Wednesday Weekly October 31: The 2 Country 7 Day 3200 Mile Bachelor Run

It took a little over month of searching, but I finally found a new job. I wasn't really making the income I'd expected from this blog so it was time to find something more steady. After accepting the offer, I was told my start date would be October 30th. As your reading this, it's my second day of work. I knew this was my last major opportunity to take a road trip.

I decided I would come up to Wisconsin and have a bachelor party. I would then go to Canada and hang out with my friends there. When coming back down to Austin, I would meet up for dinner with my future brother-in-law Michael. From there, I'd high tail it back to Austin.

I knew this was going to be a tightly scheduled trip. Victoria and I have a weekly marriage prep class every Thursday night from 7-9PM. I would leave right after the marriage prep class and be back before the following week's class. When everything was said and done, I knew the trip was going to be over 3,200 miles (5,100km).

I would essentially be traveling how I used to and really pushing my limits. I would probably be consuming a little more caffeine than I should. I would be driving well into the night. I would be eating more than I should. In essence, I would really be pushing my limits.

I have been back in Austin for about a week and have finally been able to write about everything. Last week I gave you a picture preview of the places I went. This week will go over everywhere I went on this trip.

Before the trip started, I went to Whole Foods to pick up some essentials. I mainly got caffeine and a few things to munch on. I knew I wouldn't be stopping for food if I didn't have to.

Whole Foods Market storefront with parking lot on an overcast day Shopping cart containing groceries including Hi-Ball energy drinks, sushi container, tortilla chips, and other items Whole Foods paper grocery bag with teal circular logo pattern sitting on car seat

It has been wet and rainy in Austin. It's been record setting in some areas. I was hoping things wouldn't be as wet for the drive as they were in the parking lot.

View of rainy parking lot with cars from under covered walkway on overcast day

Before our class on Thursday Victoria and I went to Top Notch for dinner. I got a fried chicken breast.

Restaurant meal featuring grilled chicken or fish with large serving of french fries and side salad with tomato

The class went fast and I was on the road.

Night driving scene with vehicle headlights illuminating dark residential street Car dashboard display showing 61°F temperature and date 10.18.2018 at 9:17 Highway driving at dusk with semi-truck and traffic ahead on multi-lane road

I made it to a rest stop in Oklahoma a bit south of Oklahoma City. It rained pretty much the whole couple hours I slept.

Night driving in heavy rain with water droplets covering windshield and trees visible

Throughout the day it was cloudy. It started to clear up and warm up in Northern Missouri. By the time I hit Minnesota, the sun was going down.

Straight highway stretching across flat prairie landscape under dramatic overcast sky Three flags flying on pole - American flag, black POW/MIA flag, and Missouri state flag Highway view with cloudy sky, fall foliage, and vehicle ahead Open highway with clear blue sky and autumn-colored trees lining the road Car dashboard display showing 70°F temperature and date 10.19.2018 at 3:02 Flags at rest area including Minnesota state flag, American flag, and POW/MIA flag against sky Sunset view at park or rest area with trees silhouetted against orange and pink sky Highway at dawn or dusk with pastel pink and blue sky gradient

I constantly run into idiots on the road. Whether they be drunk drivers or just idiots, these people shouldn't be on the road. This was the case with a guy who decided to pull a trailer in the dark with no lights. His trailer didn't have any lights and the only light he had was a lone tail light.

Night highway driving with crescent moon visible in dark sky

When I hit WI-173, it was dark and the roads were a bit rough.

Vehicle headlights illuminating empty highway lanes at night

The next morning I woke up and leaves were everywhere.

Lawn covered in fall leaves with small white decorative lighthouse display

Before I knew it, the wind picked up and it started snowing.

Backyard view during snowfall showing green storage shed with stacked firewood and bare trees Silhouette of small potted tree in window with snow falling outside, photographed from dark interior

The wind and snow was strong enough it knocked out the power for a few hours. We had to run the generator.

Yellow McCulloch portable generator positioned in open doorway overlooking driveway with fall leaves

A little while later, it looked like nothing happened.

Sunny autumn lawn covered in fallen leaves with decorative white lighthouse and trees displaying fall colors under blue sky

It was still a bit cold, at least by Texas standards.

