As I passed into Tennessee, I was tempted to make a detour into Memphis, but
after seeing Steve Timm’s documentary on Graceland, I decided to steer clear
of that realm inhabited by the mad followers of a dead king.

As I crossed into Arkansas, I was greeted by a sign reading “Welcome to
Arkansas — Home of President Bill Clinton.” As though they could legitimate
anything that went on there by the fact that their boy was in the White House.
Arkansas didn’t have much to say to me or maybe I was too tired to listen. Continue reading →

After sleeping in the parking lots of Wal-Mart and Denny’s, I headed to
Galveston, an island city of hotels. I drove along the coast of the Gulf of
Mexico. It was about 4 or 5 in the morning. I parked at a Kroger’s so I could
walk down to the beach. I stood there for a long time, out at the ocean,
mesmerized by the sound of waves slipping in and out.

I returned to the car to rest some more. The dawn came, cold and lifeless.
I had hoped it would be clear so that I could see the sun rise, but I was
denied. Continue reading →

I woke up to find myself at a rest stop in Kansas. I took an ad hoc
shower in the restroom using only a sink and a cup.

I got back on the road and headed into Oklahoma. I kept thinking of how
my friend Brandon would yell “Oklahoma! Oklahoma!” like Steve Martin in the
movie “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” I stopped at the Oklahoma Trading Post,
looking for any cool cowboy gear. I was looking for one of those neat poncho
things that Alex has. They didn’t have any. Continue reading →

I woke up at 5 AM. The inside of my car’s windows were covered with ice.

I was so cold. My joints ached and everything felt sore. Moving was an
effort. I crawled into the front seat and managed to get my boots on and
start the car to get some warmth going. I felt like the conquering hero;
a survivor. Continue reading →

I woke up and took the only shower I would get all week. I had a decision
to make: The weather forecast called for a severe snowstorm that would sweep
across the entire state. I had called the Wolf Center and they didn’t open
until Tuesday. If I stayed even a few hours, the storm would hit. If I went
to Ely, I would have to wait until the next day for the center to open.

I decided to go it. Continue reading →

I woke up early in the morning, having forgotten where I was.
Huddled in the back seat of my car, I peeked out through the
windows at a cold grey dawn.  I was in the parking lot of the
Mall of America.  There were some security people around, but
otherwise I didn’t see anyone.  It was about 6 or 7 AM.  I slept
some more. Then I got up and had a bowl of cereal.  I finished
reading “Service for the Dead,” a Vietnam novel and worked on my
letter to Ryan.  It was late and wouldn’t arrive in time for his
birthday.

Around 8 I went into the mall and watched the mall-walkers do
their rounds.  Since it was Sunday, the stores didn’t open until
11.  I explored the first floor just to get my bearings and
figure out how the place was laid out. Continue reading →

I woke up in Josh’s apartment, had some cereal, and watched
“The Tick” and “Spiderman.”  They were both reruns.  It was the
Tick Vs. Mr. Mental, the first one I had seen.

I wanted to take a shower, but apparently the hot water heater
had exploded in the night, so there was nothing but ice water.  I
looked upon this as a good thing, as I would have to get used to
not taking showers for the rest of the week.

I called up Jeff to see if we were going to get together and
do something.  I told him I wanted to check out a few stores
before I headed back to Kennelworth where he lived.  Josh and I
headed out to the city on a marvelous sunny day. Continue reading →