Apr 6, 2010

ROAD TO NOWHERE!








Chevy Tahoe 2010.

Sharp. Classy. Rugged. Graceful. Quality. Sleek. Reliable. Durable.

My first car was a Chevy Citation. Back in 1984 while I was driving that Citation around, I thought very little about Chevrolet's legacy.

Founded by Louis Chevrolet, and William Durant in 1910, where race-car driving and "Flint Wagon Works" meshed, Chevy vehicles have been a part of America's fabric for decades.

By the time I was driving my 1981 Chevy Citation Hatchback, cars in America were a far cry from what Louis and William could have ever dreamt about.

Their vision is now in the stratosphere!

The vehicle I test drove was state of the art. Full entertainment packaged LTZ in Red Jewel was a theater on wheels. Traveling up and down Route 209 in the Great Smokey Mountains was not exactly part of the plan, but unsuspecting travelers we were and had no idea I-40 was closed. Had we been traveling by day we would have exited with other travelers safely on to the detour at I-240 West. Instead we exited where the road deposited us - Scenic Route 209. I am sure this is a gloriously beautiful stretch of road, followed by a harrowing, yet breathtaking trip up and down the mountainside - BUT by night it was a scene from the scariest horror flick you can imagine. Chock full with creepy willows, jaw-dropping drops, no lighting, twists, turns, speeding locals, no locals, no anything, and signs that lead to cliffs (why?? I ask WHY are there signs that lead to dead end roads that end with a trip off the cliff???) and roads that simply stop and drop of into infinity. Yet, the Chevy Tahoe maneuvered every challenge remarkably.

Our trip, a little over 1800 miles, was perfect. Thanks to all involved ~ Connie Burke & the Chevy/GMC Team, Edelman, Fred Ligouri(Media Relations), and the entire G. Schmitz & Associates family for making this an incredible life experience!

Our stay in Jacksonville was equally elaborate thanks to Wendi Brogli and the staff at The Courtyards at San Jose. The unit was SO incredible. The Courtyards at San Jose is a luxury community that really pays attention to the fine details.







Our condo was immaculate and JUST LIKE home. The staff felt like family. My only regret was not having enough time to chill with them.

Although I went through Home Away, whenever in San Marco OR Jacksonville let them accommodate your stay! ( I was not compensated in any way regarding my stay with The Courtyards of San Jose )

When my arrival went 5 hours beyond what I stated, Wendi called to check on me!

The pool was such a nice touch and the grounds were seriously maintained.

The biggest plus is that it was pet friendly. Everyone living, or staying in the corporate housing, were sweet and genuinely nice. The area had restaurants and was close to everything or, at least, easily accesssible to everything.

What an adventure. What a way to spend my time on The Road To NoWhere!




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Apr 5, 2010

I Almost Killed My Parents Last Night...

and my son, myself and my dog!

Travelling from Jacksonville, Florida we just simply HAD to make a stop in the beautiful and historic Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah IS breathtaking.

BUT Interstate 40 IS NOT.


Frightened Woman


Bevel roadway befallen by sliding rock back on the eve before Halloween 2009 (WHO KNEW) sent us on a willowing, wretching, winding road that left us wrenching!

We amused ourselves with tales of "What if" deep down knowing that "WHAT IFS" can come true!

As Route 209 had us hanging in what seemed like mid-air for 30 miles or more, this city girl saw in the mid-of-night (did I mention we tried to make it to Knoxville AT NIGHT?) I prayed to my maker more than several times.

Luckily pooch pooch slept through it all. I suppose dogs only come to attention when needed? OR why bother when it seems all is lost?

Thankfully, our ordeal was tethered by the ONSTAR TEAM that never left our side until we were completely out of danger.

We made it safely and that is the important factor, but when a road detours - DRIVER BEWARE!






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Apr 4, 2010

Spring Break 2010




I read somewhere, before my recent road-trip, that travel in a car is "real".

You discover who you are.

In my case. I discovered a whole lot more.

I wanted to take this trip because my son is 14.

He is on the cusp of manhood. I invited my parents because we have never leisurely traveled with them. It was always under the gun, on an agenda, to a family event, or for the holidays - in my opinion urgh! Not enjoyable!

To be free in the wind. To be open on the road. Open to ALL possibilities was my desire.

I "accomplished my mission" according to my good friend Connie Burke, Communications Manager for GMC.

Chevy provided the wheels. BOY! Let's just say, four wheels, four people and one with four legs, turned out to be a mini-life in 5 days.

We dangled from mountain tops, dined by rivers and enjoyed America's beautiful scenery!

What an incredible Spring Break!




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