The Trip

As you know I am now back at Dordt College after nearly a 700 mile trip last Monday. You may be asking yourselves how in the world I maintained my sanity during my drive. Well, it was tough, but to show you I'm going to outline the journey.

I had plans to leave at approximately 8:00am eastern time Monday morning. However, the nail in my tire set me back. After having the problem solved, I departed Kalamazoo at 9:00am.

Time behind schedule: 1 hour

First stop: La Porte, Indiana--I gotta pee. Can you believe that some guy cut in line waiting for the restroom? It didn't bother me because I'm a pushover like that.

Time behind schedule: 1 hour 10 minutes

I decided to take the Chicago Sky Way for something different. Wasn't really faster this way, but I wanted variety. Perhaps the coolest event happen in western Indiana. While driving I noticed an airport to my right as well as 6 fighter jets lined up ready for take-off. I opened the window and could hear the afterburners launching them forward. They took off one by one headed west, some of them did half-rolls, others did nothing except head off into the clouds. The city driving on the highway was interesting as always. Seeing the skyline again is also nice because I don't see that in Iowa, ever.

Second stop: 30 miles east of Rockford, Illinois--I gotta pee. No one cut in line this time.

Time behind Schedule: 1 hour 20 minutes

Third stop: I don't know where, some area in Illinois. There was a lookout tower and I felt like stopping (no, I didn't have to pee this time).

Time behind Schedule: 1 hour 30minutes

Fourth stop: 30 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa and the Mississippi River--I gotta pee, and get gas

Time behind Schedule: 1 hour 40 minutes

Fifth stop: Diamond Jo Casino Riverboat on the Mississippi River--Don't ask, I just wanted to be able to say that I've gambled on a river boat casino.

Time behind Schedule: 2 hours 20 minutes

Sixth stop: Dubuque, Iowa--I took a wrong turn so I stopped at Casey's General Store for food and drink and to turn around in the right direction. And yes, to use the bathroom again.

Time behind Schedule: 2 hours 30 minutes

Seventh stop: Dyersville, Iowa. Chances are you don't recognize the place, but you'll know this, its the Field of Dreams movie site. Yep, the one with Kevin Kostner and James Earl Jones--you know what I'm talking about. You're asking yourself one question, "Why?" Well, because I could and I was passing by. It was a memorable time. I ran the bases like Kirk Gibson did when he hit the home run for the Dodgers against Dennis Eckersly and the Oakland Athletics--the arm pump--thats right. And yes, I silently made fun of the two older women wearing the shirts, "Is this Heaven?" "No, its Iowa."

Time behind Schedule: 2 hours 50 minutes

Eigth stop: Fort Dodge, Iowa: I gotta pee--again.

Time behind Schedule: 3 hours

Ninth stop--I'm finally here at 10:00pm eastern time (9:00pm central time). That means that the entire trip took me a grand total of 13 hours to complete, by far my longest trip ever to school. And yes, I learned a valuable lesson--either learn how to control my bladder or don't drink as much beverage during the trip.