Day 1: Cruising to Jekyll Island, GA

(325 miles, 5+ hours)

Today was 'departure day,' and we have downsized from our home space to the confines of our 80-square-foot RV for the next three months (marriage strengthening, no doubt). Club Level (the RV) left Stuart, Florida, and headed north on I-95 up Florida's east coast. We were cruising towards the first night's destination, Jekyll Island; it is positioned on the southern end of a 100-mile sliver of Georgia's Atlantic coastline and is one of the state's famed 14 barrier islands.

With plenty of time behind the wheel, there was radio listening, the current audible book, "A Land Remembered" by Patrick Smith, counted Maryland license plates (only saw 7), and listened to the radio (oh, I already said that) and stopped for diesel fuel at Buc-ees.

Buc-ees, what is that? Surely, you have heard of the famous and enormous convenience store chains in Florida, Alabama, and Texas? I decided to stop at the station outside of Daytona Beach, reportedly the largest gas station in Florida. It must be true, they have at least a hundred fuel pumps, and it was crazy busy.

Buc-ees also boasts a 66,000-square-foot convenience store that is the largest of its kind in the world (22 times larger than the average 7-11).

They also hold the world record for the longest car wash (click the video link), at 255' long, your car exterior must be immaculate after spending that much time going through the soapy suds and brushes.

However, I believe the one record that makes their customers happiest is they boast the cleanest restrooms in America. It makes one want to get in the car and go (visit one, that is). Shaq was even recently quoted saying, "I love Buc-ees!"

Back on I-95, we finally rolled around the east side of Jacksonville, crossed the FL-GA line (started humming a few of their songs), and exited the interstate. Our heading was easterly towards the Atlantic coastline, driving through miles of beautiful wetlands, marshes, and low country. We were in 'slow-down,' 45-mph country, and I loved it!

It didn't take long to arrive at the Jekyll Island Campground, tucked under river oaks dangling with Spanish moss. The campground hosts were at the arrival point and expertly guided us to our site. It took less than 20 minutes to make camp and break out a bike for some exploration. This place is just the way to spend the first day of a big trip.

After a brisk ride and grilled chicken on a caesar avocado salad, concluded with homemade brownies, it was time to relax and plot the next day's adventure.

Tell me if you have been to the Georgia low country or spent an hour or so at Buc-ees? I would love to hear your comments.