1) We got on the road about 7:30 after several outstanding cups of coffee. On I-40 now heading into the Great Smokey mountains.

2) Awesome! You're almost here. Make sure when you cross the Mason-Dixon line to come up with a slightly less racist name for your car. That won't fly in these parts.

3) No racism in this car, it's a direct correlation to this weekend's event in Springfield and forecasting of the election this fall.

We are through the Smokey mountains now and going up a big hill.

4) We just passed a tree.

5) I love the Smokey Mountains! Have a safe drive. Can't wait to hear about all of your adventures in Springfield.

6) Dave, are there any tolls? We didn't bring any money.

7) Denny, if you see anything for the boat this weekend go for it. I bet Dane's has some great stuff.

8) We are in TN now, about to get on I-75. We are almost to The Ultimate Beef Jerky Outlet!! No lie people.

9) You might want to notice while in Tennessee, that the state has 2-Ns in the name. You'll probably notice that at one of the rest-stops after all those cups of coffee. How's the car doing? Have you had to charge it yet? Did you make any compacts while BP was making out in Pegi's driveway?

Safe travels! With Dane's and all those other cool places Dave mentioned, I can see you have a lot of reasons to get there fast to start the fun!

10) Love your trips, they are always such creative travelogs!

11) If you have to pay a toll, Denny, you're going the wrong way!!

12) Sounds like you're making good time. Let me know when you get into Arkansas. You might want to turn right.

13) Good to hear about the tolls! We are on I-95 now. Jamming out to Langhorne Slim. About to stop for gas, snacks and some sodie pops.

14) I-95?? You made a wrong turn!!

15) Oops, I meant to say I-75. I'll blame it on the iPhone.

16) Glad to hear that, Denny! Sounds like you're on track!!

17) can you google map where you are???

18) dude if you stop in corbin, KY you can goto the orginal KFC for brunch, tell Greg the manager I said what's up

19) Yeah I can Google Map on my phone. We are using the built in GPS and so far the service out here is wonderful. Just got 3G service in the middle of nowhere.

20) denny we have a 10mph wind here, you are missing out on great sailing weather to go to IL!!! Are you crazy???

21) Just got gas for $3.57/gal. The car only takes 7 gallons though so it was $27.55. WOOT!

22) 10 mph wind? That's a light breeze here. We wouldn't even notice.

23) What have you done with Niki? Is she driving?

24) Grant, I forgot to tell you that I am taking the boat to IL. There is a lot of wind there. Thanks.

25) Niki who? Oh yeah, that girl... She drove the first two hours. We are still at the gas station. I am about to take the wheel though.

26) You guys in KY yet? I'm guessing you're between Williamsburg and London.

27) 10 mph winds? What the hell is wind?? There isn't any wind in Illinois in August, people, and any other time of year 10 mph is nothing. Have you heard about tornadoes?

Currently, the weather in Springfield, Illinois, is a beautiful 70 degrees with almost 100% humidity, but don't worry, the light mist will cool you off.

Happy Trails, Deatons! Oh, and where is Dylan??

28) Back on the road. I'm driving now. The speed limit is only 55 out here. AGH!

29) You drive the speed limit now? Must be Dylan's influence! I don't remember you driving the speed limit back in college when you got all those speeding tickets (or at least got stopped--I vaguely remember you being able to talk yourself out of most of them!)

30) Still in TN. Close to the Texas border.

31) I got a ticket a few weeks ago on the way to the beach so I have to be careful for the next 3 years. We're back up to 70 mph now.

32) TN isn't a good state to speed in. They usually have a patrol car every 50 feet or so from the NC border.

33) this Git n' Go coffee is nothing like the Ethiopian Blend we had at Bob and Pegi's this morning.

34) Did you say you were going through Missouri? You should probably turn right at Memphis.

35) Angi - try riding a bike. There's plenty of wind in August. Always coming from the wrong way too.

36) Currently in Jellico, birthplace of the pudding pop.

37) Just passed into Kentucky. We just opened up a 5th of Bourbon to celebrate.

Niki is watching Dexter, season 2.

38) Oh someone asked about Dylan. She's at the kennel.

Back down to 55 mph, I could walk this fast.

39) Google says you have 7 hours and 43 minutes left to drive. That will put you into Springfield about 5:15. That works out, 'cause we usually eat dinner at 5:16. Please don't be two minutes late.

40) Scratch that - they say 8 hours. You will get here at 5:30 and can help clean up from dinner.

41) Save us some horseshoes and sodie pop dude!

Back up to 70 mph! WOOD!

42) Don't forget to wave to Betsy on the way by.

