ok, I’m still up North in the grand scheme of things, but 4 hours south of Chi is a bit different (I know folks South of 1-80 might take offense to that, sorry…I don’t mean it in a bad way … I mean it in a relaxing way). But before I head back up I want to recap a few things that highlighted this mini work related solitary road trip. Route 47 has a bridge out…with the help of impatience in not wanting back-track to the nearest city, an almost disguised-by looming trees – country back road with multiple random intersections and two nice folks with a slight accent (who badly needed a trip to the dentist) I found my way back to the main highway without having to back track. That could have easily gone wrong, because after a few twists and turns on those roads and having no map, I’m not sure I would have even been able to back track successfully. A road closed sign is no guarantee for a mapped out alternative I guess. The lightning bugs are back, this I’m aware of due to my glowing windshield on the highway last night. The reporter I had to share a hotel room with was possibly the worst snorer I have ever encountered. Not even 2 hours of Sigur Ros pumping into my ears could help me either a) ignore it or b) get solid sleep. But he was nice guy. I met a few people whose photos I know but whose faces I don’t. The rain held out today, which was good. I just paid $4.25 for a pile of lettuce, but it was good, the dark kind. Elderly women with canes and limps in the coffee shop last night were talking about the sorts of drinks they prefer and ended with a conversation about whiskey after touching on Kahlua and Tequila? Speaking of Tequila here’s something I overheard from a pretty big dude on the track this morning (an official or something): Dude this hot chick offered me a shot of Tequila last night, man I haven’t had tequila in like five years. I feel awful today…but what was I gonna do? Say no? to a hot chick offering me a tequila shot? I wonder if that guy knew that accepting a shot from a ‘hot chick’ doesn’t mean anything more than you will get a minute of conversation (if that) so, saying no is perfectly acceptable. But I can’t trust anyone over 200 lbs that feels hung over from 1 shot of tequila anyways. Weirdo. Ok back to the coffeeshop and liquor talk?? So those women were talking about whiskey …

Then I remembered I still have some in my trunk (not much) from a long time ago. I decided against bringing it out, though it seemed like everyone in the shop was itching for a drink. I just wanted to go read. sooo I did. Long road trip ramble with no proof-reading over. And this picture is the finish of the 3,200 Meter (2 mile ) run. The top three all finished under 9 minutes. Damn.