The unplanned stay in Birmingham Alabama

It's not what you think.
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per mapquest: 452 miles 6 hrs 56 mins 7707511109

The actual statistics are not currently available.

Not to worry, every day has its own story. After getting the car loaded up with stuff and I got loaded up with my continental breakfast I took pictures of places that I couldn’t get yesterday. They have been added to the Mississippi page.

Finally headed out of Vicksburg around 10:30 AM with a full tank of gas. Outside it was a clear cool 62 degrees. Crossed into Alabama about 12:30 and it was 69 degrees. About 15 miles west of Birmingham (5 hours into the trip) I stopped for gas-$2.99 per gallon. Well now I was refreshed, on the road again, getting ready to enjoy my Mounds bar when I noticed a cloud of smoke behind me. My first thought was crap, my trunk’s on fire. Everyone behind me backed off, I pulled over, grabbed the keys any handy electronics and my purse, jumped out of the car, saw white smoke billowing out of my exhaust pipe, walked 20 paces away from the car fully expecting it to blow up. Ten minutes later the smoke stopped and my composure returned, so I called Progressive and a tow truck was on the way…. and then the Sheriff stopped. He was very hospitable but I told him that I hoped to not see him again. He smiled and said he understood. The tow truck arrived within the hour, the driver loaded up the car and we went to Firestone. I would have been happy to learn that it was just the water pump and serpentine belt but no, I blew a head gasket too. I am hold up in a hotel. My brother is coming from Atlanta in the morning and we will take my car somewhere for the repair.

As this story began…not to worry, every day has its own story. I can’t wait to find out tomorrow's story.

I am woman hear me roar.

Thanks to all for your birthday calls &/or messages! It sure helped brighten my day.