43) We are almost to Corbin, birthplace of KFC. We're going to pass it though. Sorry Grant.

44) We wasted a great deal of time on our return trip in/near Corbin attempting to rescue a lost/distressed dog between McDonald's and the highway.

45) Courtney,
Every once in a while some of the secret ingredients get away.

46) it is so good though

47) That's wrong, "Danni" Deaton.

48) I noticed that too, Courtney. LOL

49) go Prius! what mpg are you getting?

50) We had to turn around. Denny forgot his security blanket and didn't think he could make it all weekend without it. See you tomorrow.

51) Cliff Notes for a decent visit to Springfield:
1) Horseshoe.
2) Rub Abe's nose.
3) Friar Tuck.

52) 49.1 mpg, we still have a full tank from filling up two hours ago. W00T!

I was just told my music is to loud. Sniff.

53) I understand 1 & 2--what is Friar Tuck?

50 MPG--that is great! Not 62 but it is on the freeway. Nothing like 7 gal to get you to anywhere!

54) Nice!

55) We just got on I-64 if anyone cares, heading towards Miami.

56) Kentucky horse country is so beautiful. I hope you're having good weather.

57) Miami might not be good--I hear Fay is around.

58) Do any Prius owners know what the number of miles next to the average mpg stands for on the Consumption screen? It's currently at 170 miles and keeps increasing.

59) The weather is beautiful, perfect day for a road trip. Kentucky is lookin' good!

60) Twenty miles outside of Louisville. Betsy where are you today?

61) We've had great weather here in Springfield for the past two weeks, Denny. Unfortunately that's about to change. Not good weather scheduled for the next three days. I'm sure that won't stop y'all from having fun!!

62) That is how many miles you have driven since that screen was reset. It calculates your MPGs based on the total miles since it was last reset.

63) He's only driven 170 mi. since this morning? What a slacker.

64) Does it reset when you turn the car off?

65) We are getting hungry, wishing Betsy was around for a last minute lunch.

66) In answer to that Friar Tuck question, go here:

http://www.friartuckonline.com

67) I'm still putting your Springfield ETA at 5:30. It's a good 5 hour drive from Louisville to Springfield, but if you're about to stop for lunch, you gotta factor that in. Earliest you could arrive here is 5:00 though, and I'll be home by then. W00L!1!!!!!11

68) Speaking of food, Denny, please ask Niki if she remembers what brand of sausage she bought when she made the breakfast casserole for us. It was delicious and I'd like to make it for Sunday morning. Thanks!

69) An appropriate name, Angi, since I vaguely remember Friar Tuck was a bit of a lush. Thanks for the clarification.

I'm sure Dave can tell you where the closest McD's is, Denny. Strange that Betsy is so quiet--she must be traveling or at work.

70) Niki got out a while back, have seen her since. It was Neese's sausage though. Do you guys have that?

Dave, why do your directions take the outer beltline around Louisville instead of 64 straight through?

71) Sweet Home Indiana!

72) There is just one place
That can light my face.
Gary, Indiana,
Not Louisiana, Paris, France, New York, or Rome, but--
Gary, Indiana,
My home sweet home.

73) Denny - we drove straight through Louisville. Didn't realize that Google defaulted to the belt line. Either way, I'm sure you'll see beautiful vistas, waterfalls, unicorns and all kinds of people hopped up on various pharmaceuticals. Give me a call when you cross over into Manitoba.

74) Stopping at Taco Hell and to switch drivers.

75) hmmmmmmmmmmm. chicken supreme gordita!

76) More important--did they get your order right? Merrick swears they never get the orders right.

77) Denny - did Dave tell you about the Rte. 4 shortcut as you near St. Louis?

78) Too late we're past that now. Those were some nice unicorns.

Back on the highway now! WOOM!

79) You aren't near St. Louis yet!!! St Louis is not in Indiana!!!

80) I think that was a comment directed at Dave. Please to bring a pink unicorn.

81) Courtney - I know, I am just trying to give him a hard time - he has to get used to it if he is visiting in Illinois!!!

82) Yep, I told him about the shortcut. The Humzoo Safety team has been tracking his progress, but we can't pinpoint where he is. Somewhere between Springfield and North Carolina. I doubt he passed the shortcut yet though unless they transferred to jet plane.

83) In that case, Steve, save some good stuff for later.

Denny, what are you cooking tonight? I like shrimp.

84) I can't believe Humzoo hasn't come up with an interactive map that helps us track people and observe the landscape. Speaking of which--doesn't that iPhone take pictures? Why don't we have any photos yet?

85) I think you guys are going to hit some possibly heavy rain, either right before or right after crossing into Illinois. Good times.

