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Published: July 20th 2013
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Aaaaaaaanndd they're off!! Months of planning and anticipation culminated in our (almost) on time departure this morning, leaving the US Capital in our rear view mirror for a month as we steer the loaded-down 21st century model family truckster westward.
As Todd encouraged the kids to rise to the occasion for the next 28 days by exhibiting more than their typical level of patience and flexibility it didn't take long for our first opportunity to model the same to arise. Within a few hours of driving, the conversation went something like:
(Tap, tap, tap, tap)
Marcia: "Would whoever is making that tapping noise please stop?"
(tap, tap, tap, tap)
Marcia: "I mean it - stop tapping!"
(Tap, tap, tap, tap)
Marcia (twisting around to discover no one is tapping): "Huh, that can't be good."
After opening the sunroof and sticking my head out to confirm our suspicions, we discovered that our brand new car top carrier was bouncing hard enough for the front end to tap the top of the car. Unexpected stop #1 - rest stop in Kentucky to unload and repackage the carrier to redistribute weight.
Back on the road
- tap, tap, tap, tap. Not good.
Unexpected stop #2. Lowe's in Morehead, KY, to buy the tool we forgot to pack so we can adjust the luggage rack rails and broaden the base for the carrier. Unload the carrier, unattach the carrier, move the rails, reattach the carrier, reload the luggage, and then...wait for it...SUCCESS!! No more tap, tap, tap, tap. Our first (flexible and patient) small victory. Gumby has nothing on us!
We had planned to stop in Lexington, only to find that something called Briarfest and a couple of conferences in town meant no rooms at (any of ) the inns. So, onward to Louisville, and here we sit, 13 1/2 hours into our trip, pleased as punch with ourselves for problem-solving without stress on the first day, and having a marvelous time. The kids are phenomenal travelers, as in we have to insist they vacate the vehicle every few hours for food and bathroom breaks. Really, I think they would sit in those seats for 12 hours straight if we let them.
Heading to St. Louis to visit with Marcia's extended family overnight, eager to see wide open plains and majestic mountains, but
looking forward to the journey from here to there as well.
Thanks for tagging along with us. Until tomorrow.
Marcia
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Chuck &Sue
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Making the journey the point
Excellent start. We are Methodists, after all, so the trip is as important as the goal. Off to CA today. Will miss you. Chuck is in Denver for next week so if you need on-site help, call his cell: 202-441-0529. Love to all. Sue