Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by. – Robert Frost
So last Monday I backed out of the driveway for the last time, put the car in drive and left the neighborhood for the great trek to the Northwest. I passed my favorite coffee shop, my cleaners, the gym and my running track, waving goodbye to each one. There wasn’t even a bit of sadness but rather excitement and tinge of nervousness because well, this is crazy. I left with what I could pack in a 2008 Element, a four day trip ahead, no familiar faces and no home to go to when I get there. I feel like I threw a parachute out of the plane and then jumped. But through adversity comes greatness. Or at least good blog material. I’ll break it down by days.
Day 1!!!!!
So I started off driving straight up I-75 towards Nashville, TN. I would elaborate on the details to be honest, I can’t remember very much about it. And even if I did, you would be so bored I bet it would force you to turn off the computer, tie the chord around your neck and throw it out the window. So for your safety and my reputation as a mediocre blogger, I’ll save you the story. But I did stop by Adams Tennessee to see the infamous Bell Witch site. I’m weird like that.
Yeah, I had to stop there after learning about this odd piece of American history on the History Channel. You have to go to these places with an open mind because nine out of ten times they are a disappointment. This didn’t. I have to say, right when I got off the highway I was spooked out and the many old farm houses and overgrown trees didn’t help. I can’t say that I believe in the ghost stories but when I got out of the car to take a few pictures, I swear I heard whispering all over the place. That was enough to make me get back to 75, most Ricky-Tick. I didn’t even take a photo, that’s how fast my visit was. If anyone is curious, the Bell Witch is in Adams Tennessee, and there is no lodging for at least 20 miles. The site is really tricky to find but when you do, I swear that the experience will hang with you for at least a day. Kind of like watching the movie Seven.
The next stop was my old stomping ground at Ft. Campbell, home of the 101st Air Assault. I have great memories of my brief time here and it just so happened that I needed a haircut. So, I stopped in for the famous $7 “suck-cut”. I’m serious, it’s a haircut that sucks as it cuts because the sheers are connected to a vacuum hose. Well, it’s the best haircut a guy can get for $7. On to St. Louis!
I guess this can be symbolic. It is the “Gateway to the West”, as Dad said when I text him this picture. He has been just beside himself that he couldn’t go on this trip with me but I made sure to keep him informed where I was as he followed at home with his atlas. It would have been great if he came.
I remember I took this picture at hour 8 of the trip because ‘All Things Considered‘ came on NPR. I have to listen to that show on every road trip. It’s tradition, really. If you haven’t heard of it I highly recommend you check it out because that program highlights so many aspects of the world and American culture. Just because my ass is atrophying after one million miles in a car doesn’t mean that my mind has to.
So I finally came to rest in Columbia, Missouri at a Hampton Inn, right across from U of M. At the end of day one I saw GA, TN, KY, IL and now MO. Though I went through many states nothing really note-worthy happened. My battery was so low I skipped dinner and fell asleep, face down, shoes on, TV blaring Family Guy and computer left on X-Entertainment. Only three more days to go…
Well, that was day one. Later today I’ll post day two and it is full of great stuff including a meeting of a fellow blogger, cows and corn, getting a Heil Hitler salute from a bunch of Nazi bikers, and much much more. I bet you are excited. Huh? Huh? uhhh.
Casserole of Disaster 
Glad to hear you made it thru safely my friend. It’s too bad you didn’t have time to stop at the Arch and explore that area, there’s really a lot to see down there. I hope your getting settled in and that things are going well for you in your new location.
Like Dan said, it would’ve been cool if you could’ve stopped at the arch and checked it out. They shove you into a tiny pod thet takes you top the top of the arch. Then you have to look out through tiny windows while trying to keep your balance. It’s awesome. 8)
Can’t wait to read about the rest.
Squeee! Exciting! You got the haircut from Wayne’s World!
Moving is tiring for sure. I am sorry your dad didn’t get to go. Road trips are great bonding experiences. I know I probably already told you this but when I was about 12 or 13 my Grandparents took my sister and I to new york and back in a motor home in 6 weeks. I think that is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lives. I want to do it again but with the more adult pit stops rather then just visiting North Dakota and the statue of Liberty. I wouldn’t want the suction haircut I think that would give me tingly crotch sensation that would turn the whole experience into an awkward one instantly. But it sounds like something from the Jetsons. It definitely does suck 😛
I am so glad you got there all safe and stuff. I cannot wait for the rest of the trip report, then you can go and climb a mountain or something.
welcome back buddy, can’t wait to hear about the rest of your trip!
that bell witch thing creeps me out just hearing about it. i’ve always wanted to go see robert, the haunted doll, but i dont think i’d do it alone. you’re a brave man.
Ahhhh, the Gateway Arch. You were almost in my stomping grounds.
Ah Yes, watching Seven is definitely an experience that hangs around for a bit…man I wanna see this Bell Witch thing, but I would never go alone…actually, I would like to go after sunset, on a date…would that not be the best date ever?! ‘Cause all the adrenaline from fear would result in automatic “grown up” time…lol, I’m gonna make a mental note of that….oh right, we were talking about you…okay then, I’m off to read about the rest of your travels! 😉