86) Is Steve the only one who has avoided rain on this trip?

87) Denny, I think that number resets when you fill up with gas. So it probably reset at Taco Bell, too.

88) Ewww!

89) We had some showers this morning, but right now it is sunny. It is going to rain again today, tomorrow, and Saturday. I hope they have enough five gallon buckets at Danes to catch the water from the leaks!!!

90) Steve, I don't know about the rt 4 shortcut. Apparently I am not privy to insider family secrets quite yet.

Courtney, you just keep cleaning and I'll handle dinner. Do you like Mexican Shrimp Salad?

91) Now wait a minute - Dave says he told you and you tell me he didn't!!! Duh, just stay on I-95 and you'll get there (there being somewhere)!!!

92) Denny dude, we talked about the Route 4 shortcut for like 3 days. We had 5 conference calls about it. Remember that TPS report I sent with that list of action items? The top 3 items were "don't forget the Rte 4 shortcut." I'm going to have to ask that you have a meeting with the Bobs.

Really though, that should have been on the map I sent you to. I also mentioned that it's kind of like the Route 73 shortcut by your place. 2 lanes and possibly slow. But it's the way to go.

93) It didn't reset when we stopped Pegi, so I am not sure what it's for.

Steve, I showered this morning too. It was so refreshing and I used Bob's towel, which was a real treat. Shh he does know though.

Dave, we are 15 miles from Santa Claus.

94) People not familiar with Indiana probably think you are kidding - there really is a Santa Claus, Indiana.

95) I guess Courtney is not a fan of Taco Hells.

Dave I remember Rt 4 now but it's not on the map. I just emailed the map we're using to you. It's the one you sent me a few weeks ago.

96) Haven't gotten your email. But when you get about half an hour from St. Louis, take Route 4 north. Take that until you get to I-55 North. You'll go around St. Louis traffic and will also cut some distance off your route.

97) It will save you about a half-hour traveling time.

98) 10-4 good buddy. Did you pay your bills?

99) Lebanon exit. Don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds.

100) What bills???

101) I just re-read/got Pegi's gas comment. ZING! That was a good one Pegs.

102) Dave - just got an invitation today for your brother's wedding - hope I can make it back from fishing in time to be there.

103) Steve, I think Denny is referring to this:

http://www.humzoo.com/courtneyheinzel/blog/26/

104) I think that was where the EWWW from Courtney came from, Denny. Maybe you shouldn't read email and drive at the same time.

105) We just passed an Amish Buffet, bus drivers eat for free!

106) Let's not be confused. Courtney does love the Taco Bell. What address did you send that note to Denny? Your emails to dh.com/dh.net are always delayed for some reason, but if you send it to my work address, it'll come through right away. But it sounds like you know what we're talking about now anyway. Just turn right.

107) The Black President doesn't have auto-pilot, you have to actually drive it manually???

108) I was asking if Dave paid his hosting bill since he hasn't received my email yet.

109) The sites are both up.

110) Have you seen my stapler? if they take my stapler…I’ll have to set the building on fire.

111) I sent it to hd.com. I don't have your school address on my phone. Send me an email from there then I will have it for any future misconmunications. Thanks MGMT.

112) My GPS sensor says you're close to Evansville and about 20 minutes from the Illinois border. Of course, it also says Ron Paul 2008, so I'm not sure how accurate it is.

113) When you cross the border into Illinois you are going from a 70 MPH speed limit to a 65 MPH speed limit - but they don't really mean it!!!!!!!!!!!!

114) That's true. And also we apologize for Southern IL.

115) What do you guys want for dinner? We were thinking tonight we would do takeout somewhere close and eat at the house. Chilis is an option, as is Culvers (best fast food chain in town), Panera or Sonic. We won't start the Springfield Tour De Local Eateries until Friday.

116) Sorry, but you cannot rub Lincoln's nose. We went out there last week and the whole area is under construction and Lincoln is boxed up! So sad.

117) We are bringing dinner; moonshine, chitlins, grits and sweet tea. A real nice Southern medley for you. No seriously any of those options is fine with us. Let Ethan decide for us all, that should be fun.

118) We are in the middle of a corn field now. Lots of silos and a rest area.

119) acorn field? Lots of oaks?

120) WHAT? Abe's nose is boxed up?! Turn around, Deatons. There's nothing here to see.

121) We both have to pee pretty bad now. And there is nothing out here but corn.

122) Ok wow. I guess it's too late to ask if you want to stop in for lunch.
These past few weeks have really sucked. I actually have to do WORK while I am at work, and I have no time for the internets!

Maybe I can catch you on the way back. The KY State Fair is in town!

