As the “Dog Days of Summer” are upon us, you may wonder why I am calling this “Christmas in August”. Well I had a lot of other possible names for this blog update as the last month has been really busy. I traveled to a few new states (business wise) that I never drove through.. Two drives of 1,400 miles plus. Drove in temperatures above 110 degrees. So why “Christmas”?
On one particular trip, I saw snow and drove past Santa Claus!!!
My last blog had us caught up to trip #31. This entry will cover trips #32 and #33,
Way back in June, I was contacted by a family, asking would I be interested in bringing their 2018 Toyota Pathfinder Hybrid from Colorado to Central NC. I said I would be glad to provide them an estimate and quickly did. After a few email exchanges, we reached a final agreement and set the dates for the trip. August 9th-August 13th. Denver CO to Chapel Hill NC.
August 9th finally rolled around and I flew out to Denver early that morning on a direct flight and actually got into town about an hour and a half before the family arrived. To keep it simple, we agreed to meet at the Westin Airport Hotel. This worked out well for as those who have never been to this hotel (my first time), it is connected to the airport. Technically you have to leave the airport building and walk to the hotel, but that walk is covered by clear canopy over a mezzanine
that looks to be used for special events (concerts, public appearance type things). They have multiple styles of indoor/outdoor seats. This is where I killed time waiting for the family to arrive.
By 1030am locally, the family arrived and I met them in the valet area of the hotel. After an approximate thirty minute conversation, they turned the car over to me and I was all set to be on my way. Just prior to leaving, the family gave me a snack back of assorted peanuts, crackers and cheese balls. The youngest son, about 6 years of age, asked if I could save some of the cheese balls and not eat them all. I promised I would try.
Like usual, I pretty much had my trip mapped out and potential stopping points for the drive. Using a past similar trip (back in 2017), I would average about 425 miles a day and deliver the vehicle on the 13th, then fly back home to the Atlanta area. I ended up making better time than expected and turned the vehicle back to the family on the 12th, took a one way rental and returned back to Atlanta on the 13th. Below is a map of the drive. Not including the return back to Atlanta.
The points: A) Denver Airport B) Salina KS, C) O’Fallon IL, D) Hurricane, WV, E) Chapel Hill NC
Going back to the 9th of August, as I was heading out of the Denver Airport area, I noticed there were still some peaks on the Rockies to the west that had….SNOW!!
I finally got off I-225 spur, leaving the airport and found I-70E! Next stop, about six and one half hours later, Salina KS!
I opted to stay the night in the American Inn (part of my hotel rewards group). It was a good decision. Very reasonable in price. Good reviews. Very nice room. Offered an indoor pool and good breakfast options. I took advantage of the breakfast before I headed out on the morning of the 10th.
Next scheduled stop, ST Louis area.
I have stayed in the ST Louis area a few times in the past but since I was going to be continuing east the next day, I opted to search for places east of the metro area. Six plus hours and 430 plus miles later (and leaving I-70E for I-64E and of course, crossing the Mississippi River), I reached my destination , O’Fallon IL (not to be confused with O’Fallon MO, about 40 miles to the west). I stayed at a La Quinta, just off I-64. The reviews were a little iffy but I took a chance and it worked out well. Great room. Great location with plenty of eats close by and yes of course I found a pretty good Mexican restaurant, Los Amigo’s. After a good breakfast the following morning, I saddled up and headed for my next stop, Hurricane WV!
The first two days of driving were pretty much as expected. Mostly flat land with a lot of cattle farms along the way. Still some very nice scenery, but nothing like the deserts and mountains I had experienced in the previous drives. That all began to change as I headed further east.
The drive from O’fallon Il to Hurricane WV mapped out a little more than 460 miles. Just about a seven hour drive right along I-64E. About two hours into the drive I passed this town:
I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting it. Would love to stop next time, should time allow!!
As I mentioned, the flat lands turned into some rolling hills type driving and although I still saw cow farms, I was now seeing horse farms. The drive was really nice.
Finally reaching the small town Hurricane WV, I was not really sure what I might find. Turned out to be a quaint little town just off the interstate. Had some of the recognizable named stores and restaurants as well many mom and pop type places. I stuck with my game plan and stayed at the Wingate. An excellent choice if I may so myself. Super nice. Super comfy, Great rates and excellent breakfast spread. For dinner, I found the WHISKEY TACO. Nice place and a happening place as a few of the locals told me it was the best Mexican place in town.
Also, as it turns out, a big athletic competition was going on the weekend I was there. “Rally in the Valley”. Drawing athletes from all around the country. My hotel was quite full!! I got lucky to get a room!
On the morning of the 12th, I was headed out for my last full day of driving, heading down to metro Greensboro NC via I-77S, I-74E and I-40E. This would leave me about 50 miles shy of Chapel Hill. The plan was to finish the drive up the next day, but I opted to change my plans and finish the drive on the 12th and take a rental and drive back to Atlanta. It would end up being a little cheaper for the customer and get me back home earlier than planned.
About 1pm on the 12th, I delivered the vehicle back to the family. Unfortunately, the youngest son was not there as I planned on making sure he knew I didn’t eat any of the cheese balls. I did hear back later in the day that he learned that all the goodies were there and he was quite happy.
The customers gave me a ride to Raleigh Durham Airport where I picked up my one way rental for yet another six plus hour drive back to Atlanta. I finally got into Atlanta around 10am on the 13th. The trip was a huge success.
There wasn’t much time for rest as on the morning of the 15th of August, I was flying up to Columbus OH to being trip #33. Columbus OH to ST Louis MO (deja vous).
The trip went well with no hiccups. I-70W out of Columbus, just about straight into ST Louis. 400 plus mile drive but seeing how it is summer, a lot of road fixing…aka…construction. My ultimate destination was to the south side of ST Louis, so I spent the night about 30 miles east of town in Collinsville IL. Again, just off the interstate with plenty of hotel options. I chose the Days INN. Reviews were okay but I found the place to be more than adequate. Plenty of eating options close by. For dinner, I gave Zapata’s a try as it was just a short walk across the field from my hotel. Nice, maybe a little more costly than I would normally like. The following morning, I enjoyed a fairly good breakfast at the hotel and headed out to deliver in south ST Louis.
The drive took my right into the heart of downtown. On I-70W, I was in search of I-55S and of course I got to cross the Mississippi river (again) and I got a good close up of this famous monument:
About thirty minutes later, I delivered the vehicle, headed to the airport and flew back to Atlanta.
Just a quick overnight trip but equally important and successful.
Actually right now, I have no planned trips in the near future, but I am sure that will change. Until next time! Don’t forget, I am for hire!!!