[drron]

Leave Washington,NC on 17 south.Soon after starting the only heavy rain of our driving tour but by the time we reach New Bern after 30 minutes it has gone.Having done my research I realise New Bern was important in the Peninsula campaign and Abe Lincoln visited the troops there.But I was wrong.New Bern is known for Brad's drink,known better today as Pepsi Cola.As this was a Saturday was able to go to their farmers market-liked the chocolate coated pecans.
Continued south and once again found out that in the USA your reseach doesnt come up with everything as at Wilmington,NC there is the battleship North Carolina open for tours.Overnight at Mrytle Beach where again the Hampton recognised status by giving us a larger corner room.That night off to Greg Normans Australian Grille for dinner.Figured he needs the money now.Amazing though what the staff thought was typical Aussie dishes.
From there south to Hilton head Island via Charleston.Had stayed there before but if you are into the civil war you must do the Fort Sumpter tour where the hostilities began.Also to the north of Charleston is the old Aircraft carrier Yorketown.A visit to one or two of the old plantation houses also reccomended.We have been to Boone Hall and the Magnolia Plantation Gardens.The Hampton at Hilton Head is old.All small rooms.Coffee in lobby cold and no delivery of morning paper.
Final day of driving is now just a drive to Atlanta.Pass close to Savannah where again we have stayed before and it is well worth a visit.Just off I-95 though was the fighting eighth air force museum.Unfortunately again our Hampton at South Lakes let us down and am forced to go the heavy.Arrived about 2.30pm(lots of repacking to do) and given as usual a key packet with our name typed on it but getting to the room find it is 2 doubles not the king room booked.down to the desk and told this is what was booked and there are no king rooms left!Pulled out the hilton.com screen shot showing a king room was booked in October 2006 and my profile says king bed.Told sorry but nothing we can do.OK I am diamond and someone who is arriving later is going to go without their king bed or you are goinfg to call the diamond desk for me.Suddenly a king room is available all be it next to the lifts when profile says away from lifts.Diamond desk is going to hear about this anyway.