Route 80 and I, at this point, can officially consider ourselves reacquainted with one another. 847 miles of hard driving finds me resting comfortably awaiting sleep here at the Holiday Inn Express in Le Claire, Iowa – just the other side of bustling Davenport, and a mere 160 miles from Chicago.
Thus far, I’ve been neither stopped nor impounded, though in the former case that’s due in large part to two regrettably anonymous truckers. About 50 miles from Des Moines, I was approaching a small rise in the highway running about 10 or 12 miles over the speed limit when one of two 18 wheelers running front and back checked into the passing lane. And then proceeded to pass no one, instead matching speed with his fellow trucker, who was doing about 3 over the speed limit.
Thus throttled, I was just in the process of becoming frustrated with the trucker who refused to actually use the passing lane for its intended purpose when we crested the hill to see an Iowa State trooper camped just on the other side. Thanks to the truckers, said trooper merely saw two 18 wheelers and a Volvo go by well within the acceptable speed limit. While I can’t be sure that the trucker intended to save me a ticket, about a mile out from the cop he promptly pulled right back into formation with his buddy. With an appreciative wave to both of them, I was off.
With a hair over 1200 miles between me and my destination, I’m within theoretical striking distance, meaning that it’s not impossible that I’ll sleep in Maine tomorrow night – just unlikely. Last year’s day two of the drive saw me bang out 1000 miles, but also featured two blissful hours of Chicago traffic, as I hit the city at the peak of rush hour. This time I should hit it closer to lunch time, and while I still expect to get delayed it might not be quite as bad. Or so I’m telling myself. Even should I not make it quite as far as I hope, my remaining leg on Saturday should be very manageable.
I’m keeping Twitter relatively up to date with my progress, if you need me, and did take a few calls today. Also was pleased to get good news from Marcia – the world’s best neighbor – on the well being of my feline charge: “Az seems fine – up in the loft hiding under the covers.” That’s my girl 😉
With that, I’m off to get some sleep.
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