O-H!

This evening, around 6:15, we rolled into Clayton, OH, effectively ending the Epic Roadtrip. Now, we do still have 2 days of fun here in Ohio before a long day of driving the return trip to SC, but the big travel and seeing stuff part of the trip is done.


I am very happy, however, that we were able to go to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield this morning, after our hearty breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express (we've had much better sleep than last night, but it seems that the box spring on the Professor's and my bed was busted...the HI Ex did give us a bit of a discount on the room for our trouble, which was very accommodating of them). The museum was truly something not-to-be missed if you are ever passing close to Springfield, IL. The two films were wonderful (even Ginger said, "I'm so glad it wasn't a boring movie!"), and the exhibits were spectacular. We spent about 2.5 hours there. In the spirit of the period, we decided not to smile as we posed with the Lincoln family. There is also a funny picture of Tyler staring down John Wilkes Booth, and the Professor talking strategy with some Civil War generals. Thanks, Mr. Moose, for the recommendation.


We got onto the freeway before we realized that were were dangerously low on gas. THEN, there was a construction zone, so the exit we could have gotten off for gas on was closed!! Our little gas meter literally said "5 miles to empty" before we finally pulled into a gas station. We thanked God, and decided we really don't want to have that experience again! A bit more down the road, we stopped at Steak n Shake for lunch. We are in the land of Steak n Shake; a far cry from the 80 miles to Rock Hill, SC (or Greenville, SC) we have to drive if we want a fix.


With all tanks filled, it was only a little over 3 hours more of driving before we pulled into the Howell's house. All the dogs were barking, but we couldn't get in!! I checked and re-checked the garage door code, and even texted to confirm that I had the right one, but it was Gilligan who finally was able to get us in. All the dogs were over the moon to see us, especially Murphy. He's been following us like a shadow all evening.

Hopefully we'll be able to relax a bit tomorrow; we're having a family picnic Wednesday with my family. We may even have a few of the Ohio Wessels who live close by join us, as well. That would be a real treat, especially since the 2-year-old and the Skipper really hit it off together!

Ta ta for now. We'll have roadtrip statistics when we return home; maybe I'll do a little summary of our family time. You'll just have to wait and see!!