Sep 10, 2017 12:00
Day 23
September 10th
After dipping my toes in the ocean, my friend Izzy who works at the Rapha store hit me up and said to drop by for a coffee before heading out. I knew I had a long day ahead of me, so this was perfect timing. I kicked it there for a little bit before getting back on the road. I kept seeing signs for Sacramento, and I knew that's where the famous-to-me Little Caesar's location is, so I plugged the "bryteway market" into my GPS. It was only a quick detour so I stopped there first. I was actually surprised by how big it was and I didn't think it was dirty at all, so I'm not too sure what the kid was talking about. Maybe they upgraded the store since he made that video, I don't know. I actually liked the place and imagined that it's very convenient for folks who live on the block, since it's in a very residential area. I didn't buy any cigarettes, but I got a $2 scratch off (number 22 in the case). I haven't scratched it yet, but it's sitting next to me in the car and I've got high hopes based off all of that.
I'm parked outside of a Jimmy John's right now writing yesterday's recap. I've never been to a Jimmy John's but I want a sandwich pretty bad, so I'm rushing through this one. I'll have to add pics to these last few entries later. I wish I had planned out this trip a little better because this is a long drive to Chicago and it would have been rad to take my time and stop in Portland or Seattle before heading back east. That's okay though, I'm off until October 2nd, and we've got plenty of time until then. I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends in Chicago. Both the ones who live there, and the ones who will be in town.
After grabbing a pizza from THE Little Caesars, I got back back on the road and began to wonder why the kid liked being there so much. There were only 2 benches and there wasn't really anything to look around at. You kind of just walk in, and walk out with the food. I asked for a plain pie and if they had any that were hot-n-ready. I got a puzzled look back and was asked if I wanted a cheese pie. I said yes, that's exactly what I want, thank you. I got back in the car and ate the pizza as I drove across Nevada into Salt Lake City. There were a lot of bugs on this road and my windshield was getting annihilated. I'm in a habit now of washing my windshield real good every time I fill up for gas. The wiper fluid doesn't do shit on dried up bug guts, I've learned.
The drive was long, but I was able to stay woke. I got a Redline energy drink at a gas station in Nevada and was reminded of Brandon Biebel. Those gas station stores in Nevada are rad because they have CASINOS in them. I decided not to try my luck, after already pissing away nearly $100 in Vegas last week. One thing I do when I stop inside is I always check the ice freezer. The art work on some of those ice bags is really awesome to see and I'm seeing a lot of new ones to me. Back home, most places have the same few. I haven't struck what I'd consider gold yet, but I've seen some cool shit for sure. I try to get in there fast and snap a pic before anybody notices me.
The hotel in Salt Lake City was probably the nicest one I've stayed in so far. I got in around 12:30 or 1AM and was greeted by two very friendly women at the front desk, one a bit older and one around my age. I mentioned my trip and we talked about our experiences seeing the eclipse. She showed me a video from her phone and her footage of the event was incredible. I looked through my phone and realized that I didn't really get any good pics of the thing. Not compared to hers, at least. We both agreed that we would like to be there for the next one in 2024. I asked when check-out time was and the woman said 12, but if I need an extension til 2 that's not a problem and to just let her know. I thought that was so nice of her. She then handed me two warm cookies. This sealed the deal. I went up to my room with a big smile on my face and was stoked to see my room had a balcony. I went out on the balcony and took a deep breath. My watch was still stuck in California time so I didn't realize how late it was getting. I don't think I actually went to bed until around 3AM.
I slept well and got back on the road today around 12:30. The hotel was in a business complex and in the parking lot, I met a man who was down on his luck. He seemed to be around my age and had a hand-written note saying he was trying to get back to California. I've just been using my credit card so I don't have any cash, but I hooked him up with the beers that were in my trunk. I told him they were warm, but he was stoked and poured a few into his cup. He thanked me, without actually saying a word. I'm not sure why he couldn't speak, but anyway. Heading in now for a sandwich. Let's see what Jimmy John's is all about.