Day 39 - March 21, 2022

The beaches of North Carolina really impressed me. So I decide that I want to stay by the sea for at least the next few days. And since my travel plans for the way back to Atlanta only require 2 days, I can stay at my next accommodation for 2 nights. That will be the first time in 25 days of road trip.

The drive through the inland of North Carolina is relaxing but not particularly spectacular. Fields and meadows continue to alternate, and spring brings forth new colors with numerous blossoms. It's slightly cooler than yesterday, but there isn't a cloud in the sky. I briefly stop for a coffee break, but otherwise drive straight to my next accommodation in Myrtle Beach. In doing so, I cross the border into South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach is an El Dorado for American holidaymakers. The kilometers-long sandy beach is lined with numerous multistory hotels. The small houses that I could see on the beach in the last two days are not found in the section where I am staying. That makes it a little reminiscent of the coasts in southern Spain or Italy, with the hustle and bustle that has also emerged there.

I arrive very early and park my car at the hotel, but of course my room is not ready yet. But that's okay, because I immerse myself a bit in the unfamiliar crowds who, like me, are enjoying the emerald green sea. There is also a pier right by my accommodation, and I sit there for 2 hours, enjoying the sun and the view of the sea. A few guys from Vermont who are fishing on the pier start chatting with me and are excited that I am from Germany. They have been on the road with their car much longer than I have. It's 1600 km and they drove it in two days.

When I check in at 4:00 pm, I get a nice room with a balcony and a sea view, and a small kitchen that I will hardly use. The numerous dining options here in the immediate vicinity are too tempting. On a rooftop, I order shrimp, and in the evening, I have fried ravioli at a bar. In Italy, you would probably be beheaded for the latter, but dipped in marinara sauce, it's a great and unique taste experience for me.

Before going to the bar, I take a walk along the beach at sunset. My favorite time of day at the sea. It was the same for me in Spain a few months ago. When the day says goodbye, it becomes incredibly peaceful before the night becomes loud again. Very few people are on the beach, and the sound of the sea drowns out the noise of everyday life. I'm looking forward to that tomorrow as well. That will be my farewell to the Atlantic.

In the bar, I meet Ed and Amy, a slightly older couple from a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Ed is retired and really wants to move to Florida as soon as Amy is also retired (she is eight years younger and a teacher at a high school). He doesn't like it in Chicago anymore. In recent years, the crime rate has skyrocketed. I mention that I was there in 2019 and didn't find it so bad. Ed says it has changed dramatically. After 1 hour of entertaining small talk, the two bid me a very warm farewell and wish me a safe journey home.

I have one more beer in this cozy atmosphere before saying goodbye to my hotel room, knowing that I don't have to drive tomorrow. It's strange how much the feeling changes when you stay in one place. And today, I love it just as much as I love my constantly changing accommodations. I have three more days and nights. And I will enjoy them very much.