Rush, Rush, Rush

After leaving Yellowstone, my goal was to make it half-way to Seattle.

I was so worn out that I had to stop in Missoula, MT. I almost made it half-way.

Driving through Montana was almost like driving through Kansas, except there were mountains EVERYWHERE. It was beautiful, but it got monotonous.



So I quickly got a hotel before dark. I ended up in the downtown area and I saw plenty of restaurants. When I spoke to my brother, he said Missoula was a cool town. So I took off by myself to find a restaurant, after consulting with the helpful hotel clerk. I ended up at a family owned Mexican place. The food was delicious. And so was the margarita.

Although it sounds boring, I ended my night after that. Sleep was calling.

My next goal was Seattle. So I again took off in the morning and just drove.

It was also my birthday. So I appreciated every phone call, text or other messages I received. But it didn't feel like my birthday. I was alone. And I knew going into this trip that I would be alone most of the time. And I was okay with that. Until the day hit. And I was alone. On the highway.

There was a traffic standstill 80 miles from Seattle. So I sat in my car, bored. And I decided I needed to have some fun. So I had my own dance party in the car while I waited for traffic to move through the roadwork and one open lane ahead.

I didn't realize that the time change was really starting to affect me, until I got to Seattle. And I didn't have anything to eat all day, except McDonalds which never leaves you feeling great.

I was trying to find a place to stay, but I got frustrated. Found a Barnes&Noble with a Starbucks and free wi-fi. I sat there and decided upon a hotel. But by the time I got to my room, it was 9:30pm. Or 11:30pm back home. I was exhausted and ready for bed. I needed dinner. But I didn't want to go anywhere.

I broke down and cried. Then my best friend called me to say happy birthday again, and I cried some more. At that moment, I was homesick. I was frustrated. I wanted to give up.

10 minutes later, I decided that the free continental breakfast would be a better way to start my day. And I went to bed without dinner.

So that's where I am now. I decided to stay in Seattle another day. This way I can kind of regroup my plans, my thoughts, my next moves. And have the chance to visit Seattle.


Quick update about where I've been so far:

Kansas City, MO (stayed with grandma)
Stratton, CO (locked my keys in the Jeep)
Boulder, CO (stayed with Emily & Brittany)
Fort Collins, CO (stayed with Heather)
Yellowstone, WY (Old Faithful Inn)
Missoula, MT (hotel)
Seattle, WA (hotel)