DC -- Signed Sealed Delivered, I'm Yours

I have finally arrived to DC. I have so much to write about: soft breaks, roads of death, country music, friends, surprises, elephant feet etc. But for now: I am here, it will take a lot of getting used to, but I know I'm suppose to be here :) Big hugs and lots of love from rainy DC :)

Where is Toto?

Today (yesterday) was a day for records! I started off in Cheyenne (WY) and drove through Nebraska, part of Iowa and Missouri (I 29) all the way to Kansas. I covered close to 700 miles today and brought my travel total up to 1200 miles, which makes Kansas City my trip's half mark. I can't believe I have already covered such a great part of my journey!
So, some recaps. Traveling through Nebraska was great. The roads are amazingly well kept up--nothing like WY :) I was able to cover most of my route by taking I 80 and 76. The GPS was taking me south of Lincoln, but I decided to go East on Nebraska Highway (2) and South on I 29. It was a great decision and I made good time. GPS is not always right, sometimes you just have to trust your instincts :) The car did great. I stopped for gas, other than that, I drove without stopping. The day ended with an amazing sunset (on the way to I 29 (the Missouri side)) and some fireworks (Kanssas City). I don't know what the fireworks were all about. They must have heard that I was coming LOL
I am staying with some friends of mine I have not seen for two years. It is so good to see them again. The longer I live, the more I learn that we are all connected in a most magical way and in reality, nobody ever leaves forever. We are different because we have known them, and they become a part of us. OK, well, on that cheesy note... good night. I will let you know if I see Toto :)

Roughing It in Wyoming

This is the part of my journal where I talk about roadside assistance and Wyoming driving conditions... After two hours yesterday of uneventful driving, I passed over the Teton pass in WY and literally burned my breaks on the way down. I underestimated the hill's slope and did not change into a lower gear. By the time I realized what was happening it was too late and I had nowhere to stop. I soon started smelling something funny (!!!). I saw smoke coming out of what I thought was my engine. I looked at the engine temperature and it looked fine. I stopped at the first turnout and to my horror realized my tires were on fire. And I don't mean this metaphorically. I grabbed the closest thing I could, which was orange juice and poured it all over the tire. I ran to the back of the car where I was storing a gallon of water for emergencies (although I was not expecting that emergency). After I put out the fire, I noticed it wasn't the tire that was burning but what seemed like the breaks. I stood there still shaking when I realized smoke was coming from the other tire as well. I poured everything I had on it and managed to prevent it from catching on fire. Then I just waited and hoped the damage wasn't too bad. As I was on the phone with my insurance company, an officer that was patrolling the pass stopped and offered help. After the breaks cooled down a bit, she followed me to the nearest gas station. There I found out I was one of the many who underestimated the pass. The gas station staff told me many many nasty stories and I realized I got off easy... To make a very long story short (yes, I think it's too late for that :) I drove to the mechanic 20 mi/hr and many hours later had to have my rotors, pads, and calibers changed (I just had the breaks done a week ago). So, to recap Wyoming... Very bad roads (photos to follow), the dreaded Teton pass, strips of no phone service (luckily not the strip where I had the accident), nice people, lots of bikers (so careful), animals crossing the road (even more careful, because the animals realized that in matches vs. the car, they usually win...or become roadkill), beautiful scenery, amazing starry skies, and awesome mechanics with lots of training (the staff at Big O Tires stayed after hours to fix my car and were very nice). So, 500 miles later and 500 dollars later, I am in Cheyenne. I drove all night and slept a bit this morning, now I need to get ready and head for Nebraska and Kansas. Wish me luck. It seems like I will need it :) ps: Excuse my spelling, I am running on reserve :)

Never thought I'd have a blog :) But here I am writing ... a blog. I decided to set this up so my friends can keep track of me while I'm on the road. I will be traveling through Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, possibly Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and DC. During the next few days I will try to keep you posted as much as the Internet availability permits.

So, this is it :) I am on the way out the door, the car is packed, I'm ready to go :) The last couple of days I have been saying goodbye ... a lot. I have been blessed with amazing friends ... ones I will never forget. They have really changed me in ways I thought none could :)
Although goodbyes are hard they are also amazing blessings. They are beginnings of new adventures, such as this one. Although friendships make it hard to leave, they also give you strength to move on. It's amazing what love can do. It gives you courage to reach for the moon. Many thanks to those who have given me this incredible gift.