Our first stop is for tacos and fuel in Paducah. Andy and I notice quite a few patrons in camouflage and assume that everyone is really into hunting here. I wonder what’s in season in their neck of the woods. As I drive away, I see a large GanderMtn store next door. Aah. The camouflage dudes were on their lunchbreak. It’s always consumer season!

Our second stop is in Birmingham……where I decide to choose a new route. I also decide to wait until I find the new road before stopping for fuel again. The kids are asleep and I want to maximize the distance behind me before waking them. Finding the new road is a tiny bit stressful. Trying to read a map/directions while driving in an unfamiliar big city can be difficult. Making no mistakes, I find the road though and decide right away I like it. But it’s a state road and we’re in a mostly residential area.

Where are the gas stations?!?!?!?! There are none in sight! I freak as my DTE reads 8 miles!!! Worried that I might end up lost, I stop at a house and ask for directions to the nearest station. There is a man here working on a kids’ bike. He never looks up at me but informs me there is a BP around the corner……but there may be no gas there. No gas?!?! No way am I spending MY DISNEY vacation in Birmingham, Alabama. We drive directly to the fuel station two blocks away and purchase the 10 gallon limit at $4.20/gallon. Phew! We’re back on track.

Next fill up is at a Kroger somewhere and the price $3.99. Our final stop is very late but we make it all the way to Valdosta! I was hoping to get at least this far today and we sleep at the La Quinta Inn there. The girl behind the desk is Disney quality. She’s out-of-her-way helpful and very friendly. Our room is spacious and clean. I connect to the Internet, take a shower, eat a small snack and go to bed. Only 4 hours from Walt Disney World now!!! I’m excited, but sleep comes easily tonight.