Well, I’ll be spending this week getting ready to head out to Nationals. As most of you know, it was initially scheduled to be in Nashville, and because that’s just a ten hour drive, I hadn’t planned on leaving until Tuesday (July 27th). However, since they moved it to Orlando, Florida, I gotta head out earlier. Ya see … I’m driving down from Wisconsin. That’s something like 22 hours of driving alone. Crazy? Maybe. My husband certainly thinks so … that is until I point out the money I’m trying to save.
Every year I manage to justify going to the RWA National convention … last year notwithstanding. Couldn’t quite swing Washington, D.C., which is a pity, because I love that city. Anyway, if I’m able to cut corners, I’ll take it.
By driving I’ll save on the airfare and by using my timeshare condo in Kissemmee, I’ll save on hotel costs. Fortunately the condo is only minutes away from the Disney complex, so going back and forth will be a short jaunt. Then there’s the money I’ll save by not having to rent a car. With everyone tightening their belts, saving a little bit is a plus.
Edie Ramer, who also lives in Wisconsin, will be driving with me and we’ll be picking up Sheila Clover as we pass through Kentucky. The other thing hubby doesn’t understand is why we would want to spend nearly two days traveling both ways.
Think about it. Three women, writers, in the same car for over twenty hours? Hell, the time is going to absolutely fly. Anyone else making that long trip?
It’s going to be like a traveling writers’ retreat. I envy the situation. Have fun! And with the money you’ll save you can spend tourist shopping.
P.S. I love to fly, but with the restrictions on air travel changing daily, I’d prefer driving, especially if I’m in good company. Besides, there’s food service in a car.
You hit every good point on the head, Kath. Money was one of the top issues. I have a cooler which I plan to fill with goodies, I don’t have to hassle with airline restrictions, and the company is gonna be stellar.
You’re right … it will be like a retreat. Wonder how much work I’ll manage to get done.
Already have a couple of attractions and/or shopping expeditions mulling around in my head.
You guys are going to have so much fun. You’ll be exhausted by the time the conference starts, but it will be worth it. lol
Nah. I figure we’ll get in some time in the afternoon on Sunday. (See previous posts where I drive like a self-proclaimed bat outta hell).
We’ll have Monday and Tuesday to recover … provided we don’t go outta control with the parks. 
Its the coming home that I’m not looking forward to. You have the let down, plus I gotta be at the day job on Tuesday (August 3rd). Good news is that bossman and bosswoman will both be out of town that first week of August.
Looking forward to seeing you, Liz!
And my drive isn’t quite as long as yours, maybe about 7 1/2 hours? Perhaps we will meet up on the road!
If not, I know I’ll see you at RWA. Drive safely!
Man, I wish I was in that car. Well, if you find yourself driving through Raleigh, NC, let me know. I’ll be more than happy to put you ladies up, feed you, and even save a diaper change for ya.
Hey Liz, totally my kinda travel! I love your analogy, and know y’all with have so much fun. A traveling retreat to be sure.
Be safe and have fun! Somehow, I know y’all will… with bells on.
The fun part will be reading about it when ya get home too!
Road trip, Liz! It’s going to be a blast! Marcia, I’d love to see you again–Little Bit too.
Cindy, really looking forward to meeting you in person.
Yeah, this is nice and close for you, Cyn – comparatively speaking.
Lookin’ forward to seeing you there, too.
I was hoping you were going to be there, Marcia. Too bad we’re going straight down the midwest. I would have been happy to stop … but you could have kept the diaper change. I’m past those years … thank god.
I’ll have to find a way to get my blog ready for the Monday we get back, LaD. It will be a full day of traveling and probably exhaustion at the end of it.
Love the idea of traveling brain storming.
It is gonna be a terrific road-trip, Edie.
Oh man, I wish I could go with you guys! You guys are gonna have a blast.
Have an awesome time!
Thanx, Natasha. Fun first … then business. Isn’t that the way it goes?
Road trip! How fun! I wish I was going with you, but I’m flying from Cali to Orlando.
Liz, some friends and I were originally going to do the road trip from Illinois back when we were headed to Nashville, and I was really looking forward to that — all the talking in the car!! But, now we’re all flying down…getting there a couple of days early to see Disney for the first time. Looking forward to crossing paths with you and Edie!!
A road trip from California would be a bit much, Karin. I’m already getting some flak from hubby about the Wisconsin/Florida distance.
Nashville would have been doable by myself but with the distance from Wisconsin to Florida, I do feel better having Edie and Sheila along.
We’re planning on a half day at Universal Studio for the Harry Potter Theme Park. No other plans, but we’re wide open to whatever presents itself. Hope to see you down there as well.
I am so looking forward to seeing you and Edie, Liz. I wish we’d thought about my flying to WI when I had to change my ticket, and then I’d be coming with you! But spending some time before conference with you will be amazing anyway. Cannot wait!
Marilyn, I would love to cross paths with you, myself. I’m looking forward to meeting so many people.