Well, the best laid plans…. My sleeping arrangements proved to be way less than adequate, save to say I woke tired, groggy and aching from head to foot - several times during the night.
Plan B: A trip to Walmart - saviour of all who travel - provided the necessary changes to effect a decent nights sleep tonight.. Hold that thought…
The day was challenging, Granite City north of St Louis was the objective, but soon after leaving the Walmart parking lot, the rain began…. One thing I have noticed already after my hiatus is the phenomenal increase in truck traffic from just a few years ago - and the phenomenal decrease in driver competence and regard for other road users. More than once I was trapped in a line of trucks and cars trying pass a line of trucks, all doing 70 in a cloud of blinding spray that meant seeing more than a truck length ahead was an impossibility. Some of the carnivals extended five, seven or ten miles long - and I thought I-81 was bad…
Indianapolis was a nightmare…. Five years ago I-70 was being torn up - it still is outside Indy. Five years ago I-70 was shut down in the middle of Indy - it still is.. The I-270 loop is a phalanx of trucks, cars and idiots, all doing 70 mph in frightening condition of rain, spray and periodic explosions of brake lights for no apparent reason…. But finally Mistress Google spat me off the Loop and down I-70 as the rain faded and a sense of normality ensued. Indianapolis may serve you a nightmare of traffic and idiots, but she sends you down the road with the gift of the greatest rest stop ever, just ten miles down I-70 - a haven of peace, calm and serenity. An oasis of sylvan woods, grassy banks and rural perfection…. Indianapolis - you are forgiven.
So, as the rain ceases, the sun tries to break through, I roll into my campsite, ready to relax. Opening the door of my trailer for the night I find that all that rain and spray has a final trick up its sleeve…
My bed is soaking wet…