juliette where there is an old cotton mill. We made it to the room around 6:30 PM. We had a nice day, travelling 460 miles. Tomorrow is even better, we are going to Nashville, about 240 miles, for a roast dinner with Cheryl and hope full Craig. On the way we are planning a repeat visit to Lynchburg.

The movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” was filmed in Juliette. The whistle stop cafe was home to the movie. Check out this link:
http://www.thewhistlestopcafe.com/

You can also check out the plantation here:
http://www.stepintohistory.com/states/GA/Jarrell_Plantation.htm

DEC 10th: Well we started off good but took a big side trip! We got off I-75 just north of Atlanta Georgia, and went cross country. We saw a sign in Valley Head Alabama, just off 117. It said caverns turn here, so we did. We were there on a day off but the guides opened up for us and gave us our own tour! We had a great time and learned lots! We were introduced to some local history, seems a member of the Cherokee tribe spent a lot of time in these caves and developed  the Cherokee alphabet ! They named him Sequoyah and the rest is history! Way cool.
http://www.ohwy.com/al/s/sequcave.htm
   We arrived in Hendersonville around 5:30 or so and went directly to Craig and Cheryl’s, where a wonderful roast beef dinner awaited us!

DEC 11th: We got up around 8:00 or so and had a great breakfast, I promised not to take any side trips today!
   Well I lied, seen a sign that said birthplace of Abe Lincoln turn here, could not help myself!
   After visiting his birthplace, which was really neat we headed back on track to Indiana, although we were about 2 hours behind our scheduled arrival, lol.
   Arrived in Brookston Indiana at 7:15 and visited Tim and Lori for a few hours, went back to Jack and Ginger’s very tired and wore out!

DEC 12th: We left Brookston around 10:30 and pounded the highway until we reached Detroit, crossing the bridge at around 3:30. We went passed our old house in Windsor and Lorraine visited a few friends, before we left for London.
   We got to London around 6:30 and had dinner with my sister and brotherinlaw.

Dec 13th: We loaded the hamsters and headed home, this is our last leg. The troops are restless and threaten mutiny if I side trip! I got to stop in Dorchester long enough to take Roberta a carrot muffin and a coffee, Tim Horton’s of course!
   Well we are home and now get to start packing for our Chrismas vacation that starts next week!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sledin in Michigan!!!!!!!

My take on Florida:
                             Well my first trip to Florida was in 1978, just after Disney and Sea world opened. I have made numerous trips since although the last time before this time was 1992, ten years ago! Did I say last time? I was here in 1983 when Epcot opened, we spent 2 hours and then left frustrated by the line ups. Never go to Disney during peak times you will spend twice as much doing half as much! The benefits of taking your children out of school for 2 weeks far outweigh trying to do this during Christmas or March break. Judging by the growing crowds in the off season, I can see I am not alone!

       This place they call Florida has exploded! It is nuts here, we are in the off season so we get a feel of the place like locals. They drive more aggressive here then in rush hour in Toronto. There is no consideration here at all, it is nuts! I cannot see where anyone here right now is laid back. Florida has changed, and not for the good. There are mass marketing scams, some legit some not, everywhere. My mother-in-law says Fort Myers is almost as bad, she hates to drive anywhere! Imagine coming here to retire to only end up a prisoner in your own driveway! There are nicer, albeit cooler, places north of here, some not being in Florida that I would pick over Florida. This may be the sunshine state but I can live without it, lol. IMOP.

The only white I want to see is snow, you can have your beaches! Most people spend their time here inside an air conditioned building, an air conditioned car and an air conditioned house. Running between these places like Gazelle.

       We had a great trip thanks to the children, they see a whole different world then we do. Thanks so much for that fact! When you see the look on their faces when they meet their favourite characters it is magic. Disney still has the Magic needed to be worth going.
       I guess I would like to return to a calmer and simpler time but it will not happen, so deal with it! We have come so far, or have we?

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