I don’t think this is the first time I’ve titled a post with the words to Willie Nelson’s iconic song, but Ken and I are on the road again—this time a three-week trip south from our southeast Missouri home into Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and who knows where else! Best of all, we’re meeting up with some dear friends from our newlywed days in the Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee, and spending some time with Inspired by Life…and Fiction‘s own Tamera Alexander and her husband, Joe, on our way back home.
We’ve completed one week of our trip and it has been absolutely wonderful! As some of you may remember, Ken dragged me kickin’ and screamin’ into this whole camping-in-an-RV business, but this time around my enthusiasm has matched (or maybe even exceeded) his. I think partly because of the connections with friends, but also because this has been my dream trip!
On Saturday, I fulfilled a long-time dream of visiting St. Simons Island, Georgia, the setting for many of author Eugenia Price’s compelling novels that my mom shared with me when I was a young woman. We both loved Ms. Price’s stories and especially the true history of St. Simons Island that they contained. I shed a few happy tears when Christ Church came into view. It didn’t even matter that my view was through the pouring rain.
We have seen so much of God’s amazing Creation on our travels. Here are just a few more highlights from the first week of our trip.
Friends, I hope you all are doing well and enjoying spring wherever you are.
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Lois Kennis says
Deborah,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of your journey. It’s a reminder of what an amazing country the U.S.A. is, and what a privilege it is to live here.
Deborah Raney says
It certainly is a wonderful country. I love America, and it has been so interesting and encouraging traveling and meeting so many great people on our travels.
Lynn Austin says
I’m envious, Deb. Even with rain and laundromats in the picture.
Deborah Raney says
Oh, Lynn, you would LOVE the biking on Jekyll Island! You and your Ken will have to make the trip sometime!
Suzanne Sellner says
I love your photos and commentary. Have a great rest-of-the-trip!
Deborah Raney says
Thank you, Suzanne! It’s been fun taking photos to remember our trip by!
Betty Strohecker says
Gorgeous pictures! So happy you are having a wonderful trip!
Be safe. Blessings on you and Ken as you travel!
Deborah Raney says
Thanks so much, Betty.
Karen Witemeyer says
What gorgeous scenery, Deb! Like Ken, my husband has been dropping hints about us getting a trailer/RV for YEARS. I’m more into glamping than camping, but now that my chicks are leaving the nest, I just might be convinced to give it a try so that we can pick up and go visit whenever we like. Who knows, in 10 years I might be an RV pro just like you. 🙂
Deborah Raney says
Haha! Not sure I qualify as a pro yet, but I’m learning. Slowly, but surely.
Donna Howe says
Deborah, thanks for sharing your adventures. I’ve been longing to see St Simon’s and Jekyl Islands. I, too, was an avid Eugenia Price reader. And, my dad (who was a preacher as well as a preacher’s kid) went to summer camp at Jekyl as a child. My first two years in college were in the northeast tip of Tennessee; it’s a beautiful “country”! Enjoy your trip, and, please, continue posting your trip so we/I may travel virtually with you. 👏❤️🚐
Deborah Raney says
Always fun to share with another Eugenia Price fan! Thanks, Donna!
Anne Mateer says
I love Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island! I, too, cried happy tears at getting to the visit the place so identified with Eugenia Price. (My husband took me there for our 25th anniversary!) Truly, reading her books gave me the desire to write historical fiction! Glad to know you and I have that in common as well! Enjoy your trip!
Deborah Raney says
Awww, that’s really sweet of your husband to take you there. We took a trolley tour this morning and the driver/owner mentioned Eugenia Price!
Emogene N Oliver says
I look forward to the posts of your “adventures”. Since I lived in Georgia (all my life) and visited all the places you have mentioned in GA and TN, brings back memories when we used to travel before my husband became sick in 2011 and passed away in 2014. You are seeing some pretty scenery since you have the RV and camping instead of staying in motels, etc. Thanks for sharing.
Deborah Raney says
So glad our photos have brought back memories for you, Emogene. Yes, our bikes, especially have allowed us to see so many beautiful parts of God’s creation!
Julie Klassen says
Loved being able to “travel along with you” in this way. Beautiful photos!
Martha T Robinson says
I attended the Southeastern Writers Conference several years ago on St. Simon’s Island. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and the scenery! I’d love to go back!