This trip has been an onslaught of new experiences. Even removing the national parks from the equation, I have seen and done more interesting things in just 3 short weeks than I ever thought possible.

Whether it was suffering through 120 decibels of bird screeches at an aviary or stumbling upon a tiny diner that hosted a bluegrass night, I have enjoyed the novelty of each event.

Here are some of my favorite interludes thus far:

• Visiting a marina in Little River, SC to see my former Starbucks manager
• Making a quick stop off of I95 to hike a trail at a Florida state reserve
• Taking a tour of a fruit and spice park (we were allowed to eat any fallen fruit)
• Exploring Charleston and meandering among vendors at the city market

I’ve come to the conclusion that our world is big!

I can’t wait to see more.