Journey: Oklahoma City, OK to Canyon, TX
Number of times I gave the finger: 0! It was a cheerful day.
Cups of coffee: A French press of Peritus with breakfast and then hits mid-drive from the jug of cold brew that I bought from Coffee Slingers in OKC specifically for the bottle, a fact that would horrify the snooty coffee dorks working there.
More instances of panic because the gas tank was empty with nary a station in sight: 1. I will probably not learn this lesson until I’m walking down the interstate carrying a gas can.
Thoughts from the highway: (1) An 18-wheeler flat-bed transporting huge stacks of exposed hay bales has got to be the least aerodynamic vehicle ever, like a gigantic unshaven leg. (2) Bob Dylan sounds like he is perpetually whining. (3) We took land from the Native Americans, marginalized and abused them, and then appropriated their culture to manufacture tacky souvenirs to sell at “Cherokee Trading Posts” along Highway 40; ouch.

This road trip really came together yesterday. I rolled out of bed late and rushed to do my trainer workout before the next Airbnb guest could walk in to see me gasping and sweating profusely in the kitchen. Then I vacuumed the house (because I’m nuts) and got ready to get on the road. On the way out of town, I dropped into Schlegel Bicycles to check out the store and visit the nearby coffee shop. The barista was exceedingly aloof when I asked questions about the cold brew coffee, but I didn’t have to heart to point out that he was selling me a drink, not rare gems that he’d personally mined.

Then I drove into Texas and stopped several times along the way to see things and take pictures and be reminded of why I decided to drive across the country versus fly. I keep thinking of that expression, “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” Okay, so it’s cliche. But also, if you actually take the time to pull over and be where you are instead of racing past, it’s true.

2015 Day 5 New Teammate
This is what happens when you leave me unattended in your house. Well, this and cleaning.
2015 Day 5 Okie Cold Brew
Bought this just for the awesome bottle.
2015 Day 5 Drinking and Driving
But make no mistake, this coffee won’t go to waste.
2015 Day 5 TX State Line
I love that Texas literally has a state line on the ground.
2015 Day 5 TX Chainsaw Massacre
I hiked behind this abandoned building in the middle of nowhere to pee and possibly get disemboweled by a man with a rusty blade.
2015 Day 5 TX Landscape
Texas is kind of lovely.
2015 Day 5 Snakes!
I took this photo standing amongst rocks and tall weeds while wearing sandals.
2015 Day 5 Hooray TX!
GOD BLESS TEXAS
2015 Day 5 TX Sunset
This is what I imagined when I thought about driving across the country.

2 thoughts on “Day 5 in which this road trip surpasses expectations”

  1. bah-hah-hah! nice to know every town has a snooty barista.

    the bottle IS very cool, and I bet the coffee is tasty.

  2. LOL…I’m really enjoying reading about your cross-country trip…love your sense of humor! Good luck with your new cycling team and, don’t worry, the snakes are all underground this time of year staying warm in their dens (I think).

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