(The Lord will provide) a shelter from daytime heat
    and a hiding place from storms and rain. – Isaiah 4:6

So there we were again, barreling down I-95 Sunday afternoon in some of the worst driving conditions I have ever encountered. Navigating 95 is difficult enough regardless, now add in the fact that it is so poorly marked, mostly unlit and barely painted, plus the relentless torrential driving rains impacting visibility, and finally pitch darkness making the road still more treacherous.

Rebekah and I counted at least six serious wrecks, a couple of which had only just happened. Our saving grace was the Subaru; our all-wheel drive Outback handled with remarkable stability in the conditions.

By Savannah we had to stop for the night, so we picked up the journey Monday morning under blue skies. I would love to photograph the grassy salt marshes when we traverse the series of estuaries between Savannah and Jacksonville – but of course it’s impossible while driving! Also the spectacular views of downtown Jacksonville crossing the Saint John’s River. And again coming off an overpass near the center of Orlando to see the splashy vista of crowded cityscape.

Lunch in DeLand

We stopped for lunch in DeLand, where Rebekah and I both attended Stetson University, first meeting on the steps of the Student Union in 1976.

We did a lightening tour and I grabbed a few photographs, including the reconstruction of the much storied Hulley Tower.

And we saw our first home, where Rebekah and I had an apartment when I served as head resident. We often wondered how amazing the house would be if it was fully restored as a private residence – now it has!

Stetson remains stunningly beautiful and unique among university campuses. The ongoing building and beautification initiatives continue to bring spectacular results. Even the once sand-spur ridden field I played on is now housed in a pristine “soccer complex” including an upscale training facility we could not have imagined in the 1970’s.

Downtown DeLand has become a mecca of small-town charm, featuring bricked streets, parks, great restaurants, pubs, boutique shops, fine arts, diverse merchants and more. Rebekah and I are seriously impressed with everything about the community.

It is certainly good to see our grandchildren and, yes, I am thankful for the more comfortable car. Rebekah and I may enjoy roadtrips together… but I will be more than happy if we can avoid taking one like this again anytime soon.

Weary and looking for some rest – in body and in spirit – DEREK