Well white smoke on startup means it is burning off moisture. As for the plugs, the first thing you might want to do is a compression test. See if the compression is really low. If it is over 110, then it might be ok.
But if it is lower, then what you do is take a bit of oil, a teaspoon or so and pour it into the cylinder. Test for compression again. If it goes up, then you are looking at a ring job minimum. If it does not go up, then you most likely need a valve job.
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!