[legion]

Well, I got back from delivering my car to the new owner in Austin, TX last night. I'm sore (no cruise control and 17½ hours of driving). I'm tired.

Some thoughts:

1) Yes, you can make it from Bloomington, IL to Austin, TX in one day.
2) Cruise Control is a must for drives over 1 hour.
3) Gas prices on Tuesday (87 Octane):
Bloomington, IL: $3.57.
Lincoln, IL, $3.42.
St. Louis, MO: $3.42.
Joplin, MO: $3.25.
Tulsa, OK: $2.92.
McAlester, OK: $3.22.
Dallas, TX: $3.70
Waco, TX: $3.57.
4) OK is not okay. There is something wrong with that place. The roads are really empty.
5) Driving the speed limit will prevent tickets, and piss off the locals.
6) Mountain Dew and Ayn Rand can keep me attentive and awake for a 17½ drive.
7) Seeing the sun rise in Illinois and set in Texas is kind of cool.
8) Having a state trooper tail you for 70 miles REALLY slows down your pace.
9) There is no civilization between Waco and Austin.
10) Floor-hinged gas pedals suck, especially when you have no cruise-control.
11) Just because you get on the earlier flight from Austin to Chicago does not mean there is an earlier flight from Chicago to Bloomington.
12) O'Hare is freakin' huge.
13) Don't mess with Texas.
14) Don't irritate Oklahoma.
15) Don't inconvenience Missoura.
16) Buying toiletries that are in less than 3 ounce bottles and can all fit in a one quart plastic baggy: about $10.
Forgetting your backpack with said toiletries, spare clothes, and the title to the car you are selling: priceless.