After a lengthy day yesterday, I was dropped off in Topeka where I await the repairs on my van. I got in touch with the shop earlier this morning and they said they should have news for me in the next hour. They had it on the lift checking for leaks, and it sounded as if they may be finished here soon. If that's the case, I'll ask them to drive my van over to the hotel and get me so I can pay for my repairs and hit the road. If I can be on the road by 10am MDT, I'll be a late arrival to the show today in Eastern Colorado before heading home to wrap up this lengthy road trip.
Yesterday was the most promising day of chasing so fat this trip, but once again, we were left without the ultimate prize. We spent most of the early part of the day in Liberal before tentatively moving south and east. Our curiousities were raised when we passed the DOWs and several other chasers heading back north, but later found out via other reports why that may've been. In any case, we finally elected to get on the Roger Mills County, OK storm and blasted south along a highway which took us beautifully around the core and into Cheyenne where we spent the better part of a couple hours playing around the storm. As we neared the interstate, we concluded this storm was not going to tornado, so we took shelter under an abandoned gas station and enjoy the 30 minute show in which we watched winds in excess of 70mph and torrential rains blast down from above. A nearby tree gave way in the winds which Michael captured on video through the blinding rain.
Once the storm passed, we jumped on I-40 into OKC and I took over the wheel of Verne's car and carried us into Topeka where I checked in the for night and Verne and Michael headed west to position for today.
Chris Collura, who is heading back to Florida from OKC today, met us last night and chased his final day with us. I wanted to thank him for his excellent company and coversation throughout the last couple weeks and wish him a safe return home this evening. It was a blast dude, and I hope to share better seasons with you in the future. And of course, Verne and Michael for their company as well as giving me a well out of the way lift back to Topeka last night. While I said last night I hope nothing too exciting happens, I hope you score well. Just don't tell me about it, K!
If I get lucky to get out today, it'll probably be the last chase of this Mayathon. I want to get home and spend a couple days recovering and get into the company of my lady who has patiently awaited my return for quite a while now. My original thoughts were to be home sometime Friday as I expected the van to take a while. Hopefully here soon, I'll hear better news that results in me spending the night someplace other than here.
I'll keep you posted.
