2024 started off quite slow in the Vehicle Relocation business and I was a little worried.  The year finished with a flurry of drives which restored  my optimism for the future.  I have already booked one trip, quoted a cross country trip (NY to CA) and waiting word on a couple more potential drives.  Despite booking fewer drives this past year, my overall mileage was my highest ever! YEAH!!

The last week prior to Christmas, I had booked two trips, back to back.  Little Rock AR to Dallas TX and remaining in Dallas, I picked up a vehicle and brought it back to the town literally right next to where I live.  Beautiful Snellville Georgia.

The morning of December 19th, I took a flight from Atlanta to Little Rock and picked up a very low mileage 2024 Dodge Durango (super fun vehicle to drive, the Durango) and headed into the downtown Dallas area (see map below).  Easy four and one half hour drive but the only problem was my travel schedule would have me arriving in the Dallas area just around rush hour…UUUGH.

A simple drive, just down I-30W, once out of Little Rock.  Everything was going quite smooth until I hit about a thirty minute back up/delay due to an accident about halfway. This of course pushed me more into Dallas rush hour traffic. The trip ended up taking me about five and half hours as a result.

I had picked out  a DAYS INN, close to my delivery point, to use for the night.  It was a decent place. Actually a nice room.  Didn’t really enjoy the check in process as it was only 6pm at night and I had to check in through one of those little sliding windows instead of actually entering the lobby. My evening meal consisted of a breakfast order from the Denny’s that was in the parking lot.  I felt a little creeped out by that place.  I don’t even remember what I ordered and it cost $14.95!!!!! The following morning, there was no “breakfast grab and go” item and not even coffee. A place not all that recommended. In the immediate area, there are some higher end hotels but they weren’t part of my rewards program list.  On the morning of the 20th, I finished the drive and swapped vehicles with the company representative and began my twelve hour drive back to the metro Atlanta area (Snellville).

I ended up swapping a 2024 Durango for a 2019 Durango.  Pretty much the same vehicle. The ‘19 actually had more bells and whistles.

The original intention for this second half of the drive was to deliver the vehicle up in the north Georgia  Calhoun GA area.  At the last minute, it was decided the vehicle was needed in Snellville GA which worked out better for me.

Below is a simple map of the drive

.

My driving goal for the day was to make it to the Vicksburg MS area (about 50 west of Jackson), lying right along the Mississippi/Louisiana border.  Nice town as I have stayed there a few times before as well it would get me just about halfway through the trip. Well I went on past Vicksburg as the drive was going well. Raced on past Jackson and I ended up stopping for the night in Meridian MS (just shy of the MS/Alabama border). Nearly 500 miles and putting me about four hours away from Snellville GA.

I have stayed in Meridian before and have never found a place I like.  Fortunately a newly remodeled La Quinta opened up so I decided to check it out.  Great choice.  Super nice, great breakfast options and located right across the parking lot from a Mexican restaurant I do like in this town, El Norte. Good atmosphere and great Happy Hour prices!!

Well on the 21st of December, I finished up part two of the back to back drive.  Getting home from the vehicle delivery point was pretty easy as my wife met me there. We immediately went to lunch at one of my local Mexican places that I prefer!

Well this was a short entry in my blog to end the year.  

As I indicated in the opening, despite the slow start it was a busy year and I met a number of new folks and future driving connections.  I can pretty much guess this coming year will be a little busier and most likely I will set a new miles for the year record.  Well I hope.

Thanks for following. Thanks for the commentary I have received. And I have even received a few referrals which I am always grateful.

In a few days, I will be posting another blog that I enjoy doing annually.

“FUN WITH NUMBERS, 2024”.

Where I break down my trips with some tidbits I find interesting and I hope you will too!

Enjoy and never forget, I AM FOR HIRE!!!!