Fort Smith, Awesome-sas

Jonathan:
We’re in Russellville as I’m typing this, but our next stop is Fort Smith. We didn’t get to stop at the Arkansas border sign because, well, the border is a river. We pulled a legal Chinese Fire Drill at a random off-ramp. Corey is now driving and I’m the official “If-you-close-your-eyes-you’re-getting-it-across-the-face” passenger. We drove around Little Rock and experienced our first minor traffic. We passed small amounts of snow in the shade and frozen lakes. It’s currently 30 degrees. We got word of thigh-deep snow at the Grand Canyon, so we’re modifying our route and heading up that way before proceeding to the Hoover Dam. I think we’re more excited about the snow than the actual Canyon. Corey will be driving until about 9pm, or to around Oklahoma City. Dave and Zach are sound asleep. Dave is the next to drive and he’ll be driving until around 2 am.
Our official titles have been set: Corey is the Captain. Zach is the Pilot. Dave is the Chief Steward. I’m the Chief Communications Officer.


Zach
6:00pm
Well, so far it’s been a pretty good trip. We decided our gold rental car’s name is “La-a” (pronounced Luh Dash Uh…the LA is in reference to our trip to LA, and the “dasha” part is self explanatory). As I’m typing, we are 55 miles east of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. There are ton’s of “Adult Book Stores” in Arkansas. My mom told me that this is where old people go to read. I have to pee a little right now, but its okay. I’m going to tough it out till Ft. Smith. I’m really excited about the prospects of seeing more snow than I have ever seen in my lifetime. It should be awesome. Since Corey has been driving, Dave has been pretty much passed out. He’s doing what he has to do to be a champion. I’ve caught a few zzz’s on and off the last couple of hours, so I think me and Dave will be good to go when it comes our turn to pilot La-a. Good times. On a side note, we figured out that the governor for this Camry kicks in at 117 mph. The engine then shuts off and then we have to stop in the middle of the interstate in order to start the engine back up. We also found that by sticking the left tires in the snow and ice as we cross some of these bridges that it makes the car do this really cool crab slide. Now that I know my mom is freaking out and fumbling in her purse to find her phone so she can call and tell me how stupid we are….I’M JUST KIDDING :)


Full grown bear chase.

Corey:
Excerpt from the Captain’s Log: Driving in Arkansas is demoralizing. You often come across frozen and melted water. The most exciting thing is watching the snow melt on the side of the road. “I appreciate the sunsets. They are quite beautiful.”
Captains Log:
It is 6:13pm now and 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrrgh. Clear skies and clear roads. All ahead full.
6:21pm: Mutiny from Dave Cook has been suppressed. He’s been restrained and placed in the cargo bay. End log.
6:41: Captain’s lost. Wrong exit onto 540.



Dave:
The love bugs aren’t loving tonight.