12. The Long Drive Home

Day 36: Sunday, August 25, part 2

Scenic beauty pretty much comes to an end east of Cheyenne as far as I'm concerned. From then on it is I-80, which may have some good vistas on its way to Pennsylvania, but certainly nothing that comes anywhere near the visual gourmet meal that is represented by the Rockies and points west.

So when I found myself in Cheyenne in the early afternoon with the local sites (state capitol, historic governor's mansion) closed for the weekend, I thought it would make sense to get started on what I call the boredom road -- I-80 through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio. Put the pedal to the metal and let 'er roll, averaging 78 mph over about 5 hours on I-80, pretty much paralleling the Platte River and its many forks.

Happened upon an unexpected delight - the Mormon Island State Recreation Area near Doniphan, NE. $14.50 got me a level paved site, with electricity, picnic table, and fire ring. The setting is lovely, but somewhat marred by the sound of I-80 traffic. Have a Sprint connection and was able to call home. Was shocked to learn that poodle Tia dug up mole poison, ate it, and is now in the animal hospital, hovering near death. The vet hopes that massive blood transfusions will save her life.

Bought gasoline in Cheyenne at $1.309/gal and averaged 15.1 mpg on the last tank. Was on the road for 8 3/4 hours and drove 540 miles.

Temperatures ranged from 49F during last night to the mid-seventies when I hit the Plains, to the high eighties in central Nebraska.

My beard is now five weeks old. Comments?

Day 37: Monday, August 26

Woke up early, partly because of I-80 traqffic noise, partly because my neighbor started his diesel engine at 6:00 AM, and mainly because he and his wife were engaged in a contest to see who could slam doors the loudest.

Was on the road by 9:30 AM and spent the rest of the day on I-80. 545 miles of it. Took me 8 hours, so wasn't exactly obeying the speed limit -- but what else is there to do in Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois but moving forward in a hurry?

Stopped somewhere in Nebraska to get gas. $1.399/gal, and my average was only 15.2 mpg -- the price we pay for going fast.

Found the Starved Rock SP near Utica, IL. Very nice setting in what might turn out to be a scenic area. $11 got me a level site with picnic table, grille, and electric hook-up.

No TV reception, no digital cellular service to get e-mail. I guess I'll go to bed early. The interstate is about 8 miles away, adjoining campsites are either empty or taken by gasoline engine vehicles -- so ought to get a good night's sleep. Grilled a couple of hot dogs for dinner, cookies for desert.

Called Antje using analog roam mode -- poodle Tia is home again. Doctor's orders are to keep her very quiet. How do you do that with a poodle who can't even sit without fidgeting?

Day 38: Tuesday, August 27

Went to bed at 9:00 PM and slept soundly until 7:00 AM this morning. Enjoyed a long hot shower in the (for a state park) excellent bathhouse. Was on the road by 9:00 AM and enjoyed a raher plesant drive through the canyons along the Illinois River. Got back on I-80 at Ottawa, IL and then spent the next seven hours on the boredom road.

Crossed into Pennsylvania and jumped off to find SR 318 and the way to the Rocky Springs Campground near Mercer, PA. $ 19.00 got me a level site with water, electricity, picnic table and fire ring. Hard to find at the end of a dirt road, but worth the effort.

Ate leftovers for dinner and cleaned out the refrigerator except for tomorrow's breakfast. This is my last night on the road for this trip, and -- as usual -- I'm feeling a bit sad that the adventure is coming to an end, and rather happy with the thought that I'll be home tomorrow.

It's been a fabulous trip. I can't really recall all the details, but this journal will help me remember.

Was on the road for 7 3/4 hours and drove 500 miles. Bought gasoline in Illinois for $1.389/gal and averaged 17.1 mpg on the last tank.

Day 39: Wednesday, August 28

Slept until 8:00 AM and woke up to gray skies. Spent some time cleaning the interior of the van and draining the gray and fresh water tanks. Was on the road by 10:00 AM and bought gasoline in Mercer ($1.359/gal, 15.9 mpg) before getting on the interstate.

Spent the next six hours on I-80. Was home by 4:00 PM, after getting the van washed and getting gasoline at my home station ($1.329/gal, 17.3 mpg).

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Some statistics: Drove a total of 11,275 miles. Was on the road for 39 days and burned up 710 gal of gasoline at a total cost of $1,061. Averaged 15.9 mpg. Stayed at 32 different campgrounds for a total cost of $651.

As the commercial might say: Gasoline = $1,061. Campgrounds = $651. Seeing major scenic beauty in Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, and Wyoming = Priceless.

The beard was shaved off within 5 hours of getting home.

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I hope you have enjoyed this journal and your virtual trip with me. Why not send an e-mail and I'll be happy to let you know whenever a new or modified journal (section) has been uploaded. Just make sure that I always have a valid e-mail address for you.

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