A Vain Attempt to "Catch Up" Part 1

It's hard to believe I've been away from home for over a week already. As you can imagine, a world of experiences have happened since then, most notably logging over 3,000 miles, crossing through parts of 9 states, and taking a nearly countless amount of pictures. I've been busy and I've also been without cell service and internet through some parts of this adventure, which I have to admit has been very liberating, but frustrating when trying to keep in contact with others. No offense to anyone when I say this, but part of my goal with this trip was to let go and forget about pretty much everything else and focus on the present moment, and NOT having a cell phone or computer to lean on really did feel good.

Anyway, the first leg of the trip was meant to be grueling and logging of copious amounts of miles. I had already been through the Midwest years ago and knew there wasn't much to see but cornfields, silos, and the occasional animal, all things I can see plentifully in PA.

It did include a stopover at our old friend Rich's place. Looking back on it, I wish the stay had been longer. I'm sure everyone has one, or several, of those friends who they don't see or speak to for months or years at a time but can pick up a conversation with them just as if they never left your side. Rich is one of those dudes. Everyone goes through changes, and it's obvious that both of us are different now than we were 5 years ago (the last time we hung out), but at the same time, we were still able to connect, and there's something really refreshing about that. As an added bonus, we met his parents and his girlfriend, all of whom are pretty awesome too. I can't thank all of them enough for letting us stay (and being able to pay them in booze!). It's good to be around good people, and it's always good to be reminded that there are still a lot of good people in this world.

We were back on the road again next morning, and I'm going to gloss over most of the next day and a half, because as I said before, the Midwest is pretty friggin' boring... That's about all I feel like typing for right now, but I's gots more pics for ya:

Passing Great American Ballpark. Not the best view, and again, not much else to see in No-hio.

Paul Brown Stadium.

Apparently truss bridges are still commonplace 'round Kentucky.

...and drawbridges.

Barges on the Ohio River.

I promise for more interesting pics in future posts. You've already seen some of them.