Road Notes: Kansas City

We stay at a lot of Motel 6 and Super 8 on the road, and eat a lot at Cracker Barrel, Denny's and Flying J. Not that any of these brands are consistent, but they are more likely to offer something we know we'll like.

Good: The Super 8 in Wentzville MO has the best shower I have had in years. Great water pressure and temperature. I am a steamroom addict and rarely get to indulge that pleasure on the road, but here the water was hot enough and the door tight enough that I was able to rig up some steam action. Very pleasant, that is until I came out and the steam set off the smoke alarm.

Bad: Flying J generally has a decent buffet, most of them are quite satisfying especially after many hours of driving. But by all means do not go to the one at the Haw River exit (between Hillsborough and Burlington NC) on I-40/85. Pam and I had to return the loaner car I took to KC, so I figured on the way back I could treat her to a little of my life on the road. Looks like I'll have to take her further out of town for that. Not that I expect a gourmet experience or anything, but here the food was totally uninspired (open can, pour and heat) and the service even less so. I wish I had noticed the C sanitation rating before we sat down.

Powerball sucks ass. Not only did they just add more numbers to drive down the odds even further in an attempt to create bigger jackpots and fewer winners, they are phasing out their multidraw option. Living in a state with no lottery, frankly I don't see the point of buying a separate ticket for each drawing. If NC actually does start a lottery, I'll be lobbying for anything but Powerball.

Kansas City bbq definitely lives up to its reputation, but as an everyday thing, I'm glad to be back in eastern NC and the land of chopped pork bbq.

The visual highlight of the trip was coming back into the NC mountains during a light rain at sunset. I never really found a church that made me feel totally at home. The road is my church. Driving all over this beautiful country gives me more of the awe of creation and the glory of God than any formal worship. The mist kicked up by the rain with the orange backlighting of the distant sunset was spectacular beyond words. My traveling partner Lee has the same perspective of God as the greatest artist. Driving through the Smokies caused him to comment that He don't make no junk, but He was particularly on his game the day he made this. I couldn't agree more.