[nvrblu]

July 4, 2007 -- I drove from Arizona to Missouri to surprise my mom on her 75th birthday. I drove US 60 from Mesa, AZ and across New Mexico... Interstate the rest of the way. Less than a block from my house I had to detour -- police had blocked the street. They found the body of a Mexican woman who had been murdered by "coyotes", wrapped in plastic bags, and dumped on the side of the road -- apparently as an example to other clients who refused to pay their smuggling fees.

1250 miles each way. Two days to get there, stayed two days, then drove back.

September, 2007 -- drove from Mesa, AZ to Boulder, CO... 600 miles 1st day, 250 on 2nd day... drove through the Rocky Mtns. Some idiot on a motorcycle took out my left rear wheel, rear clam, etc., when he tried to pass me while I was making a left turn. The Elise rode home on an auto-transport.

I've done a few other 400+ mile/day drives.