Home Again

Well, after just over 3 weeks on the road I am finally back home in TN. It was a great trip that lead me through many states (KY, IL, MO, IA, NE, SD, WY, MT, ID, NV, CA, AZ, NM, TX, OK, and finally AR) requiring many miles (~6500) of driving. It reminded me of how great this country can be in spite of the "leaders" we have in Washington. I encountered many helpful and courteous people during my trip and enjoyed the incredible and diverse scenery along the way. I decided that there are about 3 places that I could definitely live if I ever decide to move Westward. Rapid City, SD and the Black Hills, West Yellowstone, MT and finally Carson City, NV or that general area.

I'll post some pictures in the next few days of the later part of my journey. I had great visits with friends and family along the way. My little sister lives in CA so I was able to spend a few days with her and her family in a totally accessible house. It is beautiful and very well laid out. I was also able to pop in on friends from my childhood (Paul and Jon). It was good to catch up and to learn what they are up to these days. Jon's sister was having a big party the night I was in town so she let me crash the party which allowed me to meet up with his whole family. It was a fun time of catch up and good food and fellowship.

After a few days in LA visiting Paul and Paula (and getting beat at several Wii games by their two sons Brenden and Bryant) I decided to just head straight back across I-40. It is a pretty drive in sections but it also afforded me the shortest and quickest path home. I ended up driving to the ocean in Santa Monica on Wednesday morning before heading East. I drove the whole way home in under 44 hours. A long drive but I was ready to get home.