Am I There Yet?

The mantra from the backseat when traveling with the kids was always, “Are we there yet”?  Getting to the destination was more important than enjoying the journey.  I’ve been thinking that same thing over the past three years as I travel between Jacksonville to Dahlonega and then back to Jacksonville, “Am I there yet.”

I know the route well and the driving time – it’s 411 miles and 7 hours if traffic cooperates. Sometimes, it takes longer if the Atlanta traffic is at a standstill.   My normal route is I-10 west to I-75 north.  I stay on I-75 through Atlanta and veer off on I-85 for a few miles before exiting off on GA 400.  That takes me to Dahlonega.

I don’t venture off to explore because I’m anxious to see family, and on my return trip, I’m just ready to get out of the car & settle back in since the next day is a work day.

There aren’t many options to get there.  I’ve checked into buses and trains, but none are direct and take much longer.  Previously, I had Pancake as my traveling companion, so I reduced the travel time as much as possible.  That included stops, which were only to get gas.  

I’m going to check into flying ✈️.  It doesn’t save time when you factor in getting to the airport, check-in, etc., but the difference would be mental freedom to read, people-watch, or nap. Let’s face it: my brain is fried after 7 hours of 80 MPH concentration 🤪.

I want to venture out and see more of the western part of  GA.  I’ve covered the eastern portion quite well and up the middle over & over, but other than passing through, I haven’t stopped to see towns or places on the west side of I-75.  

There’s a website called Trippy that plans out your route for you.  Trippy has a 2-day option from Jacksonville to Dahlonega with a recommended overnight in Byron, GA.  I looked up Byron, and bless its heart, there isn’t much there.  Thank you, Trippy, but  I’ll stay on the thruway and keep asking, “Am I there yet”?  🤗 🚗