After the frenzy getting out the door, and after driving through the state of Virginia at no more than thirty miles per hour, we arrived in Chapel Hill in time for dinner with my favorite pregnant former co-worker. The evening began with her handing me her copy of the first Harry Potter book, and ended with a little tour of the UNC campus and her husband and I quoting lines from Revenge of the Nerds III and IV. It was perfect way to kick off the trip. Thank you, Megan and Steve! That was really fun – I wish you two lived closer.
On the way out of town I captured proof that even in a generic, utilitarian hotel, we’re still in the south.
I love Holiday Inn Express. Everything is labeled, down to the firmness of the pillows. It’s very organized.
I also got a picture of one of my favorite signs so far on the trip:
I don’t know why waterfowl are being impounded in Chapel Hill, but man, it would really suck to have to drive out to the edge of town just to pay $400 cash to get your duck back, only to discover it has a dent in the fender.
We made it to HHI this afternoon, with enough time to spend an hour or two on the beach. It is beautiful as always, and the water is warm. I’ve never felt ocean water so warm, even in years when we’ve traveled later in the summer. Not to get all poetic about it, but it’s like everyone on every beach all along the east coast peed at once.
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