Exodus
This entry describes events that took place Jan. 21-28, 2009.
Nearly five months ago, we moved timbond to Colorado. Now, it was my turn.
This would be a different trip from the one in September. For one thing, I would be travelling alone. Although I had help at the beginning and end, and met folks along the way, I would be doing the actual driving by myself. Well, not completely alone. Also on board: Zinger, Moose, and six tropical fish.
As before, I gave live updates from the road through Twitter, and took many pictures on the way, now arranged here in a "stream of consciousness". The "tweets" were originally made through a voice-to-text service called Twitterfone. As the technology is far from perfect, I have corrected everything to say what I originally meant.
The office gang is throwing me a going-away party tonight. I'm especially glad that it's happening *before* I leave! Jan 21st 5:28 PM EST
Having a lot of "lasts" this week. Tonight, my last game of team trivia at The Shamrock (much to the relief of the other teams!). Jan 22nd 7:59 PM EST
We won the 2nd of three rounds in Trivia. Team name: "Brain Drain". Jan 23rd 11:24 AM EST
This morning, I bicycled over to Budget Truck, did the paperwork, threw my bike into the back, and headed to my final day at work. Jan 23rd 11:26 AM EST
In a week, I will no longer need any of these keys.
The bank emailed about my unusual account activity. It was all mine of course, but I hope my upcoming unusual activity doesn't make trouble. Jan 23rd 11:28 AM EST
Oh, and I've been sick this week. The worst possible time, except for if I'd been sick last week, when I was recording narration. Jan 23rd 11:30 AM EST
Saying goodbye to Georgia
The Museum's taking me to The Mandarin for lunch. I guess we can pick Canaan up a cheeseburger on our way in. Jan 23rd 12:16 PM EST
Most of the heavy lifting is done now. Frozen metal thanks to Jim G. and Dawn W. for helping the big stuff down the stairs! Jan 24th 4:06 PM EST
I worked all night
Lots of delays, little crap. I should be on the road within an hour. Jan 25th 1:55 PM EST
Starting up the truck, at last. Jan 25th 4:06 PM EST
With this truck I'm supposed to stop at weigh stations. But the first one, in Forsyth, is closed. Jan 25th 4:47 PM EST
I stopped for dinner at IKEA for one last visit of the store. Also met my cousin Lolly and her husband Chad, for their first visit to the place. I didn't buy anything, because the truck was already packed, and I was so far behind schedule (my goal had been to leave Macon by 8:30 am, and I didn't get on the road until after 4:00 pm).
Just entered Alabama. Finally. Jan 25th 7:28 PM CST
Crossing Alabama's Coosa River. Jan 25th 8:49 PM CST
Took the wrong road out of Birmingham. Dammit. Jan 25th 10:04 PM CST
On the right road now, but it means I won't get to Southaven until who knows when. Jan 25th 10:33 PM CST
Fortunately this rental truck has no governor. Jan 25th 10:38 PM CST
The past two days has been the most physically demanding experience of my life. Jan 25th 11:19 AM CST
Just entered Mississippi. There must be some UFO shit going on, because I've lost hours of time, I feel like shit, and I'm completely alone on this road. Jan 26th 12:03 AM CST
Mitzi
Staying an extra day with Dad, to visit my grandparents, and so I can recover physically from what I've been through the past few days. Jan 26th 5:43 PM CST
Dad let me drive his truck today. It was the first time I've ever adjusted a car seat DOWN to my height (he's about 3" taller than my 6'1"). Jan 26th 9:29 PM CST
Rerouting through Little Rock, AR and Tulsa, OK. Weather could be worse, but the roads will be better. Jan 27th 8:31 AM CST