Car dashboard display showing 37°F temperature and date 10.20.2018 at 2:18

I went into town and visited with both of my grandmas. After that, I stopped my car off at my brother's house. I'd be staying there for the night. I then met up with my parents and we went to mass. After mass we were talking Father Keith in the back of the church. My dad told him I was having my bachelor party and I probably need a blessing. Father Keith made no hesitation and gave my liver a blessing. That was probably good thing as I did have my fair share of beer that night.

Glass of dark amber beer with white foam head on granite countertop Can of Hamm's Special Light beer on granite countertop

Now I've been asked if there was anything I wouldn't share about my bachelor party. Honestly, there's nothing. I guess it was mild compared to what happens at a lot of bachelor parties. We only went to 2 different bars. The first bar was Nutz Deep. Nutz Deep is a sports bar with good food, so if you were thinking some other type of bar you were wrong.

I started at Nutz Deep and it started to become packed. We wanted to find another place we could hang and everyone could sit and eat. We walked across the street to The Rivers Tavern.

Blurry night photograph of street with lights and storefronts Illuminated restaurant building at night with purple accent lighting

We pretty much had the place to ourselves. It was a great time just sitting, talking, and catching up. Later in the night we headed back to Nutz Deep where it was packed. A few other friends had been there a while.

Night view of downtown street with lit storefronts, street lights, and parked vehicles Crowded bar interior with patrons socializing, shelves of bottles, and wood-paneled ceiling

I stayed out to bar close. One of my buddies gave me a ride to my brother's house. I slept on the couch and the next morning there was some frost on my windshield.

View through car windshield of residential street severely distorted by water spots or windshield damage

I was still tired when I got to my parents' house so I slept a little more. Jordy decided to make herself comfortable too.

Black and white mixed breed dog sitting on carpet in living room with furniture visible Black and white dog sleeping on bed with geometric patterned bedding in grey, white, and yellow

I went into town and visited with my grandmas again. I took a quick look at my Cougar.

Car covered with tan protective cover on brick platform in unfinished basement with exposed plywood walls

I took the back roads home. I wanted to take in some of the fall colors.

View from car of parking area at dawn or dusk with bare trees silhouetted against twilight sky Rural road lined with pine and deciduous trees with sun creating lens flare effect

I visited with my parents for a while and then hit the road a little after 8. Time was of the essence and I wanted to get to Thunder Bay at a reasonable time on Monday. It was still a bit cold.

Car dashboard display showing 38°F temperature and date 10.21.2018 at 6:22 Night highway driving with vehicles ahead and illuminated road sign visible in distance

I made it to Duluth. I stayed at the La Quinta there.

La Quinta Inn & Suites building at night with green illuminated signage

I ate some breakfast and hit the road. It was still a bit chilly.

Breakfast plate with round yellow omelet, diced potatoes, and sausage hash on disposable plate with plastic fork Car dashboard display showing 43°F temperature and date 10.22.2018 at 9:26 Yellow caution sign warning of icy conditions with slip hazard symbol next to park path with picnic shelter visible

My border crossing into Canada was super easy. Unlike many times, I was just asked a few questions and I was through in less than a minute. I guess I'm starting to get a track record with my crossing. I know a lot of border guards know of this blog and see how I travel. The crazy thing is last year about the same time I was in Thunder Bay on a mission to get an amethyst for the engagement ring.s.

Upon coming into town, I stopped at the ATM and got some local currency. I then picked up my buddy Ryan. You may know him from my blog entry on his show Lipstick and Leather on CILU. We headed to Nipigon to do some exploring.

Blue road sign reading Township of Nipigon Canton de Nipigon Population 1700 along rural highway

I wrote a separate blog entry about small town Canada and exploring Nipigon. I hit up a lot of different places and it was great exploring such a great small town! After Nipigon Ryan and I went back to Thunder Bay. I stopped at the Terry Fox Memorial to get a few pictures.

