The journey through North Carolina has been surprisingly diverse, even while staying mostly on the highways. Driving through the foothills of the Blue Ridge is both exciting and enjoyable, with rolling hills, winding roads, and a mix of climbs and descents. The landscape surrounding the highway has been incredibly lush—likely thanks to the steady rainfall over the past few days.
I honestly didn’t expect such heavy rain on a summer road trip. But, as with any travel, you never really know what to expect. Driving through a downpour isn’t exactly ideal, and if I had a choice, I’d prefer better weather. However, given the timing of my trip and the continuous rain, there wasn’t much I could do.
In situations like this, I’m especially grateful for the car’s driver assistance features—particularly adaptive cruise control. Even when visibility is low, the sensors detect other vehicles and maintain a safe distance. A good sound system, combined with the comfort of being warm and dry in my seat, goes a long way in making even the rainiest stretches more bearable.
The highlight of this first leg of my road trip has been reconnecting with friends and colleagues over local food and drinks. It’s remarkable how, in today’s world, you can work with someone for years without ever meeting in person. That’s why I really value these opportunities to spend some quality time face-to-face.