I am slowly settling in the South Bend, Indiana – classes at Notre Dame start on Tuesday. While driving up with my dog (my wife and daughter flew up a few days later), I learned a few lessons about cross-country trips – something I hadn’t done since my college days.
* Cell phone coverage in Arkansas sucks – avoid long phone calls while driving there
* The price of gas in Illinois is 5% higher than in neighboring states (why?)
* Never name your dog anything that rhymes with “no” (a lesson taught to me by my friend in Pana, Ill whose disobedient dog is named Mo)
* The only place in America where you can’t get a Starbucks coffee is Pana, Illinois
* Lowell, Indiana is a very beautiful little town
* Even an old guy like me can do a long road trip – provided he has a comfortable seat, cruise control, and a long audio book (thanks, William)