Traveling with small kids and big dog (Roadtrip - part 2)

We're home! And man, what a drive it's been. It started off fairly relaxed because we only had to drive about 4 hours the first day and got to Cocoa Beach in the early afternoon on Monday, which gave us plenty of time to check out the famous Cocoa Beach Pier, that we only got to walk halfway before we were asked to turn around because, obviously, Rocky isn't a service dog. He didn't even try to pretend otherwise and was pulling Adrian along like there was a big, juicy bone waiting at the end of it, which kind of gave him away. Apparently dogs aren't allowed to walk on the beach either which was very frustrating, since it was too hot to leave him in the car and you couldn't leave him in the hotel room by himself either, because he howls like he's being tortured until you get back. So we decided to go get something fancy to eat instead and found an awesome little fresh seafood restaurant in Cape Canaveral, where the giant Cruise ships come in. Had my first Lobster that day. Messy business but well worth the fight. Yum! The next morning we got a late start. Had a little stroll on the beach, it was still cool enough to leave the dog in the car for a half hour, and went for a swim in the pool so the kids got to play in the water one last time.

Then we were off again and really started to make some headway. Drove all day before finally stopping in Savannah, Georgia where we went for a little stroll downtown and had some dinner. I have to say I wish we could've spent more time in this beautiful city because it seemed like the people there were super friendly and the city itself just threw off a good vibe. Must be that southern charm everyone always talks about. Maybe we'll get the chance to go back there again and take a few days to explore. Decided to push on a little further after gorging ourselves on delicious, greasy burgers and stopped in Columbia, South Carolina for the night.

The next day we were driving through the Appalachian Mountains and I've got to say, I would love to take that drive again during the summer months. West Virginia was probably my favorite State, apart from Florida. The mountains are simply breathtaking. Scary, because the weather can change and turn on you within seconds but beautiful nonetheless. We had planned to spend the night in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but had to stop in Morgantown, West Virginia for the night, due to a pretty bad snowstorm. Better safe than sorry.

The next day started off well. The storm had moved on and the sun was shining and we were getting closer to home in good time until we hit Buffalo, New York where things suddenly went downhill. The weather was terrible, the wind was blowing like crazy and we were driving right into a blizzard. At least we made it across the border without incidence, which was a relief. Every time I try to get into the US, they take me in to ask a whole bunch of questions and fingerprint me, which makes me feel like a criminal. I realize it's because I'm not Canadian and am the only one in the family with a German passport but, come on. I'm a permanent resident of Canada and I really don't think I look all that dangerous or suspicious. Canada on the other hand, welcomed me back with open arms, no questions asked, which I'm incredibly grateful for by the way. I feel like I've been accepted and am one of you now. Nobody wants to be the odd one out, right? However, Canada didn't hesitate letting us know immediately that the winter reprieve was over and reality hit us in the face with a vengeance. The drive from Niagara Falls home was terrifying and I'm so glad I wasn't the one driving. Adrian has a lot more experience driving in blizzards and whiteout conditions than I have and he managed to get us home safely.

Finally at our destination, we had to use our van to plow our way into the driveway and had to fight our way into the house through knee deep snow. Ah, home sweet home. Immediately started a raging fire, planted our behinds on the couch and took a deep breath. Sometimes it does feel nice to have a place to call home and get off the road after a long trip. However, this trip has taught us that our children and our dog are really good on the road and if we would've done this trip in Sir Hendrix, where you've pretty much got your house with you and don't have to stay in hotels AND can take your time instead of pushing it, driving 2500kms in just a few days, it could be really awesome, relaxing and adventurous. So basically we're none the wiser and are still struggling with what to do? Life on the road or life on the homestead? Maybe we'll figure it out someday or find a way to have it all.

Kilometers driven in total: 6500

States and Provinces crossed: Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York.

Major Meltdowns on the road: 1

Money spent: I don't even wanna go there because I don't feel like crying right now

Verdict: Awesome trip. Lots of fun, quality time spent with the family. Any time again!!!

Totally random: 

Be careful what you say around your toddlers: 

We were walking around the corner at the Ruby Falls caves in Chattanooga and getting to the point where they take your family picture, so you can buy the overpriced product at the end of the tour (which we did by the way, but only because it was such an awesome picture).

Me, carrying Noah and whispering to Adrian in a sing-song voice: "Money graaaaab!"

Noah, yelling and giggling: "Money grab! Hihihi. Money grab!"

Me, in a panic: "No, Noah. Shush!"

Noah, ignoring me as usual: "Money graaaab!"

They really are like adorable, little parrots at that age so think before you speak to avoid embarrassing and awkward situations.