Suicidal squirrels, obnoxious trains, and how I survived my first mid western mega storm

Not much about this trip has gone according to plan so far. I opted to meet up early with my friend Rob in Milan, Ohio so that our trip across the midwest would be a little less lonely. I'm glad I did, because this place sucks. It's all flat, boring riding and we haven't even gotten to Iowa yet. Not to mention, the squirrels out here are either extra stupid or extra brave because I swear I had a game of chicken with one the other day that was for the ages; it just starred us down as I went to the right and Rob went to the left, didn't move at all until we were past it.

I also realize that I said I wouldn't be posting for a while due to lack of internet, but I find myself again in a motel for the night at the will of another storm. This one was pretty epic though with 80 mph gust of wind, lightning and downpour. We were lucky to be able to find shelter when we did, but everything worked out. The only downside is the motel we are at is right next to train tracks on which a freight train would pass every hour on the hour and would announce its presen
ce by blowing its whistle right outside our window. So, needless to say, the next couple of days are going to be long ones. Once we get past the plains things should pick up though.