Brick pathway lined with trees leading to waterfront gazebo and statue at sunset with golden lighting Canadian flag waving on flagpole with autumn leaves on branches against cloudy sky Illuminated memorial statue silhouetted on raised stone platform at dusk under dramatic cloudy sky View over black metal fence showing highway, autumn forest, and distant mountains under overcast sky Scenic overlook of highway with autumn-colored trees and body of water with mountains in distance under cloudy sky

Ryan picked up his car and we went downtown. I quick checked into the Prince Arthur Hotel. This would make it easy to walk downtown.

White hotel room door numbered 611 in grey hallway Hotel room with queen bed with white bedding, dark wood curved headboard, and nightstands with table lamps Blurry nighttime view from hotel window showing illuminated gazebo and downtown buildings

Ryan was waiting for me and we decided to get dinner. We were going to get some Canadian-style BBQ, but Apple Chipotle's was closed for shooting a commercial. We ended up at Intercity Mall where we got poutine from New York Fries.

Blurry night driving view of downtown street with traffic lights, street lamps, and storefronts Illuminated Chipotle restaurant sign at night against dark sky Street banner at night reading Southern BBQ Lives Here with Chipotle branding and moon visible Night driving view of downtown intersection with street lights and buildings New York Fries restaurant sign with illuminated lettering in food court or mall New York Fries meal with loaded hot dog and poutine covered in gravy and toppings

After eating, Ryan went home for a bit. We met back up again later that night at Waterhouse. I walked there and then got my Caesar.

Prince Arthur Hotel illuminated entrance sign at night with hanging flags Pedestrian crossing sign on metal pole showing walking figure icon with right-pointing arrow Illuminated Waterhouse sign on building exterior at night Bloody Mary cocktail garnished with celery, pickle, lemon and rock hand gesture sign on bar

Two other friends, Kal and Andrew, came out to join us. I had another beer in the meantime.

Bottle of Labatt Crystal lager beer on bar with colored lights in background

We decided to go to The Foundry. We all walked there and I had another two beers.

Downtown street at night with Gillions sign illuminated on building and street lights The Foundry restaurant window with decorative sign and Grade A food safety certificate Pint glass of golden beer with thick foam head on wooden bar table

It was mild for a Monday night. We pretty much had both bars to ourselves. It was easy to talk and catch up. I ended up staying until bar close at 2am. It seemed like I was the only one on Red River road when I walked back to the hotel.

Empty downtown street at night with street lights, storefronts and bare trees Downtown intersection at night with street lights and storefronts visible Prince Arthur Hotel guest parking sign illuminated at night

I set the alarm for early, but ended up sleeping a bit more. I did wake up a few times and take some pictures of the sunrise.

Dawn view of waterfront town with dramatic dark clouds breaking over Lake Superior and city lights below Elevated view of Thunder Bay waterfront at dawn showing marina, breakwater and dramatic sunrise over Lake Superior Daytime elevated view of Thunder Bay waterfront showing marina, parking lot with gazebo and Lake Superior with distant islands Elevated waterfront view with parking lot, gazebo, marina and Lake Superior under cloudy sky

Tuesday morning was pretty much all business. I headed to Bay Meats to pick up some more pepperettes.s.

Bay Meats Butcher Shop storefront sign on commercial building under cloudy sky Life-size cow statue display inside butcher shop or meat market

I then headed to Wolfhead Coffee to pick up some coffee and talk to Dan.

Hand holding bag of Sleeping Giant Head Coffee Fresh Roasted beans over coffee roaster drum filled with beans

Maltese Grocery was the next spot on the list. I got some Heatbeat Hot Sauce.

Maltese grocery store sign on brick building advertising meats, produce, groceries and fine imported foods Two bottles of Heartbeat Hot Sauce in raspberry habanero and another flavor on black and red car seat

I was getting hungry, so I stopped to get something healthy at Pita Pita.

Pita Pit restaurant storefront with colorful sign promoting healthy eating under cloudy sky

My last stop before heading back to the US was Metro. I did my grocery shopping and got a few of the things I enjoy from Canada. I then headed for the US border.

Metro grocery store exterior with distinctive red roof and signage in parking lot under cloudy sky

The US border crossing took a little longer. I got a few more questions. I guess being in Canada for a single night probably was suspicious. I was finally allowed back into the US and then high tailed it to Minneapolis.

