Well, I wanted to see country. I got that wish.
I’m on an adventure. It’s been planned, with exception to the travel mishaps, for a few weeks. Galesburg, KS has been a travel destination ever since I discovered the history of Shaw Du-all tractors. The Galesburg Historical Society is graciously allowing access to view the archives of Shaw history
Evan Speicher lives in Kansas. He also frequently travels between Kansas and Illinois. He knows the best route from experience.. Did I follow his advice? Would I be drafting this if I had?
Technically, the misadventure began no sooner than 30 miles in, and it was subtle. It only took me a few minutes to become disgusted with road construction. I see interstate day in “Not today,” I mumbled and followed old two lanes that I know, but the GPS doesn’t see as correct. It took a few turns before the computer was finally routing in agreement. Or so it did for the moment.
Missouri DOT likes round abouts now. I don’t see the improvement from stop signs, and maybe that’s me. Other than being too tight for long vehicles, the round about is a simple traffic measure. I got lost in the second one! There were two lanes, and I ended up in the wrong one.
Now I’m back on the interstate and in road construction. No big deal, I’ll go to the next exit and use it to get back on track. Problem: The exit was closed.
According to the GPS, I was back on route. According to my plan, I wasn’t. I knew another highway that would direct me back to my course.
Being wary, I navigate through another round about. Of course, a restroom break stop made getting on course challenging. Nothing is simple. So far, everything is minor….and funny.
Missouri wasn’t done messing with me, though. I was within a few miles to enter Kansas, traveling well established on US 54.. I passed a mechanical sign warning. Road Closed. No alternate detour, Evidently, MDOT thinks a motorist is smart enough to figure their own way.
I did. It took deductive reasoning and a second GPS. I used the second GPS like a map. Do people still know what a map is?
The detour was winding and narrow. I’m glad I was in my pickup and no trailer. Of course, the pavement ended and turned to gravel for part of it. I’m a country boy. I know how to drive on rock. All good, and I do admit very scenic.
My concern was, Did I get around the closer? I had….this time, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
After a fuel stop in Fort Scott, KS. I was on the way, within a little over an hour travel time. KDOT and MDOT must have had a conference because Kansas thinks the motorist is smart enough to follow their own detour as well.
With no warning, the state route I needed was closed. The truck GPS probably was overheating, trying to determine a route. My phone GPS, electronic map, and I got me through. More gravel, though. Of course, the friendly farmers, in a side by side, helped….a little. They probably thought as I drove away. “What’s that crazy Illinois idiot doing getting lost trying to get to a tiny town here in Kansas?
I found the route, but by this time, the truck GPS wanted to go the wrong way. Good think I don’t completely trust modern tech.
Good thing I left early.
Evan joined me for supper. After hearing my tale, he asked if I regretted not heeding his advice. Nope! I like a challenge. My truck got washed from the gravel muck. I had fun, that’s what really matters.
Antique Iron Media 