Day 13

We awoke ourselves early yesterday, with actual alarms and other more adult devices such as laundry machines and dishwashers. It was time to re-enter the real world after 12 blissful days of travel. We finished up the laundry and cleaned up after ourselves, going through the house 7-8 times to make sure we hadn't left anything behind (I did, at least). Then we signed the guestbook, shut the trunk, and were off to the ferry.

We amused ourselves heartily by watching our video log of the trip and going the pictures before boarding the ferry. A few of us got overpriced breakfasts (Soup for Boca and I, wraps for Mess and Rizzo) with varying levels of deliciousness (soups being the clear winner) and started working/reading/napping/watching Community. Despite the raucous game of dominoes going on in the corner, or maybe because of it, it was a good ride.

Fink felt the pull of the road, and despite driving the previous trip he graciously agreed to take the wheel one final time. The GPS once again surprised us, and our estimated trip of 7 hours popped up as 5 hours. Score. The three in the back of the car played more Community (which is BACK, by the way!), while the rest of the car listened along. While we were packed in pretty tightly with the additional passenger, it was simply one more chance to get close to one another. At least that's what it looked like, I got shotgun! After Community, the three in the back fell asleep for the last few hours.

Around 8 o'clock the five of us were once again climbing the hill back home.

I'm not exactly sure if this will be the last post from the gang or not, and I am not exactly sure how to end this if it is. I don't have much profound to say, or any overarching theme or lesson that would make the suitable, fitting conclusion that the trip, and the blog, deserve. Thanks for reading though! We've been pretty amazed at the number of views we've gotten in such short time, and its made writing this little blog even more rewarding. I'm happy we took the time to write this, and I am even happier to have people to share it with.

And I would be remiss if I neglected to thank the people that made it all possible, just one more time. Beth and Stu, your generosity was awe-inspiring, and you made us feel at home even when you weren't around. Scott and Sara, how you continue to put up with us I'll never know, but I'll always be thankful for your hospitality, Cataan skills, and of course the homemade Limoncello. Mitch and Danielle -- Come to Hamilton! Duke though, is pretty awesome (and that means something coming from the son of two Tar Heels), and that's thanks to ya'll. Lowy and the Frisbee team, my only wish was that we could have all stayed around longer, but many thanks for taking us in. Jesse, muchos gracias! You are definitely a busy man, but you still took the time not only house us but dominate us in a game or 2 of taps. Hopefully I'll see you again when you come to visit, right?! Tommy and Brenda, while you may have paid back Fink's grandfather, the rest of us still owe you a ton  for taking us in so openly and on such short notice. Chris and Joanne, I really wish you could have joined us at Lola, the meal was phenomenal, and thank you very, very much.

Extra special shout-outs go to Danny and his father for their bequeathment of the Philly's Guest Card -- we would have literally starved without you. Debbie, for being the most cheerful and helpful guard in Florida. Jay Q, for being the man. And that maitre d' for being so bro-chilly at Lolas.

But most importantly, I'd like to thank the four people that I took this trip with. Forgive the mushiness, but I could have been on the road with you guys for another 2 years, at least. We ran, rode, and wrangled our way through 11 states in 13 days, traveled 3,400 miles, and spent over 2 and half days in the car together. And I loved it. Forgive the cliche, but I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. Cheers, and thanks.

Until  next time (and there will almost certainly be a next time), much, much love,
Nick