First, I would like to say “Thank GOD for McDonald’s”.  I never thought I would hear myself say that.  But this road trip has given me a new appreciation for the prolific fast food chain.  They have 24-hour locations off of major interstates all over this country.  Plus, they have ALL DAY BREAKFAST everywhere!  This is a great thing for someone traveling alone.  Need some quick energy?  Stop and get a cup of coffee and a couple of $1 dollar breakfast burritos.  Need to check your email or catch up on Internet news/sports?  Well, most of these locations have high-speed Internet access.

Ok.  Now back to the trip.  Oh what a wonder a good night sleep will do for a person.  It was a great move on my part to stay in San Antonio for a day.  I was able to relax, refresh, freshen-up, and more importantly, get the BEST 9 hours of straight sleep I have had in a long time.  I woke up ready to tackle the world…uh, well, at least the highway.

Who says the open road is boring?  I find it exciting.  To some it may be mundane.  To me, I enjoy appreciating the scenic beauty that can be found all over the United States.  I am glad I am partaking on this adventure to remind me.  I just wish I had more time to actually enjoy it.  There are so many things that I am passing that I would normally stop to take a picture of.

There are so many restaurants and abandoned buildings that scatter the side of the Interstate that I would love to stop to see.  I am pressed for time and have a couple of thousand more miles to travel before I can call this trip a success.  I really am enjoying the journey and it is refreshing.

One thing that is making the drive through this western portion of Texas is the speed limit

Yes.  That is not a mirage.  80 miles per hour!  It was at least 200 miles straight of an 80mph before the speed limit dropped to 75 outside of El Paso.  Good driving though this area.  Ah, so refreshing!  As I write this day 4 post I am about to find somewhere to eat here in El Paso.  I still feel good, so the plan is to hit the highway again after I eat.  I wonder how many more miles I can knock out before I get tired and have to stop?