LONG STORY SHORT By Kristine McGowan Over the last two weeks, we entered a new phase of the trip: the southern city phase. We traded our hiking boots for comfortable walking shoes—or Docs in my case, because my formerly sprained ankle needs the support—and we hit the concrete. I could tell you that we had lots of sightseeing planned. That we intended to explore each city with the same sense of adventure and excitement that we carry into national parks. But honestly? We came for the food. Look. Ever since Jason visited Austin a couple years ago and had his first taste of authentic Texas barbecue, he has not shut up about it. So you can imagine why, as he planned this phase of the trip, he oriented a lot of our schedule around eating. And I can’t complain (anymore). Because now that I’ve tasted authentic Texas barbecue—not to mention New Orleans gumbo and South Carolina fried chicken—I can’t shut up about it either. But anyway. I’ll try not to turn this newsletter into a southern-cooking menu. Where have we been?San Antonio and Austin, Texas  Soon after we crossed into Texas, Jason met a couple guys on an El Paso golf course who assured him we would love San Antonio—and they were right. We visited the Alamo, strolled along the famous River Walk, and dug into some Tex Mex. We didn’t do as much in Austin, but I did devour my first plate of Texas barbecue there, so it’s earned a warm place in my heart (and belly) nonetheless. New Orleans, La.  I didn’t think I could fall so hard for a city, but New Orleans proved me wrong. Over three days, we tried to see as many sides of the city as possible. We took a haunted history tour in the French Quarter, a voodoo tour in Louis Armstrong Park, a swamp tour in Honey Island Swamp, and a tour of the nearby Whitney Plantation. Oh, and we ate as much gumbo, po’ boys, and beignets as our stomachs could handle. Congaree National Park and Columbia, S.C.  After spending nine straight days in cities, it felt good to get out in the wilderness again. Congaree National Park welcomed us with some very wet weather, but we couldn’t bring ourselves to care while we kayaked through a submerged forest. The next day, we ventured into Columbia, S.C., for what might have been the most delicious plate of chicken and waffles we’ve ever had. Where are we going next?The next two weeks will take us from South Carolina through Georgia and deep into Florida. Let’s just hope we get used to Eastern Standard Time by then.  59. Congaree National Park, S.C.
60. Charleston, S.C. 61. Savannah, Ga. 62. Jacksonville, Fla. 63. Tampa, Fla. 64. Miami and Biscayne National Park, Fla.
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