So... Necessary Roadtrips.

[politicat]

DH and I are leaving Thursday after I get out of class for Indiana for my Great-grandfather's funeral.

(Some of ya'll from cooking and baking may remember that I spent a couple months out there the first part of the year when he was recuperating from a nasty bacterial infection. Well, this time it looks like the gators are about to finally get him. He probably won't make it through the night. He's welcoming death, and has been looking forward to it for some time now. And if there's a Heaven, and if people really go there for being good people, he's on the VIP, escorted to the front of the line, easy entry list. So, it's sad, but at the same time, a relief for all of us left.)

Anyway... Sad to say, it's cheaper for the two of us to drive, though we'd rather take the train, but once we figure in a rental car that won't get 45 MPG, it's just not going to happen. And flying... don't make me laugh.

Can anyone suggest reasonable motels in eastern Kansas or Western to middle Missouri for Thursday night? I'm just not thinking we can drive 18 hours straight through, and even if we could, we'd be pretty cramped and unhappy campers when we finally got in to Greentown.

Finally, any suggestions on things we absolutely must bring with us or that will make the trip less than ucky?

[NMDemDist2]

1. I"m sorry for your loss Cat. can't recommend hotels etc but when I

do a road trip I always bring my slippers to wear in the car and snacks water etc and my own pillow from my bed

have a safe trip :hug:

i have two pairs of these esp for road trips

[demgurl]

2. When I have to travel I usually use Priceline

to find the very best deals. But before I go to Priceline I go to http://p070.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding and find out what price I should bid so that I do not overbid.

I am very sorry for your loss and I hope this may help somewhat.

demgurl

[politicat]

4. Problem is I don't know exactly where we will be when we need to stop.

It depends a lot on when we manage to leave (aiming for noon, but willing to go out about 2 or later.)

Once we're in Indiana, there's plenty of spare rooms (though fewer spare bathrooms than I'd like); lots of relatives in the area and lots of space.

This trip is getting extended, though; Grandpa made it through last night and may make it through tonight. This waiting game is killing all of us (no ghastly pun intended.) Thank dog for compassionate leave and vacation time.

[eleny]

3. I'm so sorry about your family's anticipating this loss

I don't know about motels. But I always pack wet washcloths in zip lock bags. It's just so refreshing to have a familiar, fabric washcloth to cool ones face and hands. And it's easy to refresh them when you stop for the night.

It's a trip you can't plan for well. But if you have some carrots and celery in the house, grab some for your cooler and bring water. The vegetables will make any road food taste more like home. We make it a point to stop at the grocery stores for some provisions. That way you can get more nourishing things for less.

I'm glad that this is a relatively short driving trip and that you can get there in two days. Stay safe and know that we'll be keeping you in our thoughts these next days and until you return.
:hug:

[politicat]

5. I picked up sandwich stuff today.

And we always have bottles for water and usually bottled juice.

Thanks for the thoughts. This is driving me slightly mad.