Day One - check! I mosey-ed out of Carlisle, PA this morning around 7:30 (see pic of me and mom in front of packed car), a bit later than I wanted but made good time. I drove through PA, Ohio, a little of WV, Indiana and Illinois. I had planned to stay in a campground in Vandalia, IL but after getting off route 70, and driving the mile to find it...no campground and tried three times to call the place and only got the answering machine. I never did find it, but I did find signs saying "do not pick up hitch hikers" and then realized i was driving through a prison facility area that spanned about three miles. I decided that I was definitely not staying there and looking for the campground. I also found out that there was a 80% chance of thunderstorms and rain and I had driven 12 hours so I decided, it's my b-day, time to treat myself so I went to the Econolodge my friend Allie and I had plotted as an option 15miles down the road. I'm now sitting on a bed and have showered (hooray) and have wi-fi! I'm totally utilizing the continential b-fast tomorrow also.

The trip in general today was pretty dull and flat (no offense to anyone who likes Indiana or Illinois). I encountered some gi-normous crosses...I guess I'm in the bible belt, huh? I included a picture of one of these crosses, I imagine they are metal, but it's quite a structure for country that receives tornadoes. Illinois brought masses of tractor trailers, one which discarded 3/4 of it's tire in front of me so quickly i was unable to swerve, thus ran completely over and was praying for no flat tire. It messed up the bumper slightly but I suppose it could have been much worse. I spent the day listening to The Lost Symbol on cd - probably not the best choice but it passed the time. Thanks to the texts, calls and well wishes from everyone. Although many said, that's a bummer to spend your b-day in the car alone, it was okay. I also got myself a "b-day" cake aka McDonald's hot fudge sundae which I promptly got on the car seats, myself, hotel floor, etc.

I started the day nervous but hit a stride and remembered Jessica's affirmations and that, I can do it! Another year older and new experiences to go with it. Gotta get to bed for my 5am wake up call. Ta ta for now!