I’m back in Russell, but only for a few more minutes. I’ve got to get my butt in gear and head to Beloit for the first volleyball matches of 2014 for Russell and Beloit high schools. It will be an 82-mile adventure, since Kansas Highway 14, the road which connects Interstate 70 to Beloit, is two-lane, narrow, winding and hilly. Nice combination. It’s dangerous at night, but it is the worst when it snows and/or is icy, meaning there is very little clear road and the slightest slip can mean big trouble.

The drive back from Kansas City wasn’t fun. For some reason, I have a harder time driving westbound during the day than I do at night. The drive east is relatively easy, since I’m anticipating seeing everyone in Kansas City. But the drive west…blah. Especially the part between Topeka and Salina. Save for Junction City and Abilene, there’s nothing to see.

As bad as the Courtyard near the Kansas City Airport has been for past stays, the Holiday Inn Express near the airport was worse. The Internet did not work, and you had to insert your room key in a slot just to turn the lights on. I understand this idea of conserving energy and going green, but this was a little over the top. The Courtyard Briarcliff, which is the only hotel in Kansas City which is LEED certified, doesn’t even go that far. I seriously doubt this hotel will be on my radar again. I was glad to get out of there. Thank God I had points to make sure I didn’t have to pay a dime for this monstrosity.

Time to head out. Beloit, here I come.