RCFM 2006: From Huntsville to Topeka

[vakkotaur]

I got up early, or at least earlier than the last several days, and got the car loaded and checked fluid level again. I settled the hotel bill. Next year I think it'd be better if I let someone else deal with that. I'll pay my share, but the last person to leave taking care of it would likely go smoother. I can wait a bit before getting into a room if need be, I have decided.

SpiritWolfe and Guan (iGUANa.. or is it gecko with an odd name?) were up and ready or close to it about when we'd agreed. There weren't all that many stops on the way to Kansas City. I did make a point of filling the gas tank in Paducah, the last chance to get real gasoline before entering Illinois. It looked like we'd hit St. Louis just in time for anything-but-rush hour and we gave some consideration to finding a place to eat and waiting but pressed on instead. That was just well as the situation was similar to Thursday morning in reverse: Westbound traffic was heavy but moving and so we pretty much sailed through St. Louis.

Thursday morning SpiritWolfe had seen some pictures he liked at a convenience store in Kingdom City, MO (I think) and so we stopped there again so he could make a purchase. We also had a quick supper there and I've now been to a Baskin Robbins. The 31 flavors bit is sort of disappointing as many are variations rather than truly distinct flavors. We were a few miles down the road when Guan or Spiritwolfe couldn't find a wallet or money clip or something, so we doubled back and found that there are still are honest people to be found and it was recovered without hassle.

I dropped Guan & Spiritwolfe and their stuff (or so we'd all thought) at the house I stayed at Wednesday night, and then got directions back to I-70 for the drive to Topeka. I hadn't driven in Kansas City before, so it was bit unnerving doing it for the first time at night. I saw many signs saying "Topeka - Use I-670" and I debated that... until I saw what I-70 was headed into and decided I-670 looked much better. I kept wondering when I'd encounter the toll system and it wasn't all that long. I also likely called ginafae way too much on my way. But several phone calls and a $2 toll later and I was in the right area. One more call and I was parked in the right place.

ginafae and I stayed up and talked for a while, while pakiii slept. Due to his schedule, we never saw each other. And then I got some much needed sleep. Due to the room arrangements with everyone at RCFM, that was first time since Wednesday I'd slept in a proper bed and I sincerely thank >ginafae and pakiii for their hospitality.