Almost Ready

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Hey friends - I'm getting ready to head out this Friday, September 5, on my cross country "Intro to Retirement" adventure. It's two months tomorrow since I left FNS, and, while I can't say I've gotten as much done at home as I hoped to during this period, I am ready and raring to go on the trip.

I'm posting a map of by initial plans for my travel, but I expect there to be changes along the way, especially if Nick (my grandson!) decides to show up a bit earlier than his expected Oct. 1 due date. The first part of my route focuses on U.S. Route 50 (one of the first coast to coast highways) and the Great River Road, a series of highways which meanders along the Mississippi River. I expect the high point of the first part of the trip to be the drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. If you would like to see a bit more information on these routes, their is a website at http://www.roadtripusa.com/.

Most days, I have a couple of parks or historic sites I plan to see, but mostly I am going to try to staty open to happy surprises and not push things too hard. If anyone has any suggestions for stuff I should be on the lookout for in the general areas in which I'm traveling, be sure to let me know. (I especially want to add to my colleciton of Roadside Giant shots - some samples from our last trip are below). I'll try to post at least once a week - more often if I get some really good shots. I am still learning how to use some of my new photo gear, but I'm especially excited about my infrared-conversion digital, which should yield some really great shots this time of year (when I post some, I'll provide a little more technical detail on how these images are made.

Hope to hear from you as I move along, either on the blog or at my regular email ([e-mail])

Wish me luck!

Susan

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Photos

The Route
At least until I change my mind ...

Sonic Man
One of many Midas Muffler men around the country who have been "repurposed" - this one is in front of the Sonic Drive In in Wilmington, Illinois

Giant Cowboy
Another repurposed Midas Man, outside a casino in Montana

Big and Green
Near the headquarters of Green Giant Foods, in Blue Earth, Minnesota

The Route
At least until I change my mind ...