Plucky Survivors See America 2007: The Midwest Express
The 2007 Plucky Survivors See America road trip was dubbed “The Midwest Express” as Mary and Rick covered more than 2,000 miles across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Another eclectic itinerary included Hog Fest 2007, billed as the biggest outdoor pork barbecue in the world; the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library; the Hobo Museum; the Spam Museum; the Negro League Baseball Museum; the Museum of Funeral Customs; and the biggest ball of popcorn because they decided every PSSA trip needed to have a stop to see the biggest ball of something. There was more barbeque consumption, both pie and donuts and, of course, a rematch of the PSSA official road game, Cow that came with the tagline, “This time, Cow is for keeps.” Or just a good way to pass the time between stops for barbeque. And pie.
Day 1: Los Angeles to Bettendorf
A cross-country flight, a cross-state drive, a hot dog that tasted like freedom, a disappointing game of Cow, and Plucky Bunny!
Day 2: Bettendorf to Cedar Rapids
A living art re-enactment, a visit to Rick’s hometown, and dessert, more dessert, and then a third dessert.
Day 3: Cedar Rapids to Peoria
A quick trip through a quaint village just to Czech the boxes, an encounter with a closed candy shop, and HOGFEST!
Day 4: Peoria to St. Louis
We visit some icons – Honest Abe, the Old Coot of Route 66, and the St. Louis Arch. Oh, we got chocolate in the shape of coffins.
Day 5: St. Louis to Kansas City
We trace the steps of Huck & Finn in Hannibal, attempt to not get lost in Missouri (and mostly succeed), and eat a pound of meat.
Day 6: Kansas City to Council Bluffs
We get jazzy and try to hit a home run in Kansas City, then hit the road for some dark visits to an insane asylum and a murder house.
Day 7: Council Bluffs to Mason City
In which we eat some ice cream, see some rocks, trace the steps of Harold Hill, see another giant ball, and meet a future president.
Day 8: Mason City to LaCrosse
We look at 76 trombones, pay tribute to Spam (the food kind), and visit a place with a dead cat in a box (it’s nicer than it sounds).
Day 9: LaCrosse to Chicago
The penultimate day saw us taking in some cool outsider art, talking to angels, and playing mini-golf in the basement of a funeral home.
Day 10: Chicago to Los Angeles
Our final day before winging home is spent in Chicago where we meet Sue, eat more (big surprise), and stroll the Windy City.