Day 1 of 3 – Chicago Bound

Ugh. I’ve started on another trip before I finished the final article of my previous adventure. Writing a travel post post-travel is very difficult. Anyone who’s tried knows exactly what I’m talking about. The likelihood of a given article about a specific event actually getting written decreases the more time passes. But don’t worry – the final instalment of my camping adventure is on its way (not to spoil anything but it’s all about your (my) favourite topic: toilets – or whatever the Algonquin Park equivalent is (I call them shitboxes)).

I would have had all the camping posts done except I didn’t bring my computer with me to the Park (mostly because I didn’t want to damage it but mostly because I didn’t want Steve to murder me). I’d offer an apology but posting out of sequence bothers me more than it does you so technically you should be apologizing to moi.

Okay. Chicago.

I have a friend who does not have a drivers license and she needs to move a carload of all her worldly possessions from the Windy City to Connecticut. I’m too tired to describe the driving so just click on the link. I’m donating my time and she’s going to cover the cost of car rental and fuel.

The first leg of the journey took me a little over 11.5 hours – almost exactly what the Google said it would. I was a little worried I’d be getting into the city around dark but then I remembered the time travel – the extra hour was nice.

During the drive I saw a whole bunch of really interesting things. I’ve forgotten all of them so you’ll just have to make do with my current situation.

Goddamn. Americans are friendly. And they make good beer. I found this bar without even trying and I’m so comfortable I think I’m going to die.

Bartender asks if I want another. I decline, explaining I have to drive 1,400 kilometres the next day. After hearing this he then brings me a complimentary beer. I’m left wondering if he knows what a kilometre is.

But I can’t stay up too late. I’ve got to be up at oh-five hundred to get a start on the second leg of this trip. And speaking of trip – you guys can help. The big decision for tomorrow is this: Do we

1. just say “fuq it” and drive all the entire 1,400 KM to Connecticut on Wednesday? or
2. stay at my friend’s Manhattan apartment and increase my Thursday driving?

Note: Costs are about the same (parking vs. hotel). The minor decision is: Do we

1. take a 45-minute detour into Cleveland to visit the statue of Moses Cleveland (he’s the guy who invented Cleveland)
2. not do 1.

Note: Costs are an additional 45 minutes to our 13-hourish drive.

My travel companion thinks we are going to discuss this tomorrow. But little does she know that the Internet is going to decide our fate (or at least the two people who make it to the end of this post).

Please leave your votes in the comments.