To: OnTheRoad
From: Richard Dean <richdean@clark.net>
Subject: hello from snowy iowa
hello everyone!
finally getting the chance to write after a somewhat hectic trip across the east... tonight i'm in Stuart, Iowa (that's exit 93 on I-80) where it is currently snowing heavily. While driving through Des Moines (motto: "no tall buildings") I heard a forecast for "blizzard conditions" in central Iowa, so I tried to nuzzle the saab up past 50mph and out of the state, but I missed my chance. One can only hope that this lovely Super 8 motel isn't my home all day Sunday. Not that there's anything wrong with motels in Iowa...
I actually left Boston about a week ago, but had to detour thru DC to finish up this project with the Discovery Channel. About 20 miles of of Boston I decided that the whole trailer-behind-the-car idea was a pretty stupid one --- tons of stress to drive a car this way. At some point I know I'll look back and see not the bright orange U-Haul, but my life's collection of junk strewn behind me. This is how we travelled on holiday as kids (sort of)... belongings stuffed in bags stuck to the roof of the station wagon with scotch tape and those yellow things you tie garbage bags up with. Every now and again some clothes would escape. For now, though, all is well. I'm kinda scared to open the back.
Anyway, the usual route so far: Columbus, Ohio for 12 hours (sorry Susan! :-( then on to Champaign for a couple days to visit old radio pals. I've taken some pictures with my new camera and will throw them online as soonas I track down the cord that connects the camera to my computer. Then you will see the ferocious large bird ("Shelby") that eyed me hungrily during my stay in the Twin Cities. Not too long ago, Shelby gave me a nice chomp without notice... now poor Gwen and Todd (friends in C-U) have to lock her up every time I come over. Huge fangs and long claws like a hawk.... its like that bird Beretta used to have on TV.
The car fared well on the midwestern flats, sometimes approaching 60 in 5th gear, but on hills its another deal. The roads are pretty desolate and grey, nothing like the first few trips last year. Its been snowing now and then, but nothing like tonight. The interstates provide a good trailer-dragging route, but are very lame for meeting people. The sheer volume of transients means motels and fast food places have all the warmth of a new york deli. On the side roads, people are not in such a rush... that is, unless they're stuck behind some yahoo from Massachusetts driving 45. Anyway, I'm hoping to find some good bars along the way soon.
In true Rich fashion, my exact route from here is a bit murky... Idaho and skiing are in front of me but details have yet to emerge! I'll be in San Fran sometime around the 20th most likely... maybe a bit later. My recruiter is anxious for me to get there so I can start interviewing (Pointcast is the first bite so far...), but I'm content to take it slow :-)
joy of joys it is now sleeting here....
write back soon!
rich