The First 500 Miles

It took 4 days to get from Chicago to the other side of Springfield, MO. I quicky realized after the first day that plans have no business on a trip like this. I missed all the sights in the last 80 miles of the first day, including Springfield, IL, because I over estimated how many miles I could cover and I had prearranged my accommodations. Lesson learned.

I almost went back but when I looked at the POI apps, it didn’t feel like I had missed anything that would break my heart. Many of the Springfield attractions involve former president Lincoln; not something that interests me a great deal. Plus I wanted to find a laundromat and sort out a few other details, like work. Afterall, this isn’t a holiday. Total progress westward in miles on day 2, approximately seven.

By the time I hit St. Louis, I was getting the hang of things. So much so that I blasted right through to avoid the stress of finding a place to stay near the urban areas. I much prefer boondocking opportunities or the very inexpensive state parks.

My favourite part of the first quarter of the route had to be the Pink Elephant Antique Mall, home to the giant Trump statue. It was filled to bursting with every manner of oddity. More vintage casserole dishes than I could count. Great old hats, collectibles, costume jewllery; I almost bought an antique hatchet. But alas, I don’t really need one.

I did wander through the fudge shop on my way out and snagged a small block of “tiramisu” and just like when I was a kid, I made it last… well, I still have some in the cupboard. It’s good with tea around 3pm.