Huntsville, TX (USA)

I was getting tired of getting cut-off and having to slow down at every major exit on the interstate... Even after I got gas in New Waverly, the highway traffic didn't let up. Just as I didn't think I could take it any more, I spotted a sign that said "Houston statue" on the side of the road near Huntsville and quickly exited. I'm glad I did: the 77 foot statue was spectacular to stand near. It is visible from the interstate - and while I was walking around in the nice park, I saw plenty of people pull over on the highway shoulder for a photo (locals said plenty of people have been killed that way...). Learned a little about the town before taking TX-75 into Huntsville. Located the grave of Sam Houston in a quiet cemetery northeast of town. Realized I'd come full circle on his life: found his birthplace marker near Lexington, Virginia (see AUG 2007) and now I've seen the place where he retired and died. Wasn't thrilled to do it, but drove back over to I-45 and continued north. Got off at exit 180 and took TX-164 west. Using Farm-40 & Farm-80, made it back to US-84 and continued towards Mexia. Stuck behind a truck for awhile (going only 45 miles per hour with nowhere to pass...). Changed to TX-170 in Mexia and had smooth sailing all the way to Hillsboro (got on I-35 just south of the E/W split. Traffic wasn't bad at all until I got into Fort Worth - and it was just slowed down (not stopped completely). Called home and found out the twins were just finishing a tough day of school and pre-finals studying. Convinced Brenna to go out to dinner with me as I got home - we ate at a nearby Greek restuarant (Two Brothers Bistro - mmm...). Tired but totally recharged for the home-stretch of work...