I started out for Saint Charles at 8:35 a.m., and swear I could see the devil in the rear view mirror of my Prius all the way until I arrived at my hotel at 3 p.m. I had drizzle, full-on rain, sleet, and at times fog. I kept thinking, "I'm heading south. The temperature's gotta go up, right?" But the temps stubbornly hung in the 32 to 34 range just about the whole time. There must have been tons of salt of the roadway, because I could see ice forming on the Prius at times. Only one combination gas/pee stop, and I didn't even stop for a meal anywhere, settling for a small bag of M&Ms grabbed hastily from the gas station shelves. By the time I arrived at the Embassy Suites, I had to pee like Seabiscuit, and make a mad dash for the men's room. So not exactly the most relaxing drive I've ever had, and certainly not the way I like to motor, but I made it. The devil will have to go fu** with somebody else. For now, anyway.
My bladder blessedly empty, I checked in, and laid down for a nap from about 3:30 to 4:30. Then, enjoyed complimentary cocktails during the "Manager's Reception" in the atrium. I had four margaritas, which is actually about two regular size ones anywhere else since they fill the glasses about 3/4 full with ice cubes in an effort to slow you down a little bit. But they were very tasty, and I welcomed the calming effect of the alcohol. I had brought a cheese/sausage/cracker platter from home to go with the libations, and this served as my dinner, along with an apple from the hotel's complimentary fruit bowl. I figured I could be a little frugal with dinner that night, since I'll no doubt be eating large the next few days at the Gold Strike Casino and Hotel.
I returned to my room, watched a little TV, read a little bit on my Kindle, and then hit the sack about 9:30 because I was very tired. I noticed twitching and aching in the tendons of both my forearms, and was absolutely convinced this was from gripping the steering wheel so hard, which didn't even occur to me at the time it was happening! I was asleep in no time.
This morning, I enjoyed the hotel's complimentary breakfast, ordering an omelet with everything in in they had, potatoes, and 2 each of links and bacon strips. I followed that up with two pancakes (one with blueberries, the other with pecans), and another dose of links and bacon. All washed down with instant coffee from a spigot which, for me, is about as inviting as a prostate exam, but it sufficed. The coffee notwithstanding, it was all very delicious. I'm thinking this giant food bolus should last me until I get to Tunica. I will now get myself cleaned up, and then hit the road.
Bruce
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