Chicago - What a Trip!!

Yes, we are back. I can hear Bigun in there on the other computer pounding away on the keys. He must be posting about the trip and the race.

(I have been trying to type this post out for 3 days now. Bigun has posted twice since we arrived back at the homestead - I have been working...)

Because we found ourselves living in an Internet Challenged World for the last 5 days the updates I promised vanished into the Great Blackhole of "No Internet Service". Weird, crazy weird. I have never had this happen to me before. Internet service seems like such a basic commodity these days. You know, like bread, milk or eggs. I didn't realize that there are actually people out there who can live with out it!! I truly did not know this sort of existence (non computer/Internet) was still possible. We did have Internet the first day of our trip when we landed at Bigun's Mom's in NC. But, because time was little I thought I would wait until we landed in Ohio on the second evening before I posted an update... well, you all know how that went. It didn't. By the time we got back from dinner, it was late and we had a long drive ahead of us in the morning. Our cousins have Internet but not wireless. All my photos were loaded onto my laptop. So, I thought, "I'll just wait until we land in Chicago." Saturday, after the expo we can get back to our friends' and put together a little post then. Nope. No way. No how. Andy and Brittany don't have Internet. Swear, it's true. I am not making it up. How could I make something like that up?!?! My mind cannot fathom an Internet-less World.

Not having Internet access did allow me a little more time for photos...amazing how you can always find an alternative activity.

We had such a great trip. It was a whirlwind sort of trip- exhausting sort of trip but still loads of fun. I'll share part of it with you now.

The first series of photographs is the first leg of our trip...yes, an 11 hour drive to North Carolina. Hold on to your boot straps because this post is about to take you for a ride. I probably should let you in on a little known fact. As a passenger I am not a very good driving companion. Sleep is totally my best friend. EVER. Riding and sleeping is almost as good as a nap after turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Bigun doesn't consider me such a good travelling companion. Oh well, he married me, he has to live with it, or in this case, drive with it!! This go I actually managed to stay awake for the entire ride to NC. I have the pictures to prove it too!

This, my friends, is the start of our five days of driving and one day of racing. This is how the morning started on the first day of our journey.

Sunrise on Hickory Lake, there really is not much better than this. Our backyard starts the day right.
We fed everyone.

Everybody settled in to their respective places. They always know when we are going away for a bit. I left written instructions for their feeding regimen and "potty" regimens. My friend Kojo stopped by to take care of them. As an added treat, they spent the weekend at Kojo's house.

Our trip began pretty uneventful. Then we hit Starke ( billboards call it a Speed trap). Swear. It's true. Billboards announce this town as a speed trap before you get there. Here is where we were able to partake in a little southern rubberneck activity. These officers were sacking some kids' car on the side of the road. I hope they were operating on a tip. Notice the kids standing down off the road. That's what speeding can get you in Starke. A ticket and a sacking. Word of advice here - don't speed in Starke. These officers mean business. By the way, have you thanked an officer lately for what a great job they do? They have a pretty thankless job and put their lives on the line for us everytime they put that uniform on. Next time you see a State Trooper, Sheriff's Deputy or City Cop, be sure to tell them "Thanks". Okay - soapbox gone now.

Yes, I am pretty easily amused. I LOVE this shot.






Life is a Highway... (more self amusement)

We don't really have any hills (zero hills) in our neck of Florida so I thought it was important to document them. This not only was a hill but an entry ramp too. High times in Florida.

Yep, that's exactly what you think it is. It's easier to see if you click on the photograph. ;)

We passed this house. Stopped for gas/ potty break, got back on the highway, passed it again.

2 hours later, took another little break, got back on the highway, passed the house. AGAIN.

We stopped at a "LOVES" gas station in Hardeeville, South Carolina. This was our Cashier, Honey. What a sweetheart. She goes out to cars of elderly patrons and brings the money in so that they don't have to walk so far. Her reward, lots of petting and sweet talk followed by a treat

In case any of you were wondering...

About 225 miles later we arrived at Bigun's Mom's. I'll post the second day of our trip later. It's late, I'm tired and I need some beauty rest. I know, you can't wait to see the good stuff. But, this is the life of a Sherpa and I know you are all so anxiously awaiting for the rest of the journey.

Thanks for reading and I promise, stay tuned, it does get better!! I still need to tell you about the hummingbirds, the expo, meeting the Wimmers, Roman, Tim, Dr. Dave, the race, the wings, wow. I have so much to tell you about. Stop back in for the next leg. I promise, it only gets better!!