Day 25
Day 25
September 12th
I woke up a little early today. It was definitely not the best sleep I ever had, but it was better than sleeping in the car. At least this place has the comforts of a nearby toilet and electricity. Since I'm up earlier than usual, I have time to plan ahead. I've learned that I really don't like driving into the night. I looked the map over and I'm still exactly 899 miles to the Rainbo Club in Chicago. I connected with my friends in Chicago to let them know that I'm close. After that, I picked Des Moines as the halfway point and booked a cheap hotel for tonight. It's about 8 hours away. With that, I now I have a gameplan for the next few days.
It was easy to get back on the road, considering it was right there. The drive was actually a bit longer than I anticipated, although it wasn't particularly stressful. I also didn't have to drive too deep into the night, so that was good. There was a little bit of construction and a few 60/65mph zones, but it was pretty smooth sailing for the most part. There were a lot of bugs killed on the drive. I'm talkin some big ol' bugs.
My first pit stop today was at a Flying J, somewhere in Nebraska. I think this was my first time stopping at one. I wanted to top off my tank and get myself a coffee before I got going. While filling up, I scrubbed the bug guts off my windshield and then parked so I could go inside and grab a coffee. I'm still such an amateur with the squeegee, but I just watched a youtube video and I'm excited to give it another shot. As soon as I walked in, I saw the ice box and took a peak inside. Pretty sweet.
I noticed that I've been getting stared at a little bit out here. I'm not sure if it's the pencil stache or the ponytail. Maybe it's the tattoos or this vest. Perhaps it's all of the above. Point is, I'm aware I've got a different look going on, especially around here. It's fine at home, but I've felt that uncomfortable feeling out here on the road and I've caught some gazes.
I basically just drove all day and stopped for gas and snacks every 150 or so miles. I still don't have a go-to snack, or drink. I needed gas at one point and the next station just so happened to be at exit 420. Obviously I snapped a pic.
Around 4:20pm, I was about halfway across the US.
During the "Dopesmoker" hour, there was another rad sunset behind me.
Right now I'm at the Days Inn in West Des Moines. This hotel is much nicer than the one last night. It also cost a bit less. There isn't much around, so I ordered Dominos to the hotel. There's something I dig about ordering Domino's to a hotel. It's familiar to me and has become sort of routine. The delivery guy was super nice and he delivered the food right to my room. Kinda weird, but pretty cool.
This morning, I was about 900 miles away from the Rainbo. Right now, it's a little less than 350. It looks like it'll take me about 5 hours. I'd love to go to the Cubs/Mets game tomorrow night at 7, so I'll have to take that into account.
Wow, it's already 1:30 - time for sleep!
September 12th
I woke up a little early today. It was definitely not the best sleep I ever had, but it was better than sleeping in the car. At least this place has the comforts of a nearby toilet and electricity. Since I'm up earlier than usual, I have time to plan ahead. I've learned that I really don't like driving into the night. I looked the map over and I'm still exactly 899 miles to the Rainbo Club in Chicago. I connected with my friends in Chicago to let them know that I'm close. After that, I picked Des Moines as the halfway point and booked a cheap hotel for tonight. It's about 8 hours away. With that, I now I have a gameplan for the next few days.
It was easy to get back on the road, considering it was right there. The drive was actually a bit longer than I anticipated, although it wasn't particularly stressful. I also didn't have to drive too deep into the night, so that was good. There was a little bit of construction and a few 60/65mph zones, but it was pretty smooth sailing for the most part. There were a lot of bugs killed on the drive. I'm talkin some big ol' bugs.
My first pit stop today was at a Flying J, somewhere in Nebraska. I think this was my first time stopping at one. I wanted to top off my tank and get myself a coffee before I got going. While filling up, I scrubbed the bug guts off my windshield and then parked so I could go inside and grab a coffee. I'm still such an amateur with the squeegee, but I just watched a youtube video and I'm excited to give it another shot. As soon as I walked in, I saw the ice box and took a peak inside. Pretty sweet.
I noticed that I've been getting stared at a little bit out here. I'm not sure if it's the pencil stache or the ponytail. Maybe it's the tattoos or this vest. Perhaps it's all of the above. Point is, I'm aware I've got a different look going on, especially around here. It's fine at home, but I've felt that uncomfortable feeling out here on the road and I've caught some gazes.
I basically just drove all day and stopped for gas and snacks every 150 or so miles. I still don't have a go-to snack, or drink. I needed gas at one point and the next station just so happened to be at exit 420. Obviously I snapped a pic.
Around 4:20pm, I was about halfway across the US.
During the "Dopesmoker" hour, there was another rad sunset behind me.
Right now I'm at the Days Inn in West Des Moines. This hotel is much nicer than the one last night. It also cost a bit less. There isn't much around, so I ordered Dominos to the hotel. There's something I dig about ordering Domino's to a hotel. It's familiar to me and has become sort of routine. The delivery guy was super nice and he delivered the food right to my room. Kinda weird, but pretty cool.
This morning, I was about 900 miles away from the Rainbo. Right now, it's a little less than 350. It looks like it'll take me about 5 hours. I'd love to go to the Cubs/Mets game tomorrow night at 7, so I'll have to take that into account.
Wow, it's already 1:30 - time for sleep!