The Kudzu Knows

In Tennessee now. The state line was in the middle of a bridge! And as soon as we crossed it– Kudzu as far as the eye can see!

According to Mom, it "Feels like home already!"

Unfortunately, so far there haven't been any stations for the gas card I have. Booooo!

Madrid Fault Rest Stop

Why did no one mention how utterly painful driving for hours on end is?

Arrowhead monument at the New Madrid rest stop

At our first actual rest stop, and it's beautiful! Located at the 42 mile marker on Interstate 55, it featured all kinds of cool decor and facts about the Madrid fault line. Phone died midway through, so I couldn't get more cool pics of it, unfortunately. Mom got several on the camera though, so we'll have those for later.

Mom looking at the decorative wall between the bathrooms

Close up of decorative wall

I had tried to try and wrangle some Pokémon on Go before that, but the internet connection is terrible! Still, seems they have a gym, so...first badge of the journey: Obtained!

I'm hoping to collect lots of them, and maybe some gifts, too. Hopefully at the next stop I can keep the connection.

First Spot of Rest

184.2 miles into this trip, and I ache all over. Still, aside from a little Highway Hypnosis, all has been well so far.

Big atlas view of our adventure progression

We traveled through the Mark Twain National Forest, and I was tempted to stop so many times – the number of conservation centers through that stretch was astounding! Maybe on my next pass when I'm actually moving and not just visiting NC.

Despite the horrid, stormy, and flash flood weather the past week, today has been sunshiny and clear, if a little humid. Though at one point I heard the sound of raindrops on the windshield, I quickly discovered it was not rain, but looots of tiny bugs splattering to their deaths.

Good thing the car is stocked on windshield washer fluids! XD

On the Open Road! Good Luck in Sight?

After much to-do and packing, I completed the last two weeks of my job at the local Phillips 66 Gas Station! Next step was the Big Trip.

Shortly after 9am, my mother and I left home to start the long car drive from mid-Missouri to North Carolina.

It wasn't all peas and carrots at first. Before we could even leave, Mom had spilled her drink ALLL over the driver's side floorboard, and we were delayed with cleaning that up. Then, 39.3 miles down the highway, we suddenly realize The Thing That Was Forgotten. Mom's rent check.

Trip-tic of the start of our adventure

Obviously this incited some panic, and we pulled off at the very next exit, at a small Missouri town and an even smaller Signal station. The intention had been to use my phone's GPS to locate a post office to mail the check. But as we pulled in though, lo and behold, we ended up parked right next to a US MAIL delivery pickup-truck! The driver was just coming out of the station and, with a jovial response, he agreed to take our letter for us!

Mom rushed to write a check and find a stamp, but an envelope was not forthcoming. Before hope was lost, I ran inside the station to ask of they sold envelopes. Unfortunately, the answer was no, but one of the cashiers spoke up before the worry could start again and presented me with a single envelope free of charge!!

The check was sent on its merry way, and now we too must be off. But I'm certainly hoping the rest of the trip remains as fortunate as this stop.

Mom shoots a selfie as I drive