It was 3:30am on my alarm when it went off. Wasn't really a surprise really, as I usually fade in and out on nights before travel. Ultimately, I was not the smart one, as Sandra set hers for 3:45am. What I could've done with that extra 15 minutes is any ones guess...But the ones I suspect who evolved--usually pick slumber.
As typical in the Cashen/Williams family; the Plane leaves at 6am and we arrive at the airport at 5:15am. Just enough time for me already to need a change of shirts; and slip a stink eye to my wife who has no Swiss or German heritage; she probably never owned a watch in her life. To my surprise, we made the flight, and thus all was back in order...except...what? Our destination is Atlanta, but our first stop is Seattle?!? Now, come on, I may not have been a B-Student in Geography, but I do know when we're flying in the opposite direction that increases distance; and effectively "Time". Sandra reassured me that leaving Seattle to Atlanta was faster than leaving Boise (which is 500 miles closer). Did I miss something in Mr. Stansky’s physics class where optimal time travel is capable only on Alaska Airlines, and somehow Delta, United and American airlines have been doing it wrong for decades. I was skeptical...but still very tired.
For the record, I don't know what occurred between Oregon and Arkansas, but some hours later I woke up in Atlanta from sleeping most of the way (in the upright position BTW). I gazed over at Sandra, and she said "see, told you". Damn! That was quite the hat trick.
Once in Atlanta, we did what all Altlantans do...look for a Lyft ride and pray for sunshine. We're not "Newbies" and have scheduled rides before, so don't go assuming these middle-aged parents of a graduating daughter can't get it done. All you do is click a destination and follow the little Pac-mans on your phone util the winner arrives to take you to your destination. We chose "Christopher"! A solid name and one you can trust. Surprisingly, as we watched "Christopher" loop around us a couple of times, we never were able to actually show up in right in front of us, even though the phone-app said HE DID. I don't remember how we found out, but ultimately, we discovered we’re on the wrong level at the airport. There’s another level?!? Funny, I thought we we're standing on solid ground with the sun above us and only dirt below. However, once we got directions to Dante's 2nd level of hell, AKA Atlanta's Hartsfield Subterranean Alternate Transportation Pickup; we were connected with "Christopher". A nice guy with a sporty little KIA that was going to navigate us out of 5 O’clock traffic and into the peaceful serene town of Athens.
It all started awesome. I didn't have to wear that stupid COVID mask in the car for two hours, and he was willing to keep the windows rolled down so we could experience the refreshing air at 65 miles on the freeway. At least he was playing Jazz...for a while. When we hit halfway, the Jazz turned into Eminem and some other Alternative Rap artists which I was able to feel through the speakers thumping through the back seat. But Hey, The covid-mask was off...Nothing was going to spoil this drive.
We arrived at Athens and a usually reasonable hour (7pm or so). We checked into the hotel and met Alexa nearby for dinner on top of a building where the sun was setting and all was copacetic again. Forgot how the day started, as the way it ended was pretty darn relaxing. Then...who could've seen the squall forming up the next day.