Rural two-lane highway through forested area with autumn colors under bright blue sky with white clouds Highway through forested valley with golden autumn foliage and vehicle ahead under blue sky Bright sun creating lens flare over suburban highway with traffic ahead and buildings visible

I met up with Victoria;'s brother Michael. He was staying at the Staybridge Suites and had a pull out couch I could crash on.

Staybridge Suites hotel building at dusk with illuminated windows and parking lot with vehicles

We decided to get dinner at Taco Libre.

Taco Libre restaurant illuminated at night with distinctive signage and cars parked in front

We then got a six pack of beer and sat down and had one. The fire alarm decided to go off in the meantime.

Hand holding bottle of Grain Belt Friendly Beer in hotel room setting Fire truck with red emergency lights active at hotel parking lot at night

Some lady was cooking and it did cause a bunch of smoke. We were inside not long after the fire trucks arrived. Michael and I talked a bit and then we went to bed. The next morning I actually had to use my ice scraper. Lucky I still have it after all these years!

White Ford Focus with frost-covered windshield in morning parking lot Red ice scraper clearing thick frost from car windshield close-up view

I hit the road, grabbed my Kwik Trip breakfast, and watched the sun slowly come up. It also started to get warmer as I headed south. I made it to the La Quinta in Guthrie, Oklahoma before I crashed for the night.

Dramatic sunset with pink and orange clouds over parking lot with silhouetted trees and street light Car dashboard display showing 26°F temperature and date 10.24.2018 at 7:30 Frost-covered park lawn at sunrise with sun rays streaming through trees creating long shadows and picnic tables visible Kwik Trip convenience store and gas station with distinctive red roof viewed from car windshield Convenience store breakfast items including wrapped croissant sandwich and beef sticks on red textured car seat Highway view with green road signs indicating Missouri Route 46 and Davis City ahead Car dashboard display showing 61°F temperature and date 10.24.2018 at 1:28 Multi-lane highway with truck ahead and autumn-colored trees lining both sides of road Straight highway across flat brown prairie landscape with yellow truck ahead under heavily overcast gray sky Highway view through windshield with water spots and light rain under gray overcast sky La Quinta Inn & Suites hotel entrance at dusk with U-Haul trailer parked under covered drive-through Modern hotel room with two queen beds featuring black and white geometric patterned runners, dark gray headboards, white bedding, and striped carpeting

Despite what the radar said, it was wet and misty the next morning. It did clear up a bit in Texas, but was cloudy by the time I go to Austin.

Weather radar screen showing severe weather system approaching Austin, Texas at 6:23 AM with green and yellow precipitation bands moving across the region Night photograph of illuminated stadium or arena light pole with colorful LED display against dark sky, taken from parking lot View through rain-covered windshield of foggy highway with limited visibility and wet road conditions Heavy rainfall on highway viewed through windshield with wipers active, showing dense rain and reduced visibility on tree-lined interstate Rainy highway driving conditions with semi-truck ahead, green highway sign visible in distance through rain-streaked windshield Interstate highway under dramatic dark storm clouds with flat rural landscape on both sides of the road Clear day highway driving on multi-lane interstate with moderate traffic, blue sky with white clouds, and sloped embankment visible on right Overcast highway driving conditions on rural interstate with flat landscape and sparse traffic under gray cloudy skies

I got back to my apartment and unpacked my car. I then early voted. One crazy thing about voting in Texas is the sheer amount of signs outside a polling place.

Hand holding round Collection of political campaign signs clustered on grass area outside Fairfield Center polling location with trees and building in background

I then came home and opened up a package that came to me from Canada. Grimm's, the makers of the pepperettes I found in Texas, sent me some cool things.

Sealed cardboard shipping box with green Grand & Toy (G&T) logo and branding on beige corrugated packaging Bright green UPS Export shipping label with UPS shield logo and barcode visible Black Grimm's Fine Foods insulated cooler bag with logo featuring red meat/ham graphic and Open Grimm's Fine Foods insulated cooler bag revealing contents including thermal container with red band and burgundy Grimm's branded cap

I'm now getting back in the normal routine of working and living life in Austin. I might not be blogging full time anymore, but there's still a lot more adventures to come. Stay tuned!

See more blog entries here