031509 Cincinnati to St. Louis

Creepy Pilot Truck Stop Bathroom Cowboy

Leaving for tour is pretty much the best feeling ever. Working hard to make sure everything is prepared, and all checklists have been scrutinized to ensure we are not forgetting anything- even though it is bound to happen. Seems like the only real time to relax is when you are finally on the open road. So true.

The first fill-up is always the greatest, “The point of no return” in my mind. BaVanarama needed to fill-up, while us Seeds needed to empty out. Now, I could tell some stories of truck stop bathroom visits completely based off of sitting in a stall and observing the nocturnal sounds of the general trucker / road dog lifestyle, but that is reserved for another time and another place. If you stay in one place for long enough, you are sure to find a humorous story to run back to the van with, worthy of interruption of our Subway picnic.

One phrase sums it up: “Creepy Pilot Truck Stop Bathroom Cowboy.” Letting it all hang out, surveying the scene for his next attack. He didn’t only stare- he observed his prey. With a tip of his ten- gallon hat, and ruffling of the feathers, he was there for business.

Back on the road, no looking back. We arrived in St. Louis mid-afternoon, greeted by milk, cookies, and yes- apple pie. It is so great to stay with family. They usually take you in as if you were stranded puppy on the side of the road. After a great dinner with even better people, Seeds business took over. After seventy or so emails sent, fifty shirts rolled, and about two hundred samplers stuffed- time for lights out. Busy days of long travels ahead and more emails ahead. South By SouthWest - we’re coming for you.

We also passed the LARGEST CROSS IN THE WORLD. Eat your heart out, Touchdown Jesus!

—Brian