Day 29
Day 29
September 16th
We had to check out of our airbnb in Chicago this morning and I had absolutely no idea where'd I'd be heading next. That wasn't on the top of my mind though, because I really wasn't feeling too hot. I couldn't even think about eating the Papa John's that was sitting on the table. What a waste of money that was - I think I ate maybe 2 slices of the $20 pie I bought.
It feels like our time in Chicago was over too quick. I know I definitely had a good time, perhaps that's why. Shit, I even looked for hotels in the area so I could possibly extend the stay. I hadn't yet ruled out the idea of getting a Sunday ticket for Riot Fest so I could see Jawbreaker, although I knew it wouldn't even come close to the thrill I felt at the Phish show in Colorado. Unfortunately a lot of things are poppin' in Chicago this weekend, so there were 0 hotel deals to be found. Most hotels I saw were in the $250+ range and Riot Fest would be another $100, so that wasn't happening. I knew I had to get back on the road, but where to? I realized yesterday that I still hadn't gone to a theme park yet. Thinking back, that was one of the first things I almost did on this trip. If things had worked out differently, my first stop very well could have been King's Dominion in Richmond. Some folks here in Chicago had suggested that I check out Cedar Point in Ohio on the way back. They said this place has the most roller coasters in the world. I was stoked that it'd be on my way home.
Before leaving, I hung out with Nick, Amanda, and Pawel on the pool deck at Nick's hotel. This was nice because it felt like I was on a cruise ship and they also helped me figure out my next moves. I found a cheap hotel near the theme park and made that my destination for tonight. As we were sitting by the pool, the Future Islands song "Seasons" came on. I hadn't heard this song in a long time, but I really dig it. I especially like the video from when they performed it live on David Letterman. The rest of the gang hadn't seen this, so I whipped out my phone and shared it with them. I know it's usually annoying when people do that, but I felt this was worth it. The song gets me in a good mood because whenever I hear it I can picture this dudes dance moves in my head.
Time was running up on my meter and I had a plan now, so I said goodbye to the gang and grabbed my car. I knew there was a car wash spot near our airbnb, so I headed there first. Silky hasn't been washed since Las Vegas and was covered in bug guts. I wanted to treat her a little bit before getting back out there and taking me to roller coaster heaven. With a sparkling clean car, I met up with Francis at his hotel. Francis flew in for Riot Fest and was staying at a hotel downtown with his friend. It was really cool hanging with them and part of me still wanted to stay and go to the show, but I had already booked my hotel so I was committed to the plan.
When I got back on the road it really hit me that this trip is winding down. There were toll roads for the first time since leaving New Jersey. On this toll road there were also rest stops, like there are on the Turnpike or Parkway. I guess that's how toll roads work. This definitely strips away some of the freedom that a road trip provides, but I also see the convenience of not having to stray too far to take a leak or fill up. The rest stops are also consistent, so you know when the next one is in case you do need to make a stop.
Toll roads was one thing, but I think this drive felt different for other reasons. I didn't know why, but I was a little bummed for some reason. I think I was starting to feel comfortable in Chicago, especially being around so many friends. It was sorta strange to head off into the unknown and that familiar feeling of uncertainty began to creep up on me. I don't know yet what I'm doing after the theme park tomorrow. I actually don't even have my ticket yet, so I better wrap this up and check that out. I think I may keep this party going and check out Pittsburgh after this.
September 16th
We had to check out of our airbnb in Chicago this morning and I had absolutely no idea where'd I'd be heading next. That wasn't on the top of my mind though, because I really wasn't feeling too hot. I couldn't even think about eating the Papa John's that was sitting on the table. What a waste of money that was - I think I ate maybe 2 slices of the $20 pie I bought.
It feels like our time in Chicago was over too quick. I know I definitely had a good time, perhaps that's why. Shit, I even looked for hotels in the area so I could possibly extend the stay. I hadn't yet ruled out the idea of getting a Sunday ticket for Riot Fest so I could see Jawbreaker, although I knew it wouldn't even come close to the thrill I felt at the Phish show in Colorado. Unfortunately a lot of things are poppin' in Chicago this weekend, so there were 0 hotel deals to be found. Most hotels I saw were in the $250+ range and Riot Fest would be another $100, so that wasn't happening. I knew I had to get back on the road, but where to? I realized yesterday that I still hadn't gone to a theme park yet. Thinking back, that was one of the first things I almost did on this trip. If things had worked out differently, my first stop very well could have been King's Dominion in Richmond. Some folks here in Chicago had suggested that I check out Cedar Point in Ohio on the way back. They said this place has the most roller coasters in the world. I was stoked that it'd be on my way home.
Before leaving, I hung out with Nick, Amanda, and Pawel on the pool deck at Nick's hotel. This was nice because it felt like I was on a cruise ship and they also helped me figure out my next moves. I found a cheap hotel near the theme park and made that my destination for tonight. As we were sitting by the pool, the Future Islands song "Seasons" came on. I hadn't heard this song in a long time, but I really dig it. I especially like the video from when they performed it live on David Letterman. The rest of the gang hadn't seen this, so I whipped out my phone and shared it with them. I know it's usually annoying when people do that, but I felt this was worth it. The song gets me in a good mood because whenever I hear it I can picture this dudes dance moves in my head.
Click to viewTime was running up on my meter and I had a plan now, so I said goodbye to the gang and grabbed my car. I knew there was a car wash spot near our airbnb, so I headed there first. Silky hasn't been washed since Las Vegas and was covered in bug guts. I wanted to treat her a little bit before getting back out there and taking me to roller coaster heaven. With a sparkling clean car, I met up with Francis at his hotel. Francis flew in for Riot Fest and was staying at a hotel downtown with his friend. It was really cool hanging with them and part of me still wanted to stay and go to the show, but I had already booked my hotel so I was committed to the plan.
When I got back on the road it really hit me that this trip is winding down. There were toll roads for the first time since leaving New Jersey. On this toll road there were also rest stops, like there are on the Turnpike or Parkway. I guess that's how toll roads work. This definitely strips away some of the freedom that a road trip provides, but I also see the convenience of not having to stray too far to take a leak or fill up. The rest stops are also consistent, so you know when the next one is in case you do need to make a stop.
Toll roads was one thing, but I think this drive felt different for other reasons. I didn't know why, but I was a little bummed for some reason. I think I was starting to feel comfortable in Chicago, especially being around so many friends. It was sorta strange to head off into the unknown and that familiar feeling of uncertainty began to creep up on me. I don't know yet what I'm doing after the theme park tomorrow. I actually don't even have my ticket yet, so I better wrap this up and check that out. I think I may keep this party going and check out Pittsburgh after this.