Day 1

So here it is, the big day. I got back to home at noon to finish packing. Alas it was not to be. After all the careful planning at the very end we were left with more outside the car than in. Amidst curses and grunts I began to further triage my worldly belongings. After a hasty few minutes everything was set to be put back in the car. Nut as luck would have it it was not so easy. So what you may ask did the fates find to stall our trip? Somehow the trunk lock decided it needed time off and mysteriously broke. I had waited too long to for this trip and nothing was going to stop us so we packed up everything we wouldn't need on the trip and closed the trunk again, a problem to be solved at our destination. Crisis... delayed.

Hugs went round, the gps went online and we were off. My brother, a Hula girl and me. Only 3 hours late.

We decided to go toward Lansing and down to Indianapolis so the next three hours were spent looking at parts of Michigan I have not seen in a while and probably won't again for a long time. The light but persistent rain followed us across the border and most of the way into the night. About the time it got dark my pain pills kicked in so it's all a little fuzzy for a while after that, but all in all it was an un-inveventful drive.

Long about Fort Wayne Scott and I started the common argument over who had to pick where to eat. For two ornery guys, sometimes we are both too polite. Thankfully fate decided to throw us a bone. Suddenly before our very eyes was the shining citadel of culinary flavor that we had spoken of with whispered longing only hours before- The White Castle. No further discussion was needed. Mini burgers were scant feet away waiting to be devoured. And we did. Bellies now full we left satisfied that the gods had blessed this trip.

It was smooth sailing into St. louis. My brother and I have both been there before so we traded stories about the gateway to the west. Since once upon a time long ago I lived there (if only for a summer) It was fun coming back to the city. i remember it fondly, It was the first time I lived in a city outside my home state. I know, momentous right? Well it seemed like it at the time. It felt good to finally show my brother around and point out the places I have lived and worked much like he always does for us. All in all my memories from there and that time are pretty good. Though I have been far to nostalgic lately for this to have done me any good. With a flash we zoomed through the city and past Six Flags which means flat land is gone and now the hills will come.



Our first day had taken us past St. Louis and late into the night. We pulled into the humble little Travel Lodge at 2:30 am and wobbled gratefully into the room. Two beds and clean white sheets, what more could two travelers ask for?

Day 2 starts early at 8:30am, and look out drivers- it's my turn behind the wheel.

Stay tuned and stay healthy!



Always-




In one mile turn left. turn left... turn now (repeat)