The Road East: Day 5
The shrill scream of the hotel’s fire alarm bolted us out of a sound sleep at 6:00 a.m. this morning. It was the ultimate rude awakening. We dragged ourselves out into the hallway and sure enough all of the guests were evacuating – including a young woman wrapped in a towel – so we headed down the stairs, with me dressed in jammies and bare feet. I guess that was better than being wrapped in a towel though.
By the time we got down two flights of stairs the alarm stopped; everyone looked around and said, meh, and back up we went.
Turns out, a guest who apparently was really hungry, decided he/she needed to burn a piece of toast – in the hotel’s breakfast room – and set off the fire alarm system. I’m pretty sure when Abi was trying to convince me to evacuate I was cursing mumbling something about someone doing something stupid.
So with that rough start to the day we soothed our nerves with Starbucks and Panera Bread and continued on our way east; on the road to retirement. We crossed into Iowa for just a few miles before we found ourselves very unceremoniously (very small state border sign) in Missouri. Missouri, is green and colorful, but today the weather changed and we spent the day driving under a sky of gray and drizzle.
Beautiful blanket of colorful trees
We crossed the Missouri River and made our way to Columbia, where we enjoyed another very fun reunion lunch with dear sweet friends. Sometimes, when you hit the road you find yourself able to connect with friends in the most unlikely places! So step 7 of my retirement program is to connect with a friend you haven’t seen for way too long. I promise, it will make you smile.
Step 7: Connect with a friend you haven’t seen for way too long.
Crossing the Missouri River
Here we are at the end of day 5 and we are less than 1,000 miles from our destination; and although we are looking forward to reaching the end of the journey I can’t help but be a little sad at the thought of it. This time together has been exactly what we needed, so I’m adding the 8th step; take a long drive together. The time together will be well-spent. I promise.
Step 8: Take a long drive together.
Day 5: 410 miles. 47 gallons of gas. Lowest priced gas at $2.85
Travel Tip: Hilton Garden Inn. We paid $89 and will earn 5,000 points because it is a weekend night stay. We booked the least expensive room (2 queen beds) and asked for an upgrade. Always, ask for an upgrade. We were given this suite for the same rate. Ya gotta love a points program.
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Gran Canaria doesn’t really do fall. We do miss an autumn. Thanks for reminding us what one looks like.
Gran Canaria Local recently posted…Crazy Needles Tattoo
Oh, you’re welcome. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, I love everything about it. Glad it brought back a few memories for you.
This is going to be just like your Route 66 drive and post series that I loved so much. Where I asked you at the end to turn around and go back the other way. Slow down – 8 days is too fast for this end, Patti 🙂 Sorry about the alarm – yucko.
Mike recently posted…Our Soviet Van, Stuck in a Mongolian River!
Well… I don’t think we’ll turn around and go back – at least not now. 😉 I’m a little sad as well that the trip is winding down, it’s been such a great experience. I am super excited about what’s coming up in our near future though. Stay tuned!
I love following your trip. I hope Hilton Garden Inn is giving you extra points for all this good press. You’ve got me hooked.
I’m so glad you’re following, Sandy! And nope, no extra kudos from Hilton, we’re just sharing what we’ve learned over the years. Because guess why? Hilton won’t talk to me. Ha! Ha! Ha! 🙂
Ugh for the fire alarm thing. I guess the slightly saving grace was that it was 6 a.m., not 2 a.m. I’m about to find out whether going on a looong plane ride is as good as a long drive.o
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Ode to a Brigantine, New Jersey Summer
Yeah, I suppose that was the silver lining – that and there was no bread available for someone to burn in the toaster oven at 2:00 a.m. Ha! Ha! 🙂 I’ll be interested to hear how that long plane ride works for you. There is nothing I like about flying – other than it gets me there – so no way would I compare a long flight with a long drive in the car. But, it could work for you!
A terrible wake up. The fall colors look good even in the rain. I love visiting friends when on a road trip. Never really thought of asking for an upgrade, but will in the future.
Gaelyn recently posted…A mixed goodbye to Grand Canyon
The fall colors are just amazing – all of the different colored trees remind me of an autumn patchwork quilt.
You’re smart about asking for an upgrade. I almost never do it when it comes to hotels but definitely should.
Leigh recently posted…Kayaking to Ninstints on Anthony Island
The worst they can do is say, No! I was told no just today, but it never hurts to ask. More times than not we do get an upgrade.