Day 8: MO, IL, IN, KY, OH

You've heard the phrase that it rains cats and dogs. Well, it did this morning when we woke up in St. Louis. I couldn't even take Apollo out for his early morning outing. Had to wait for a while before the intensity let down and we could get going for the day.

After that rough start, we were blessed with a beautiful sunrise in Illinois. How often do you get to see the sunrise followed quickly by the sun going behind clouds giving you a simulated sunset in the morning? That was today - check out the pics.

We went through Illinois and Indiana, which claims to be the place where Lincoln spent his formative years. There was yet another diversion near Louisville, KY where they had closed a key bridge between IN and KY. The diversion took us over another bridge over Ohio river. We were at the IN/KY border when BAM! I rear ended a pickup in front when I took a second to observe the border crossing. One moment, all was beautiful and well. The next, all well laid plans were laid to rest and whole set of new problems had to be solved. For the next hour or so, we were in a crucial freeway / bridge crossing waiting for the fire dept and police to show up to do the paperwork and clean up. My radiator was totally busted going under the bumper of the pickup, leaking fluid all over that had to be mopped up by the fire dept. Thankfully, Apollo, the driver of the other car and I suffered no injuries. The pick up was also in a driveable state. Not my viggen. It had to be towed away to a lot and spend the night, possibly several nights there.

We all take life for granted. Life can change in a split second. Imagine what Jaya would have gone through when I called her 4000+ miles away to tell her that I was in an accident. One phone call can change the complexion of a day!

Clearly, the 48 state road trip hit what seems like an irrepairable stop today. I am wading through the paperwork and other logistics today. And I don't know what the future entails, at least of the rest of the road trip tonight.

Thankfully, the incident happened 100 miles away from Cincinnati where I was intending to spend the night at my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's place. Sundar had to drive the 100+ miles to pick me up and Apollo from the tow lot.

Apollo was having a field day at the new home, running and sniffing like crazy. Neha was adoringly following Apollo who was only too happy with all the attention he was getting. All of us, Sundar, Uma, me and Neha were tired for different reasons. Yet, we had a great evening together. Uma had also made my favorite dinner. I am signing off tonight, with the hope that tomorrow would bring more clarity.

Day 8 pics