Top 10 things I've learned on the road trip at 3,000 miles

1. Gas prices have been much less (thankfully) than expected. Lowest price seen to-date: $1.69.
2. Chattanooga traffic is horrendous due to a very poorly planned construction project. It somehow took more than 2 hours to make it through this small town.
3. Someone only seems to tolerate classic rock or country. I resigned my post as road trip music director even earlier than I expected ... while we were still west of Rockies.
4. Free high speed internet is abundant, including at Toyota dealers (I've spent several hours there already), Denny's restaurants, Shell gas stations, rest areas and a slew of other places.
5. My brother-in-law makes awesome homemade wine. We are now traveling with a full supply of liquor to bring to the isolated island.
6. The EconoLodge in Macon, Georgia is a place you want to avoid at all costs. Pay the $10 more for a room anywhere else.
7. Artificially inseminating thoroughbred paint horses involves tools such as a straw and a humping station (mock-mare).
8. Touring my home town with my mom as tour guide is a must-do and sure to make you laugh ... a lot! (But don't ask anyone for directions to David's shop because they will all tell you they can drive there but not direct you there.)
9. Food is everywhere and really cheap ... it's no wonder most of America is fat. Ice cream cones were a mere 79 cents and a pint was $1.69.
10. If you are driving over 4200 miles across the country with several thousand pounds pulling a loaded trailer, make sure you schedule time for oil changes and alignments.