Mon, Jan 19 2009 - Yes We Can! Obama Inauguration Red Eye Road Trip (View Original Event Details)
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It took some time to write this summary because I've been thinking long and hard about what this event meant to me. In retrospect, it was actually one of the coolest things that I've ever done and will stay with me for the rest of my life. That sentiment was shared with all those that took part on this road trip adventure.
It began with some snowy conditions to make the drive down there even more challenging. Alison wisely suggested that we leave earlier than planned. So we got the rental car, a 2008 Hyundai Sonata from Avis. It proved to be more than capable of swallowing up 5 adults and their stuff with no problem. It is quiet inside, spacious, and very good on gas.
We had 3 drivers on the rental contract to make sure that nobody would be overly tired driving down. By 730PM we had everyone aboard and we headed Westward towards the USA. Our border crossing at Fort Erie was funny. The youngish border guard seemed bemused that we'd be heading down for the Inauguration. His older sidekick though agreed with us that it was of historical importance. We breezed thought the checkpoint into the land of the brave.
Our first rest stop was in upper NY state or 'buffet heaven' as I will call it. Why? Because it is the only KFC buffet around. I thought that these were just the stuff of legend. Sadly it is only available on Wed and Sun nights. However, I made sure to mark its location in my GPS for future visits. We fueled up and continued onwards.
In Johnsonburg, PA we passed by a massive Domtar pulp and paper mill that dwarfed its surroundings. The whole scene was like a bit right out of a sci-fi movie. There we stopped for gas, etc. We also marveled at American candy bars. White chocolate Kit Kats? Yum.
A wayward deer threatened to cut our journey short in PA too. It bounced out from the left without even glancing our way. I thought it was a dog and had already started to brake. Fortunately it, and us, continued on our way.
The Hyundai's built-in XM satellite radio made the trip even better. We could hear election coverage from the right (Fox News) and the left (America Left) along with music from every age/genre.
Finally Angela got to drive the proverbial 'last mile' as we rolled into the DC suburbs. There was already a huge lineup of cars waiting to park in the Metro train station lot. We opted for the Shady Grove stop at the far end of the Red line.
Fortunately plenty of police were on hand to keep line jumpers in check. After making our way into the lot. We joined the enormous crowds and got onto a train. The mood aboard was jubilant despite the early hour. People were stoked about this and came from all over the place to take part.
We got to downtown and immediately upon exiting the train station began to see Obama merch everywhere, gotta love capitalism. We hit up McDonalds for bathroom and for nourishment. Then we walked towards the Washington Monument. There we watched the events unfold on giant video screens. To describe the crowds as massive is almost inaccurate. It was a sea of people everywhere that we looked.
After it all finished we made our way back. Outside of town we had one more food stop at Wendys where Baconators, chili, and more warmed us up.
In summary, it truly was a once in a lifetime event. I'm so glad that I was able to share it with fellow TOCers.
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.