Later in the day - more bubbles popping - Day 892 (Yr 3, Day 159)

Anderson, SC

Thankfully, travel went very well.  We pulled out of the NC State Fairgrounds at 8:15am, stopped 3 times along the way and ended up driving about 280 miles.  As I was getting kind of tired (I drove 150 miles straight), we decided that we'd pull into the nearest rest area.  If it was nice enough and had space for us to open the slides and we could stay overnight, then we'd settle in.  If not, we would stay for a little while and research the nearest Walmart.  Our destination to the campground for the weekend is only about 100 miles away (about 2 hrs), so this would be fine.  Turns out it is a very lovely place, with lots of picnic benches and trees, nice bathrooms and vending machines.  There was a great place in the truck area off to the side to park with plenty of space to open the slides.  I found a worker there and asked if we were allowed to stay until morning, and he assured us there would be absolutely no problem - "everyone does."  So here we are.

As for the bubbles (as in plans are made of):  as you know, our assignment to Houston was a bit delayed and we were being sent for a few days to Del Rio.  Got a call from the boss late this afternoon that (1) Del Rio was cancelled, and (2) they have a desperate need for techs in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN where the wildfires were so we may be redirected there.  And then, they have huge contracts in OK/LA/TX.  But he was pretty much begging that we choose TN.  As of this moment, however, he needs to figure out logistics (for example, all gas was shut down in the area, and they can't do any safety inspections until it's turned back on).  We hope to have an answer on Sunday whether we're going to Houston or Gatlinburg.