Tuesday, February 15, 2021-HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!!
We had breakfast and a walk along the beach and decided to drive home as a major storm was on its way and would make travel nearly impossible if we stayed out any longer. We decided to take the ferry from Galveston Port to Bolivar and then the direct route to Bentonville which involves about 10 hours of driving. Of course we have needs - food, bathrooms, gas , photo ops - lol so it was going to be a long day - into the night!
One of the strangest interactions any of us has had on the road occurred at the ferry. We pulled up and the attendant (an elderly man) walked around our car, looked under it and walked back up to my window and said "3". I asked Joe to give me $3.00 for the toll and the old guy went off. He was lecturing me endlessly that 3 doesn't mean $3.00 - everyone always does that and if he doesn't say $3.00 why would we incorrectly assume he means $3.00. I told him we were new here and had no idea how the whole thing works and OMG - that made it worse - he was almost inside my window so I couldn't drive away and he went on and on and on. Anyway there is no charge for the ferry as it is part of the highway system and he wanted me to drive into Lane 3!. LOL
They loaded the ferry quickly and the trip took about 15 minutes. We are crazy for ferry crossings and the process they use to keep traffic moving- no wasted effort, movement or time!
We drove along the Gulf and saw the summer homes built on stilts and many that didn't survive previous weather events. It must be horrifying to be right on the coast in a storm as the ocean comes up to and under your home!!!
They were transporting some huge tanks that were almost 2 lanes wide with a state trooper security team at about 35-45 miles per hour ahead of us for about an hour - we were SO happy when they turned off!
We enjoyed State Line Avenue in Texarkana running along the state line of Texas and Arkansas for 11 miles and the Post Office firmly in both states and our 'lady' providing GPS directions on the phone telling us "Welcome to Texas" , "Welcome to Arkansas", "Welcome to Texas" etc. etc. - well we enjoyed it for awhile! lol
That same lady instructed us to get off the highway somewhere below Ft. Smith on a dirt road for 6 miles. JJ was driving and I was sitting shotgun when we saw our first - well, not sure Big Foot, the Ozark Howler - whatever - even if it was a bear - we were totally freaked out and NO we did not stop to take a picture or investigate - it will FOREVER remain a mystery!
We always enjoy our trips - especially when cabin fever is involved - but we enjoy arriving home - and sleeping in our own beds too! We are already talking about our next trip......along the Mississippi, or to the Florida Keys or maybe the North East in the Fall??
Gabi
