Home. 12/8 (42)

Don Quixote dies at the end of his journey. Steinbeck returns home exhausted and disillusioned at the state of the nation. I am ending my journey unemployed and uncertain of my future. But I’m not dead, nor am I exhausted and disillusioned. I have great memories and experiences, as well as still retaining a bit of a tan on my face and neck. I looked for a poignant quote, but they were all telling someone elses story. I will need to continue to tell my story, and perhaps that’s my end of journey thought.

As for today, I left my hotel in the early hours and simply began driving. After a few hours I reached the Exact Center of the Northern Half of the Western Hemisphere, 45 latitude, 90 longitude. Nice little stop with educational signs and a great round spot pointing to the crossing of two imaginary lines.

From there it was more hours on the road with an interlude at a Kwik Trip – I knew I was getting close. When I saw the first Minnesota license plate I had that “ship on the sea seeing a seagull” moment and knew it wouldn’t be long.

Light traffic, even on the interstate, and before I knew it I was home. Took a few trips to haul the luggage, bins, and mail to my home, and then I was home.Triaged the mail a bit and unpacked most things. Most of my unpacking went right into a laundry basket.

This is not the last post. I intend to do some behind the scenes posts, and a friend has agreed to interview me! I thought it would be a fun way to share my thoughts. So keep watch, dear readers. Feel free to comment with your favorite pert of the trip or whatever wishes you wish.

I’m home again. What do I do now?

Deets

License Plates: Complete!
States: MI, WI, MN
Departed: 7:57 am CST, -5 degrees
Original ETA 1:35 pm CST
Arrival: 1:40 pm CST
Warmest/Coldest: Death Valley 90°, Iron Mountain MI -11°
Weather: Bitter cold, clear
Music: Prime Albums of the trip
- Prince – Sign o the times
- Lady Gaga – Mayhem
- Bis – Return to Central
- Led Zeppelin – IV
- David Bowie – Let’s Dance
- The Crystal Method – The Trip Home

Observations

This would be a very different and difficult thing if I were going back to work
I saw Bison on a ranch. Only took 10,000 miles to see more than a handful
I wear my magnet ring on my left hand when driving, but today my arm was bothering me. Took the ring off and it helped. The unhealing powers of magnets?
Saw 1 deer standing on the side of the road. When have I last seen deer? Have I?