No geocaching for this trip, I'm afraid. My sync cables are packed away, and I'm going to be too focused on simply surviving the ice storm. Jan 27th 8:31 AM CST
Gonna be driving through a lot of pink on today's weather map. Jan 27th 8:33 AM CST
Starting up the truck now for Day 2. Jan 27th 9:01 AM CST
Crossed the Mississippi river. Now in Arkansas. Jan 27th 9:21 AM CST
Starting to see some ice. Jan 27th 9:27 AM CST
Zinger (blue) and Moose (beige)
I couldn't find all my cables to play the XM radio in the truck but I do have my iPod jamming out to U2. Jan 27th 10:07 AM CST
I am in Little Rock. Jan 27th 11:58 AM CST
Lunchtime! Jan 27th 12:07 PM CST
The rain has become more intense, and trees on either side are covered with what looks like ice. Maybe even seen a few snowflakes. Jan 27th 3:42 PM CST
We've just entered Oklahoma. Jan 27th 3:38 PM CST
I called the Oklahoma DOT but it doesn't seem any roads are closed. Yet. Jan 27th 3:56 PM CST
It helps that there are almost no other cars out here. Jan 27th 4:28 PM CST
I'm on the Tulsa Turnpike. There's snow and ice everywhere. I think I'm being pursued by a pack of Wampas. Jan 27th 5:07 PM CST
Wiper blade broke with all the ice and snow. But I pulled the good one off the other side and moved it over. Seems to be fine for now. Jan 27th 5:27 PM CST
Still haven't reached Tulsa. I am in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Jan 27th 6:25 PM CST
I'm in Tulsa now. I still live! Jan 27th 6:36 PM CST
I will not die in Oklahoma. I will not die in Oklahoma. Jan 27th 6:46 PM CST
I can almost see some patches of pavement through the ice. Jan 27th 7:04 PM CST
I've finally left the toll road and made it onto Interstate 35 north. It will be taking me into Wichita in about two hours. Jan 27th 8:40 PM CST
The road condition is a lot better now. Stand down red alert. Jan 27th 8:45 PM CST
In Kansas now. Jan 27th 9:51 PM CST
I looked outside the window. The sky is cleared up, and the stars are out. It's funny; this is the best weather I've had all day. Jan 27th 9:53 PM CST
Passing through Wichita now. Jan 27th 10:38 PM CST
The snow is picking up again. I have about an hour to go before I get where I'm going tonight. Assuming all goes well. Jan 27th 11:05 PM CST
I just stopped at a rest area to look at the stars. It's been a long time since I've seen them like this. Jan 27th 11:46 PM CST
How I moved the fish 1600 miles
Finally situated for the night, in Salina, KS.
Had to shop for cat litter-had some in the
back of the truck, but the door froze shut!
Jan 28th 1:54 AM CST
Monorail Cat is docked
Hey Baby
I'm awake, ready for the final act. In 425 miles, I will be home. Jan 28th 9:19 AM CST
Passing by the wind farm. Jan 28th 12:07 PM CST
Now passing Russell Kansas, home of former US senator, Presidential candidate, and Viagra spokesman Bob Dole. Jan 28th 12:50 PM CST
Now listening to Smashing Pumpkins. Jan 28th 2:07 PM CST
Doing a quick EVA at the Mittens travel stop at Oakley, Kansas, less than 100 miles before Colorado. Jan 28th 3:30 PM CST
Saw some very attractive young skiers from Illinois-I guess on their way to Colorado. Jan 28th 3:44 PM CST
Also in my change I got a Hawaii State Quarter, the last one that I needed to complete my collection of 50. Jan 28th 3:45 PM CST
The truck's back door is completely unfrozen now. It's just that everything is covered with a layer of salt from the road. Jan 28th 3:53 PM CST
Stopped at Mingo, the world's oldest Geocache. Jan 28th 4:10 PM CST
We're now on Mountain Time! Jan 28th 3:37 PM MST
Toby, Zinger, Moose, and all the fishies are now in COLORADO! Jan 28th 4:19 PM MST
I am gonna kiss you like it's 1945. Jan 28th 5:08 PM MST
Saw Pikes Peak around Mile Marker 374. Jan 28th 5:32 PM MST
I am home. Jan 28th, 6:38 PM MST