Our Big Fat American Road Trip [I]

Our July 6th departure from Bartlett, Illinois got off to a rocky start. My car's passenger-side airbag light came on, which landed the car in the shop overnight, and not ready for pick up until 10 AM. We didn't leave my house until noon, partially because I spent 15 minutes sobbing and saying goodbye to this lovely lady(pup).

Guys, when I opened the car door to get in, she squirreled past me to come along with. Balling, I tell you, I was balling, and having second thoughts about our journey across the country. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

This is the first of many ways I wore a scarf on the trip. No air conditioning means figuring out ways to keep long, dumb lady-hairs from blowing in my face. 

Here is our chariot. Gerry's 1994 Ford Explorer with 250,000 miles on it pulling my Corolla packed with shit. We got lucky that we were able to ship two pallets of stuff for free with his company's trucks. Gerry purchased the trailer for $500 off Craigslist, and was able to sell it in Portland for the same price. How awesome is that? Our cost of moving was limited to gas, hotels and food-- aka a vacation. Pretty rad, if I do say so myself.

Picture of all the siblings before taking off.

lovefest 2011

 first highway

The Captain. He drove the entire way.

awesome snax.

crossing the Mississippi

rest stop lunch in an undershirt. it was so hot and humid that day. 

at a pretty rest stop in iowa

Sunset in Misery.

For some reason as soon as the sunset in Missouri the humidity flew up, making the air very thick. The homestretch drive into Lawrence was sticky and miserable. We got into Lawrence, Kansas late, and weren't able to make it to my favorite restaurant. I was still able to meet up with several of my college friends for a few drinks on Mass. I forgot my camera while I was in a rush to meet my buds who had been waiting (too long) for us. It was a grand ol' time though. Buh-leave it. 

I'm kinda glad I procrastinated this series. It's really fun to replay our trip through photos, and relive the memories after some time. Hope you enjoy reading and seeing these posts as much as I enjoy sharing them. <3