123) Have fun in Springfield! If you have time, stop over at my mom's house. She needs some cheering up. She can show you my old room, if you want. More interesting than the Lincoln Sites.

124) Chilis takeout it is. Prepare yourselves.

125) I would get the Chicken Crispers if I were you guys. I like mine with an extra side of honey mustard that way I can dip my fries in the sauce, too. :)

126) Either Denny and Niki got abducted while taking a pee break or Southern Illinois has no cell coverage. Either way, I think it's safe to assume we should plan on never seeing them again and splitting up their possessions. I claim all Guitar Hero products.

127) Too bad they have their iPhones with them--those would be something to divy up. I've heard of aliens in cornfields--maybe that explains it.

128) we had a little Internets drought there and stopped to per and for gas in Burnt Prarie, birthplace of Chuck Wagon Charlie.

Chili's sounds great!

129) I'm going to have to push back your ETA to 6:00. Any rain yet? Still coming down here.

130) We got slightly derailed, we didn't have a data connection and lost our map for about 20 min which sent us a few miles up 57. Back on 64 now though. Starting to rain.

131) 50 miles out from St. Louis. Over and out.

132) You're practically here. Don't miss the Rt. 4 exit!

133) We are 13 miles from Rt 4. WOOT!

134) Route 4 is the backdoor!
Route 4, couldn't ask for more!
Route 4, go to the store!
Route 4, hope it doesn't pour!

135) Dave, is it easier for us to pick up dinner on the way in? If so we're happy to and I can give you our orders right here on Humzoo for the world to see. How exciting that must be.

136) On Rt 4 now, going 35. Totally sweet y'all!

137) You seriously took Rt 4??? That was a joke. Nobody ever really falls for that one. Enjoy Lebanon.

138) Are you serious? Cause Niki doesn't think it's funny.

139) Did you see any combines or tractors on Rt 4??

140) Thanks to all the jokers for the dispute that just occurred in my car. We are on I-55 now and 60 miles from Heinzel Village!

141) Deatons!!! Welcome to Illinois. Please pronounce our state's name with an "s".

I'm so glad you guys volunteered to spend your time here helping us renovate our church home. The asbestos removal shouldn't take you more than 2 days. We bought you SARS masks off of e-bay. Our treat. You can keep them as a token of our appreciation. I'll leave the key under the mat. Many thanks.

142) Yeah we saw a bunch. I almost left Niki back there.

143) OK, for the Chili's order, I'll have their Quesadilla Explosion salad, please - dressing on the side. :O)

144) Oh, and Galvin would like to know where you saw those combines? Not many of those get by him without a test run!

145) Dave says you leave your order with us and we will obtain the food items.

146) Even trapped behind farm implements, you made the right move. You probably knocked 3-4 minutes off of your travel time, and got to see the hometown of Kelly Ripa's husband.

147) I actually really like that part of the drive. Is Mark Consuelos from Lebanon?

148) Also, please include any beverage preferences. We have almost nothing here: milk, water, Mt Dew or Diet Pepsi. But we'll order/pick up something else.

149) Okay how about chicken ranch sandwich with fries for me, and the mesquite chicken salad for Niki. We are going to stop real quick for some beer, do you guys need anything?

150) According to Wikipedia, he is. Of course, according to Wikipedia, I own the Sears Tower. So take it for what it's worth.

151) Denny - see my first note in this thread for your beer stop. It's super close to the Heinzel house too, so you can't miss it. Look for the Target sign on Veterans.
Friar Tuck Beverage
2930 Constitution Dr, Springfield, IL 62704

152) We are on Veterans, stopping at Friar Tuck. Yea, we made it in 10 hours and only 1 argument!

153) Thanks for the update. I was starting to feel awkward sitting here waiting for someone to type something.

154) Why did you go through Missouri?

155) We did not actually go through Missouri. Matt, awkward silence is what humzoo is all about. We have arrived at the Heinzel house now!

156) they're here!

157) This post needs pics.

...of the beer, I mean.

158) We're sitting down in the living room right now having Chilis. Hope to give updates soon. And/or pics.

159) You'll all have ring-sting in the morning. I hope you have several bathrooms.

160) Dave, What time are you bringing the Deatons to work tomorrow? We really need to get them out into the schools to get the connections hooked up before the first day on Monday. Is it still true that Denny is willing to put in overtime to get things done despite the party?

161) Not sure what time Joe, but probably morning. Probably mid-morning, between 9:30 - 11:00. Denny and Niki are getting fitted for their technicial toolbelts now. What color scheme are you guys wearing tomorrow?

162) Dude, you know it's formal Friday tomorrow, Jeesh!