Day 4. December 29
Colby, Kansas
“The Oasis on the Plain” according to the sign at the visitor’s center.
. . . where I’m stealing internet service.

I’ve gone through Virginia and Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Days two and three were spent overnight in Maumelle, Arkansas and Salina, Kansas. The weather forcast for Texas and New Mexico called for major snowstorms in addition to the usual unpredictable blizzards in Albuquerque and Flagstaff, so I turned right in Oklahoma City back up to I-70 and the Northern Route. I’m heading to Colorado after all! This trip wouldn’t be the same without that, and New Years Eve alone in Barstow would have simply just sucked. Now that I’m past familiar territory, I’ve found my attitude and excitement level picking up. It’s freezing cold here and cloudy, but I’m already wondering where I packed my flops.

Driving across country gives you lots of time to think. Between the coffee and the extended “me time” I’ve come up with a few insights, both personal and universal.

1. Tailgaters are worse in Virginia than anywhere in the South. Seriously, I had more grills shoved up my ass between Louisa and Bristol than anywhere since. And Hampton Roads drivers are the worst. Lighten up people, you make my home state look bad.
2. American’s love their religion, particularly their Christianity. Jesus has more billboard space than cigarette ads. I sort of feel sorry for him, because he never wanted to be a SuperStar but here he is, plastered all over America reminding us to trust, have faith, believe, adopt not abort. He wants me to smile, because my mom chose life, which of course, I do, because the smiley faced ad is so darn happy. I’m all for spirituality, but I keep wondering why the need to shove religion in my face. Where are the Buddhist billboards? Personally I think the sun sparkling off all those ice covered trees in Kansas makes the same point, and in a better way.
3. We also love our sex, if the number of ads for the Adult SuperStore! is any indication. Every state has at least one. A billboard out in Oklahoma teaches us that “God Creates.” I guess the ads for the Adult SuperStore are there to serve as our reminder.
4. My dogs rock. I thought they’d hate this trip, hate giving up their home. Aside from one growling match a few minutes ago, they’ve been the best of travel companions. Sleep in the kennel, romp around rest stops, play in the hotel room and then sleep next to me all night. We don’t argue about the speed limit or where to get gas. They are gypsies at heart.
5. In the winter, there is nothing green southwest of Charlottesville. The trees are brown. The grass is yellow. Daisy found one green something sprouting up through the mud at our Maumelle hotel but she promptly plucked and ate it so I don’t have a clue what it could have been.

And a bonus. At least it is for me!

• After driving 1952.3 miles in less than 4 days, I have come to the conclusion that yes, I absolutely can go more than 40 minutes without needed to stop and pee!

Virginia Sunset. December 26. by karal