Rainstorms, Cracked Windshields, and a Much-Needed Hotel Room

Last night’s stay at the campground took an intense turn just as I was finishing up a quick shower—thunderstorms rolled in fast and hard. The rain poured all night, and I’m pretty sure I heard hail bouncing off the roof. The stainless steel SmartCap amplified every drop and ice pellet, making it sound like I was sleeping inside a snare drum. It was the first time I’ve slept in the truck during a storm, so my nerves were on edge. I wasn’t entirely sure the setup was watertight—and as it turns out, there was a minor leak at the tailgate.

Sleep eventually came, but I woke around 3 a.m. to the sound of even heavier rain. When I finally stepped out of the truck, my feet landed in 3–4 inches of standing water. A true deluge.

I kicked off the day at a highway travel center with a familiar comfort: my go-to Starbucks order—a café americano with cream. Spirits were high knowing I’d make it to Colorado Springs by noon, ready to dive into the scouting portion of this trip.

But, as any seasoned traveler knows, no journey is complete without a glitch. And just like flying—where mechanical issues, delays, and missed connections seem par for the course—the road had its own surprise waiting. Somewhere along the highway, a rock shot up and cracked my windshield. A starburst with a ten-inch fracture now stretched across the glass. Not exactly the welcome I was hoping for in Colorado.

Thankfully, I was able to get an appointment for a windshield replacement later in the afternoon. By that point, I was running on fumes after a three-day cross-country push. I decided it was time for a little self-care and booked a hotel room for the night.

Not only will I finally get some decent rest, but I’ll also get a real shower—something more relaxing than last night’s brief rinse, which I shared with at least six beetles crawling around the campground shower floor.