Out of Atlanta

I left Atlanta at 9:30am yesterday, June 19. It was emotional, so I had Jessica take some photos to document it. And she put the best ones together in this great collage.

I packed up my Saturn and everything fit with room to see out the windows. I loaded the roof rack and bike rack; I wanted as many accessories on my car as possible. The rear of my car was pretty low to the ground carrying all my grandfather’s tools. The photo at the bottom shows how I like being totally naked on long drives.

I hypermiled all the way to Philly. I stayed between 55 and 60 mph since at higher speeds you lose fuel efficiency. I also coasted going down hills. I didn’t pass anyone the whole trip! One truck honked at me, and later, someone flashed their high-beams. I think most people understood that I’d be slow though, since I was bearing a load. My favorite time was when I caught a bus with its hazard lights on, going about 55, and I drafted it for a good while.

I stopped at about 10pm. I pulled into a rest area about 75 miles south of Washington DC. I slept in the car until about 4am, and then drove the rest of the way to Phildelphila. I got in at about 8am. I made it within 24 hours; 800 miles in about 15 hours. I got around 38 miles per gallon, which was pretty good with the load I was carrying.

I’m in Philadelphia now, exhausted from the trip, and excited for Thursday when I fly to Paris.