Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas to Rolla, Missouri    552 Miles (552 Miles Total)     Sunny - 96F

Independence Day 2003

Another July 4th and the beginning of another road trip to Canada. After a mid-morning departure, Quark and I headed north on US75. However, unlike last year when we headed straight north, we veered on more of a northeasterly course this year. Traffic was very heavy through Oklahoma as I headed north on US 69 to I-44. Cars pulled over by police were a frequent sight with the influx of travellers on the long weekend. I also passed a semi-trailer truck that had rolled over in a ditch and was on fire, making that particular mile the most exciting stretch of US 69.

Departing Ft. Worth and on the road

Oklahoma... not where you want July 4th fireworks

more Oklahoma... narrow lanes ahead

"It's a wonder you don't see arches more often these days..."

After reaching I-44, I headed east into Missouri, but not before passing a very interesting McDonald's on the Oklahoma Turnpike.

Cooling her wheels for the night

After skirting around Springfield (not the one where the Simpsons live) and its numerous advertisements for Branson, I headed east to Rolla, Missouri where I checked into the Hampton Inn after a day of solid driving. Shoney's provided a very good dinner before settling in for fireworks both local and on television. Rolla, by the way, is home to the University of Missouri - Rolla (UMR), known for its engineering programs, particularly civil, geological, mining and mineral engineering. Each March, UMR engineering students celebrate St. Patrick's Day (said to be the patron saint of engineers) by casting green concrete in downtown Rolla.

This is my first road trip with the iBook, so I'm getting used to the new Mac setup. I'm also equipped with my iPod, Olympus digital camera, Zoom webcam and a copy of Adobe Go Live for creating these webpages.

 Bug Splat of the Day (presented by Armor-All Glass Cleaner)

Tomorrow: Back to campus.

posted July 4, 2003 by Tyler Made with Mac