Welcome to South Carolina

The highlight of traveling I-95 is entering my home state, South Carolina. You might remember all the controversy years ago when lawmakers removed the rebel flag that flew over the state house in Columbia. Now, the crescent moon and palmetto tree logo serves as the symbol that unites all South Carolinians. It follows our proud history: the crescent moon was worn on the helmets of SC soldiers during the revolutionary war. The forts protecting SC's ports were made from Palmetto Trees. Smiling faces - beautiful places - South Carolina.

WE MADE IT!

We arrived in D.C. around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. The temperature was a blistering 19 degrees! Here is video of Mark driving as we drive pass by the Washington Monument. If you look closely, you can see all of the bleachers and scaffolding being erected on the National Mall.

On the Road Day 1

I woke up at Hotel "John Bonis" at 5 a.m. in time to watch the morning news on my former television station WFTV in Orlando. Vanessa Echols and Greg Warmoth still have that magic chemistry that draws in viewers.

Those of you who have participated in my media training program will recognize the box next to Vanessa in the second picture. As you can see, stories related to "Your Money" will attract news coverage because viewers can easily relate to them.

I was ready to go by 6 a.m., but Mark was still snoozing away. We didn't leave Orlando until 9 a.m., which put us 3 hours behind.

Under the cover of darkness

Our trip began at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14. We left 5 days before the inauguration because we knew millions of people would be making their way to Washington and we wanted to beat the rush. Actually, we realized this the first vacation I have had in two years that didn't include jetting over to Palm Springs, CA. Leaving early would give me time to relax and soak in our nation's capital. I plan on visiting several friends including Jane Watrel, a colleague from WFTV who now works in TV in D.C., and Rob Lynch, an old college buddy who now has a wife and three kids.

Mark and I knew the greatest challenge during our road trip would be that dreaded drive up the entire length of Florida on I-95, which takes six hours off your lifespan. We decided to break the state in half and drive three hours to Orlando. We immediately booked our reservations at Hotel "John Bonis." I also made sure to winterize the car so it wouldn't freeze up on us in the bitter DC chill.

Now, what do you bring to a presidential inauguration in which the entire country has been invited? I loaded my car with every single piece of winter gear I own. It was sparse because it rarely dips below 80 degrees in South Florida! I suddenly realized that I don't own items like long socks, gloves, caps, scarfs, boots, and long johns. We will have to make survival stops at those outlet malls along I-95 (AND SOUTH OF THE BORDER!!!).

I also am bringing a queen size blow-up mattress and bed linens (because you never know where you'll end up sleeping), a tuxedo, and a suit. The tux is for that last minute ball ticket that I know is heading my way.

As you can see from the picture of the truck and the back seat, there is barely any room for us.