Trek from Texas, part 1

The trek started on Wednesday, with the Loading of the Truck and Cleaning of the Apartment. In these two activities we had some very welcome help - an enormous, thanks to Ian, Woo Young and Louise who schlepped and cleaned far beyond the call of duty or friendship. We wouldn't have been able to get everything done so easily or quickly without their help. I am sure Ian was glad that we were only up one flight of stairs this time, rather than on the third floor with a spiral staircase as we were last time he helped us move - especially when it came to the couch!

It turned out we had been very lucky with the weather on Loading Day, because Moving Day dawned in a deluge, thanks to Tropical Storm Erin. Benjamin got drenched running the last few loads out to the truck and hooking up the tow dolly for our car. Meanwhile, in the apartment, I was busy doing the last cleaning tasks. Note 1: If you plan to make snacks, like carrot sticks, for the road, it is good idea to leave a knife and/or vegetable peeler out until you have done so. Note 2: When moving, make sure you leave the cleaning supplies out until the very end. It is much easier to clean when you have the right sponge, brush, and cleanser for the task. Note 3: when planning to make a three-day, cross-country drive in a moving truck, try not to strain your back. I foolishly forgot that note, and ended up with back spasms after scrubbing the grout in the shower. Oops.

Despite the rain, back spasms, and general moving confusion, we managed to get the cats into their carriers and us into the truck and on the road by 10:30. Later than we wanted, but at least in one piece. We made it to Benton, Arkansas on Day 1. Here is the truck at a rest stop somewhere in East Texas: