Not only was there an airport nearby with regular visitors, but a train and highway contributed to the amazing white noise that blankets Springfield’s KOA. I managed to get a restful sleep anyhow, and left with the intent to make it all the way to Indianapolis so I could stay with my sister and avoid another insane $25 camping charge.

With the only interesting sight between these two locations being the St. Louis Archway, I spent my time counting how many different seating arrangement combinations I could make. Leaning forward + left arm draped on front headlight + feet propped up by break and gear shift was a favorite for a while, but soon I needed the lean back + left hand on gas tank + feet bent so that ankles touch pegs combo. I also imagined vivid stories of my imminent future success which helped both to distract and sadden me.

460 miles later my sister found me next to the capital building in Indianapolis and guided me back to her crib which at $500 a month is perhaps the one thing that has most made my reality in Los Angeles seem futile. A place this nice for this little? Oh Midwest, you temptress.








Finally the Desert was gone and I was greeted during these miles with an equally boring “sprawling field” get-up. This trip was no longer about getting to Delaware, it was about being angry the rest of the country didn’t look like West Virginia or upstate New York, and writing it now I realize how unforgiving I’ve been. My apologizes, USA, I’ve neglected to appreciate you for all your many faces, and though I may be biased to your east profile, I’m learning to love you as a whole country. Forgive me if you can.

For breakfast, lunch, and dinner I brought along with me some delicious Ralphs brand “Spaghetti Rings” and granola bars which meekly fight off the hunger:

Soon enough– steak and potatoes, Momma, steak and potatoes.

I spent most of the day wondering when the desert was going to start being awesome by becoming something other than the desert, but that didn’t happen. This was kind of cool:

The wind was especially harsh as I drove, so I constantly found the zipper on my chaps climbing up my leg allowing the leather to whip free like giant uncontrollable wings. By the end of the day I was beat, so I stopped after 430 miles at Elk City, OK.