Day 1: Chicago to Eureka, Missouri
Distance: 334 miles
Route: I-55 south to St. Louis; I-44 west to Eureka, MO
Highlights: Nothing says “welcome weary traveler” like an authentic Skyline chip dip and bowl of hearty turkey chili served in the home of an old friend. The 10 pm snack was supposed to be a 6 pm dinner, but in typical fashion I did not depart Chicago until 330 pm – because I just had to stretch a few more canvases for my two Phoenix events. This probably explains why I packed nine shirts and five (!) hats but only three pair of underwear, which wouldn’t be a problem if three pair actually meant six undergarments – which would be logical – but it’s not, so I guess I will just have to have a few “inside out” days. Or go commando.
Leaving that late in the day, it took more than an hour to get to I-55 and Harlem Avenue – that’s not quite 20 miles. As the sun set, the rented Dodge Caravan reached maximum speeds of 91 MPH (21-26 MPG highway), barreling toward St. Louis. But after dusk, the fog rolled in, and there’s nothing like driving at night in fog and rain when you’re already exhausted. At about 7 pm, I was seriously contemplating Motel 6 (or any comparable Choice brand hotel). Taking a snooze at a rest area (aka rape / murder zone) was out. Even a steady fuel of Diet Pepsi and Twizzlers didn’t seem to help.
Enter the raw carrot. I had a little bag of the orange peeled babies in my cooler and began munching away. Something about the crunchiness and constant chewing. Very cow like, yet instant adrenalin. I oughtta write a paper! I ate more than half a bag, as I crossed the Mississippi River and merged through construction, single file onto I-44 and the final 30+ miles to Eureka (2017 population 10,574).
The White family home sits in a heavily wooded area on a winding lane high atop the town, with a view of the Meramec River valley far below. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot, with abundant wildlife – lots of birds – the perfect place for Derek and Wendy’s morning ritual: a 20-minute walk with their three dogs. It’s also an easy commute to St. Louis (for work and Cincinnati Reds vs. those dreaded St. Louis Cardinals baseball games), and a stone’s throw from O’Dells Irish Pub & Ale House in downtown Eureka. And if it’s thrills you seek, just head over to Six Flags amusement park, home to Boomerang, American Thunder and, only if you’re at least 54 inches tall, BATMAN: The Ride.
Next stop: Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
