Saturday Summary: Week 6 - Foggy Goodbyes, Florida Miles & Lots of Friend and Family Time

Atlanta, GA (40’s) → Lake City, FL (60’s)  → Merritt Island, FL (60’s) → West Palm Beach, FL (70’s) → Palmetto Bay, FL (80’s) | Dec 6th - Dec 12th

Week 6 was less about miles and more about moments. For the first time on this journey, we had a meaningful touchpoint with a friend or family member every single day. This was a week of shared meals, long conversations, unexpected scares, laughter, and deep gratitude.

We wrapped up our time in Atlanta with Heddy and Steve in the best possible way: dinner, stories, and a surprise stop at a 1920s-style speakeasy in Decatur. Roaring Social required a password (“getting something from my safety deposit box”), which was how they surprised us into the speakeasy. Cocktails, a shared appetizer, and then on to Tio Lucho’s for Peruvian coastal cuisine, where we heard some incredible travel stories from their great time in Peru. 

Leaving Atlanta felt heavy, and the weather seemed to agree. Fog turned to rain, and rain turned into a constant drizzle as we headed south. We stopped in Macon for lunch at the iconic H&H Soul Food. Fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese, and very sweet tea. I mean VERY sweet! The service hiccupped, and the food ended up boxed to-go. While the food was still good, it was a reminder that timing matters, especially when you’re hungry!

That night, we tried something new: our first overnight at a Cracker Barrel in Lake City, Florida. It was surprisingly peaceful. About ten other RVs, very little movement, and one memorable connection. Janay, a fellow traveler who’s been tracing the edges of the U.S. from Oregon to Florida. A long parking-lot conversation with a stranger who instantly felt familiar. One of those quiet road moments that sticks with you.

Florida finally welcomed us with warmth the next day. We paused in Clermont as a small nod to my sister I won’t get to see on this trip, soaking in 70-degree weather, palm trees, and a lakefront park. Don worked with a view, Lucky and I wandered.

That evening, we met up with Liam, one of Don’s coworkers, for a great Mexican dinner at Superica. It’s always meaningful when professional connections become in-person conversations, even if only for a quick visit. We overnighted at Champs Restaurant on Merritt Island, right on the water, ending the day with cocktails and key lime pie.

From there, it was an early push toward West Palm Beach to stay ahead of I-95 traffic. We set up shop in an IHOP parking lot for Don’s workday and my CNP course (not glamorous, but effective), then arrived at our old friends from New York Lisa and Aaron’s.

A walk, a home-cooked meal, and good conversation with a friend who’s finding her footing in a very different place than upstate New York. There’s something special about watching friends build new lives and experience new adventures.

Earning my dinner & shower!

Another early morning brought us farther south to Palmetto Bay to stay with my sister Nora and her family. Don borrowed Oliver’s desk, I soaked up time with my mom, and Nora and I painted part of the garage; my small contribution to a home that is always evolving. Nora has an incredible eye for interior design and detail, and every visit reveals another thoughtful improvement, color choice, or finished project. Her house feels layered with intention, creativity, and care, a reflection of her constant drive to make her space not just beautiful, but useful for the entire family. That night ended with German-inspired comfort food, a Christmas movie, and cozy conversations.

The next day shifted everything. My mom fell—hard. A sudden, frightening accident that sent us straight into concern mode. No broken bones (miraculously), but memory loss and confusion meant her travel plans were immediately off the table. Multiple scans, long conversations with doctors, and the collective relief of knowing she was safe. Plans changed, flights rescheduled, priorities clarified. Family showed up, quietly and steadily. My mom is a badass! The days that followed were slower. More medical follow-ups, shared meals, and checking in on one another. A cousin stopped by. We shared a Turkish dinner and dreamed a little about future travels instead of immediate worries.

We closed the week on the water, paddling in Biscayne Bay. I did this despite my very real fear of alligators and my later realization that these waters are home to crocodiles (not alligators, which somehow feels worse). Thankfully: zero sightings. Dinner came early that night—pizza from the Ooni, burgers, grilled vegetables, and a full house. We had our Saturday Kuhl Call around another family table, played UNO with Leila, and laughed until it hurt. Her verdict: “It’s so hard to play UNO with old people.” Fair. Completely fair.

We made a pit stop at another cousin’s place on the way out of Miami; just enough time for hugs, caffeine, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and a ‘how has it been this long?!’ conversation before rolling on. Week 6 reminded me why we’re doing this. Not just to see places, but to stay connected, to show up, and to let people show up for us. The road matters. But the people matter more.