We were shooting for a 7:30-8:00 AM pull out but that didn't happen. By the time we rolled out of the driveway and grabbed some breakfast at McDonald's, it was about 9:15. Then while going south on RT 8 to catch the turnpike, I'm thinking about what I may have forgot to bring. Helmets, check. Cash, check. Hotel paperwork, check. Cholesterol pills, check. Phone, check. Oh, there goes the turnpike entrance! Damn it. Turn around at RT 303 and head back. So we're heading west now and as usual, the turnpike is under construction. Trying to maintain 75 MPH but that's spotty. I guess we're going fast enough cuz the gas gauge is dropping like Colt McCoy's quarterback rating! 171 miles and my gauge is telling me I have 24 mile to empty. I can usually get about 205 before the warning light comes on. I guess I must have gained weight!
We hammer on down the road and the only options at the service plazas are McDonald's, Burger King and Hardee's. I opt for Hardee's at the Ernie Pyle Service Plaza. Maybe it will help with my writing. Marybeth picks a table that has the handicapped symbol etched into it. I ask her if she really wants to sit there. She says there's 4 other handicapped tables around us if one is needed. I telle her that if a bus load of handicapped pull in, we'll have to move. We start eating and Marybeth is facing the window. All of a sudden she says f@ck! Don't park there Jeep! The sun is hitting the windshield and blasting her in the eyes! Not good for someone susceptible to migraines. I switch sides with her which caused me to miss out on the 3 year old putting a orange caution cone on his head like a hat before his dad straitened him out. He will be the guy at the party with the lampshade on his head.
On down the road, by exit 96, is the RV/MH Hall Of Fame. We were pressed for time so we didn't stop. But if any of you get a chance to check it out, take some pictures so I can see what it's like!
We motor on and make another gas stop for some BP with invigorate! Let's see if this helps!
We drive on. Finally I see a wind turbine and I know we're close to Iowa! And then there it is, the Mississippi River. Now we're only 3 miles from our hotel and a shower and dinner at the Granite City Food and Brewery. We check in and load the 2 weeks worth of luggage on the cart.
Dinner at the Granite City is awesome, starting with an appetizer of Korean Tacos, some Cheddar Ale Soup, and the Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Of Course I had to try Marybeth's Shrimp and Sausage Flat Bread, all washed down with a couple pints!
Now I'm ready for some sleep. Got a ride to the exciting city of Kearney, Nebraska tomorrow and hopefully Hurricane Isaac will not jump into our path in the morning! Later!