Kirk is my Nephew. Kirk (with Sonny's assistance, or embellishments) kept a journal as we traveled. Click below to read his version of day 1.
3AM. Stopped in front to pick up Tackett but John stopped at the wrong house. (NOTE: I've never been to Tackett's place. My brother had me go to the wrong place.) People going to call police but John called Tackett. A am writing this as the train is going 81 MPH.
We stopped to eat breakfast at McDonalds but they were serving lunch at 4AM their time, 3AM our time. Dad said no to a Big Mac and wanted a biscuit. John and Dad went to park the car forever while me and Tackett talked about Star Wars and music. We took the train from Naperville to Chicago. Stored our bags in a locker that held six bags but we put 9 bags in the locker. We at lunch at Billy Goat Tavern, Tackett got all of us a souvenir. Tackett wanted to get us a famous Chicago hotdog. Tackett went to the RR while we were boarding the train to Portland. We all ate our Subway subs at six o’clock. Dad sent me to get drinks. We called home to talk to you. I wish you were here. I know you would like this.
The train has stopped for a drug bust. The PA guy said “This is completely a nonsmoking train.” There’s a movie being shown but I can watch TV at home. We’re leaving Wisconsin and the cheese farms on our way to Minnesota. Dad put a blanket on and We’ll start again tomorrow. But I forget to tell you about one wire John who brought six gadgets we know of. They tell us how fast, elevation, temperature, and listening to the trains crew. We’re in Minnesota now. We’ll write more tomorrow for sure.