Day Three: Storms, Coffee, and the Gulf of America
The day started in Jacksonville with storms looming on the horizon. After a quick breakfast, AC and I hit the road toward Biloxi, Mississippi, planning a coffee stop in Tallahassee. About an hour in, the skies darkened, and we decided to pull off for gas. We sat at the station for 30 minutes, listening to East of Eden and waiting for the worst of the storm to pass. Once the skies cleared, we pressed on.
In Tallahassee, we stopped at Lucky Donkey, a well-loved local coffee spot with a growing presence—soon to be nine cafés. We had a great conversation with the staff about our trip and their role in the city’s coffee scene. Afterward, we made a detour to the Gulf of America. The wind, waves, and red flag warnings made it clear the Gulf wasn’t entirely on board with its new name, but it was worth the stop to see the water.
Back on the road, we crossed into Alabama and made a necessary stop at Buc-ee’s for a decaf coffee and banana pudding—my birthday treat. Our long day meant missing out on Alabama’s coffee shops, but Buc-ee’s had its own charm.
The final stretch to Biloxi was longer than expected. A flipped car on the last bridge reminded us how grateful we were for a safe day of travel. Finally, we reached our campsite, cooked spaghetti with meat sauce and another arugula salad, and called it a night.
This was one of our longest days yet, and I’m glad it’s behind us. Tomorrow, the road continues.
