My friend moved to Ohio a couple of years ago. She told me which city she lives in, but never gave me her address. We’d been texting back and forth about me stopping by for a short visit on this trip, and were both excited! So, last night I was updating her with my plans, after I had booked a place to stay in Cleveland. Well….turns out, she lives in Cincinatti! I laughed at myself so hard, and laughed even more when I looked back at my texts that clearly say that’s where she lives!

I decided that I wanted to go to Cleveland anyway, to see Lake Erie. So this morning I got up really early, hit the road while it was still dark. Brought back some of my best childhood memories. My parents would pack up the family station wagon, the rented Uhaul, the cartop carrier that fit under the canoe, and get all us kids up and in the car along with the dog and be on the road by 5 am.

I wasn’t quite that early, but did get to her place by 10, after getting to experience a gorgeous sunrise. We chatted and caught up and took a walk and she gave me some great cookies. Then I was on my way and got to my airbnb in Cleveland by 4:30.

Cincinnati to Cleveland is about the same distance as Houston to San Antonio, but a bit more interesting. The Texas trip, which I’ve made quite a few times, is straight, flat, and just generally nothing to look at. The Ohio trip started out being kinda similar, but Columbus was along the way, breaking up the monotony, and after that, the trees were pretty with the start of fall colors

Right now I am very tired, and happy that tonight, I am sleeping in a comfortable bed in an awesome home. I have no idea what I’m going to do tomorrow!