
The Road East: Day 6
Here we are in Frankfurt, Kentucky watching our absolute favorite show, The Big Bang Theory. Please tell me you think it is hilarious. I’m trying not to be overly panicked worried concerned that there are flash flood warnings scrolling across the bottom of the screen. I think I heard the word tornado; we are in the midwest after all. No worries. Only (only?) torrential rains and flash flooding.
The Road to Retirement
With the rain coming down, we hit the road to retirement this morning leaving O’Fallon, Missouri at 8:30. Seriously. O’Fallon, Missouri. Is there a large Irish population in Missouri? I have no idea. I do know there are a lot of churches and a seemingly equal number of adult book stores. I find the heart of the midwest full of mixed messages.
I think anyone who calls the U.S. home should, if at all possible, take a road trip across the country. This is our 4th trip and I never get tired of the experience. And every time we make another trip I learn something new. The diversity in this country is beyond what you might imagine and if you can witness some of the different regions, you begin to realize why this country is currently so divided. It’s a simplistic explanation but it fits. How the farming family lives in rural Iowa is vastly different than the high tech family in Silicon Valley. It’s two different worlds, why wouldn’t they have differing opinions?
But with that being said, the U.S. is awesome! Go out and experience as much as you can. There is just so much to see, so many people to meet and so much to learn. And guess what? There is way more good than bad.
Driving in pouring rain we caught a glimpse of the St. Louis Arch as we crossed over the Mississippi River. Fortunately, we spent time in St. Louis on our Route 66 road trip, so we weren’t terribly disappointed by the weather today.

Gateway Arch – St. Louis, MO
Further down the road we crossed into Kentucky and crossed over the Ohio River, which was hugely wide – the widest point in the river is near downtown Louisville. If you think about the history of this country in connection with these two rivers, it’s pretty impressive.

The Ohio River at Louisville, KY

The Ohio River near downtown Louisville, KY
Day 6: 355 miles. 39 gallons of gas.
Travel Tip: Tonight we dipped into our point bank and used 22,000 points for our room. This Hampton Inn wanted $129 for the night, which we felt was too high, so we booked a room for the least number of points.
p.s. No, we have no working relationship with Hilton. We’re just sharing what we’ve learned over the years.
Way to stay calm in the face of a storm!! I am starting to plan a road trip in the U.S. because of your writing Patti!
Tracey recently posted…The Best Yet: South Americas Largest Market
Oh, Tracey, that’s so nice of you to say! I’m flattered and if I can answer any questions, please let me know. We’ve done quite a bit of traveling by car across the country, this is our 4th trip!
Not so much fun to drive in torrential rains. Please be careful and take an extra day off if needed.

Gaelyn recently posted…North Rim begins to close down for 2014 season
Thanks, Gaelyn. We’ve got one more day on the road and we’re hoping to roll into D.C. tomorrow before the storm hits. Safe travels to you as well!
I’ve never seen Big Bang Theory but I know it’s a hit show! Yes, please do drive safely in the inclement weather. And I really like how you shared about the diversity of our country and it being a must see for every American. Best of all, where you said there is more good than bad. I like that cup half full perspective on things, Patti 🙂

Mike recently posted…Our Soviet Van, Stuck in a Mongolian River!
Thanks for continuing to follow our journey, Mike. I’m amending that I think every politician should be required to traverse the country as well, maybe then they might think twice about some of their actions, or lack thereof!