I finished the Omnivores Dilemma today. I had already started on my second book a couple of days ago, Unseen Academicals.

I started off the day by sleeping in. I got a lot of sleep, which may come in handy on my return trip. I left Orlando and started making my way north and west driving down the Florida pan handle.

I took care of this trips “optional objectives” by stopping at a fireworks store. Maybe the biggest fireworks store I’ve ever been in. I have a childhood memory about a bigger fireworks store, but things always seem bigger when I was younger. So anyway, I’ve got some sweet fireworks.

So the big news on day 7 came in the afternoon. The shuttle had been delayed, yet again, this time due to an electrical issue.

LAUNCH UPDATE: The launch of space shuttle Discovery STS-133 has been delayed an additional 24 hours and is now targeted for Thursday, November 4 at 3:29 p.m. ET. The delay gives engineers more time to evaluate data gathered after irregular electrical readings were received while powering up the shuttle main engines Tuesday morning. Existing STS-133 launch tickets and vehicle placards remain valid for the launch attempt on Thursday, November 4. Please continue to check the website for further launch updates and arrival time information.

After sleeping in, I set out to find a place with WiFi. I eventually settled on a Starbucks and spent a few hours getting work done. Then it was time for the beach. On the map this place called Tybee Island. It was a great beach. I can not think of a nicer beach I’ve been to (that’s not saying much mind you). The weather was perfect, about 78 F and sunny. I just walked on the beach for a few hours and had a great time. I don’t think I would ever get tired of that.

So, for starters, here’s the updated plan that takes into account the delayed shuttle launch and the rest of the trip.

• Day 5 - Spend a little extra with the Selin’s and Eliot, then drive to Savanna.
• Day 6 - Explore Savannah then drive to Orlando.
• Day 7 - Hang out in Orlando… maybe do some exploring.
• Day 8 - Shuttle Launch, hopefully for reals this time, then drive to Tallahassee.
• Day 9 - Driving from Tallahassee to Meta Missouri by way of Jachin Alabama. (This is going to be another long day)
• Day 10 - Driving from Meta home to Minneapolis.

Day 5 was a slower day. Which is fine. I needed it.

Carol didn’t get to do any driving on day 4. I spent a little bit of time in a car, but Jesse and Becca did all the driving.

After staying up super late the night before talking with the Selin’s, I followed that up by getting up early. I got a hold of my family and we arranged to meet them in Troy where we could all go to hike in the national forest and see Morrow Mountain.

I started the day out with a hardy breakfast thanks to my Grandmother. I ended up leaving later then I planned to, but I was having such a good time talking to Grandma I did not want to leave.

Lots and Lots of driving. I started in Indiana, drove across Ohio. In to West Virginia, through regular Virginia and almost all way the way through North Carolina to stay with my friends Jesse and Becca on the southern end of Charlotte. About 15 hours of travel… lots and lots of driving.

I started the day off by sleeping in. I normally don’t sleep well the first night I’m “on the road”, but I decided to set my alarm anyway, and I’m glad I did or I would have had an even later start.

I started driving around Chicago and about half way around I stopped or some lunch at Potbelly. There was a guy playing guitar (that must be something they do at most Potbellies durring lunch time). He seemed pretty good. I decided to tip him and get one of his free CDs after he played a Toad the Wet Sprocket song. I don’t listen to that band enough and it’s rare to hear someone else playing their music. (No idea if the CD is any good, the CD/DVD player on my laptop stopped working a long time ago, oh well I guess I find out when I get back.)

So, I started out the day fulfilling my electoral duty, going down to city hall to file out an absentee ballet. I’ve always looked forward to voting in the past, but this election there are no candidates I’m excited about.

This was my first time voting absentee and it was super easy. The lady at the election office was nice too, she kept calling me “this nice guy” (or something like that). It was kind of strange, but she was very helpful.

It was a dark and stormy night… and tomorrow I’m starting my longest solo road trip ever with Carol, my 1986 Nissan 200SX.

Here’s the “plan” for the first half of my trip:

• October 27th - Drive to Madison WI.
• October 28th - Drive to South Bend IN
• October 29th - Drive to Charlotte NC
• October 30th - Hanging out in Charlotte
• October 31st - Drive to Cape Canaveral
• November 1st - Hang out in Cape Canaveral (Shuttle Launch)

If anyone has any suggestions for sites to see, things to eat, fun to have, or stuff I should listen to please share. I do not have a whole lot of flexibility on the trip down, but the trip back will.