We decided to head out west this summer for a break from the worst of the Florida heat in July and August. Our final destination is Lake Tahoe which should have nice cool mornings and evenings and stay in the mid-80’s during the day.

On the way out, I’m driving and Paula will be flying (she’s not quite ready for a long car trip yet following recent knee surgery – but she should be good for the drive back later in the summer). My first day driving was today, starting out from Lakeland, Fl.

It rained off and on all day long, but there was very little traffic and the drive was pleasant. I got to Hattiesburg, Mississippi which was about a 610 mile leg. Hattiesburg was founded in 1882 and is home to the University of Southern Mississippi.

I got a chance to briefly tour the historic downtown area and saw some beautiful southern style homes and buildings. This was a nice unexpected find as I just happened to stop here when I started to get tired.

Hattiesburg’s founder was William H. Hardy and he named the town after his wife, Hattie.