“Day One: Inauspicious but Alive”

Somehow I misread my first stop as “Cleveland.” It was actually “Cincinnati.” A difference of about 3 hours. Through a combination of early rising and careful speeding, I arrive only 75 minutes late.

Race around, shoot footage. Accidentally left behind my notes for a TV project I’m working on. Accidentally under-budgeted this week, leaving me tight until Friday. Spent 70 minutes in traffic getting to Dayton, Ohio (for Day Two).

Tired, sore, I arrive at the Dayton, Ohio, Super 8. Hand over my credit card, ask for the restroom, and that’s when Super8 manager Wayne (pictured) says, “Here’s your key, go right to your room. We’ll check you in after. A traveler needing the restroom shouldn’t have to wait.”

Wayne restores my faith in humanity.