Left Lexington: 8:45
Arrive Bristol: 1:20
Miles Traveled: 224.4
Weather: Hot!! 80s.
We were looking forward to a shorter day and arriving at our new home. The mountains here are beautiful; old and wise we recently heard one woman describe them. We enjoyed seeing familiar names on the road signs, Roanoke, Cumberland Gap and Knoxville, while we continued to listen to Bobby Bones on our favorite Anchorage radio station. The route had been planned specifically so we would not drive through Virginia. We had kept our Virginia plates and our inspection sticker had expired in March. I thought it was unlikely to be a big deal but it was unlawful and why risk it. So, we were very surprised when we entered Virginia! Still not sure what happened, but either Ms. Google or I had miscalculated. We were on a two lane, twisty, countryside road for about 60 miles. Sal, who was, of course, driving, thought just drive carefully so there would be no need for anyone to stop us. So, surprise, surprise when we rounded a bend and there, early afternoon, was a police license check. Are you kidding me!! When it was our turn, Sal showed her license and we held our breaths. Maybe he would not even notice. The officer handed back the license and tapped the windshield. “Get that taken care of,” was all he said. “Yes, sir. Tomorrow,” Sal replied, and we were back on our way. Whew.
The apartment lady met us at our door and gave us keys and informational papers. They seem fairly strict about things here or Anchorage was pretty laid back. I expect the latter. Anyway, the apartment is three levels. A huge garage on the bottom level, a big living area, half bath and decent-sized kitchen on the first floor, and three bedrooms, two baths on the second floor. We learned talking with Larry, the maintenance man for our complex, that it’s all new; new hardwood, carpeting and a beautiful new refrigerator, although we can’t figure out how to make the ice-maker turn on. 😕
We unloaded all from the car. It was hot work. How did we fit all that stuff into our Hyundai? We had had to leave the step stool behind because there wasn’t room in the car, so unloading the car top carrier had to wait. Fine with me. We sat on our two camp chairs a bit and hydrated. After cooling down we made our plan for the afternoon. Dinner at Chick-fil-A, then Sal’s favorite new hobby, thrifting at Goodwill for maybe a lamp and a few items we had had to leave behind, then Kroger for milk and cleaning supplies. And broccoli. I just seem to feel more comfortable when broccoli is in the freezer. Silly, but I feel if there is broccoli and rice or pasta, I can make a dinner.
We did all that, plus discovered an Amvets store where we hit the jackpot with trash cans, a cheap side table and a “brass” coat tree which makes a statement and is useful until we can get our stuff delivered from Richmond. We got home and found Grey in the corner of my closet. Now, two days later, it continues to be his safe spot, I suppose.
We all had quite a trip from Anchorage to Bristol, 4,450 miles total, and it will take a while for all of us to adjust. We definitely miss Alaska and friends there and are glad we can continue to keep in touch via text. But our niece Katherine has already visited us and son John is coming on Sunday, and family was what I was missing. We will return to Alaska, absolutely, but I’m ready to enjoy some baby showers, birthdays and holidays with my much loved family. For the time being, we are home.
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