6 June 1992: Sanford, North Carolina to Washington, DC

Granduncle Herb prepared a delicious pancake breakfast for us before we left his home in Sanford, North Carolina. Before saying our farewells, I took a photo of my mother and grandmother with Herb in front of his house. Then we were back on the road again.

My mother, granduncle Herb, and grandmother in front of his home

Our destination was Washington, DC, 317 miles (510 km) northeast. Our route followed U.S. Route 501, U.S. Route 64, Interstate 95, and Interstate 395--taking us through the states of North Carolina and Virginia.

It was an uneventful drive. We stopped for a fast food lunch along the away and stopped at a Stuckey's convenience store for snacks and beverages, but I don't recall anything of significance.

As we neared our destination, we could see The Pentagon from the freeway just before we crossed over the Potomac River and entered the nation's capital. Our vision was filled on every side by historical buildings we had only seen before on television, in films, or in magazines. There were constant cries of "look!" and much pointing of fingers.

We navigated our way to Chinatown to the Comfort Inn, a large hotel, about ten storeys tall if I remember correctly, and in a good location for tourists, within close walking distance of a Metrorail subway station.

After settling into our rooms, we ordered dinner from a nearby Chinese delivery, and enjoyed dinner with a serenade of police sirens in the distance being carried through the open windows. We were eager to begin sightseeing the next morning.

Total Travel Distance: 317 miles (510 km)