Welcome to Illinois

Late morning still en route to St. Louis but notice it's only cloudy now (maybe a slight drizzle here and there)...escaping from the rain!!

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State Song #2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvkT_WN_2q0

Welcome to Kentucky

Entering Kentucky during the morning rain en route to St. Louis

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Day 2: 4 States

Today, we drove through 4 states and watched the weather change from downpour in Tennessee, to hard rain in Kentucky, to light drizzle in Illinois, and to a glimpse of sunshine in Missouri. Check out our state pictures!

That's what she said

Most of our time in Nashville was spent on I-24, relentlessly searching for the most amazing billboard you can ever imagine.... Yes, friends, we found a "That's what she said" billboard.  The first sighting was on our way to Katie's friend La's house. There, we saw it looming on the horizon and about died with laughter (but of course, we maintained all eyes on the road and 2 hands on the steering wheel at all time, Mom).  After the laughter subsided, we jumped for our blackberries and cameras to no avail. The sign had passed us by and there was no chance for the photo op. So from then on, any time we were on I-24, Katie had her blackberry in hand, ready to take a picture of the "That's what she said" billboard. Alas, we never found it, but will continue searching for it in other worthy cities on our journey. Who knows, maybe it will show up by the time we get to California.

The Johnny T Band

Recap of Night 1 in Nashville, TN

So on the way to Nashville my mom gave me the idea to call up an old grade school/high school friend living there. About an hour later, I had gotten in touch with my old friend, Michael Lotten, and plans were made to go watch his band play. So after meeting up with Katie's friend, La (shout-out to La for providing the comfy bed and hanging out with us!) and a lovely dinner of Caribbean food (the Calypso Cafe was out of chicken and beef, which left us with about 2 options on the menu), we drove to Murfreesboro and hit up the Riverstone Saloon. This place surpassed our expectations and we ended the night line dancing to country rock music played by none other than my dear friend, Mike and his band, The Johnny T Band. Not only did they cover some great rock songs and a few originals, but they also played a few pop songs, including MMMBOP, followed by a "Yes, that just happened" from the lead vocalist and guitarist, Johnny T.  Check them out, they were awesome and had everyone on the dance floor, shakin' their booties. 

http://www.myspace.com/johnnytandduesouth

We felt like we had the perfect Tennessee experience thanks to La and Michael! Way to get us off to a good start!

Knoxville = Volunteer Country

Flashback to lunch on the Tennessee River in Knoxville

Flashback to Day 1

Hungry for Chickfila, check...Sunday, typical! :(

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Day 2...on the road again

Shout out to Hannah for our yummy Starbucks :). Perfect start to a rainy day in Nashville!

Thanks La for a fun night and a comfy bed!

300ish miles to St. Louis
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State Song #2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzwJUmL1Ou0

Riverstone Saloon

Tennessee adventure

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Caravanning!!

Day 1 in NC driving through Asheville...check out Salute to NC post to see who the awesome people in front of us are!!

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Welcome to Tennessee

Crossing our first of many state lines earlier today :). And 40 is open westbound so no detours for the travelling party pants!

Now resting up at La's since my packing lasted til 2am last night!! Naps will be required!
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State Song #1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-26bRZEedZg

Salute to North Carolina

I'm going to start out this blog with a shout-out to my lovely cohort members who just graduated from the Masters Counseling program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It feels amazing to have a Master's degree and will be interesting to see how we all put them to use in the future!

So Katie and I rolled out of Greensboro at 8:30am today. We caravanned with my wonderful parents, Phil and Linda, who devoted a lot of time and energy helping me pack up my life in North Carolina to move everything back home to Branson, MO. So the plan is, after a mini tour of Missouri to visit friends and family, I'll be re-packing and beginning the second and longest leg of our journey to San Francisco, CA (via Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada). And don't worry, although I may be broke by the time I get there, I will have a job working as a camp counselor at the Headlands Institute, an environmental education camp for kids.

And I have to give a shout-out to Katie! This road trip wouldn't be possible without her. Thanks for sharing the drive and bringing 70% of the fun! Love ya!

We have now made it to Nashville, our first major stop. Signing off for now, but check back soon for pics. Later for now, y'all!!!

Goodbye North Carolina, Hello Road Trip!

Hoppers Thursday
Graduation Friday
Departure Saturday

Signing off from the East Coast
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