Before going to the Supercharger in Bethesda, Maryland, I met up with some judo friends, including Jen from Canada who works at N.I.H. We headed to Cafe Deluxe on Wisconsin Avenue for an amazingly delicious burger since Wednesday is $5 burger night. The bartender, Andy was very gregarious and made sure our food was prepared to perfection.

After a good night sleep thanks to Maryland hospitality, I headed to the Bethesda supercharger in the parking structure near the Sears closest to Mall entrance #3.  I arrived at 9:21am with about 100 range remaining and odometer at 18,712 with temp of 76 degrees.  Tony was supercharging for the first time here in his scarlet red 85kw Tesla.  He has had the car for a while but they provide charging at work since he is employed at an electric company. So, he had never used a supercharger until today.  Tony explained to me that the Tesla uses more energy in the severe cold to heat up the car, so that is why regions with colder winters tend to have Superchargers located more closely together.  Then,  he and I chatted with a  gentleman named Samir who was curious about Teslas.

I noticed several other brand new Teslas parked near the chargers, so I asked Tony about them.  He said that there was a Tesla store in the mall, so I decided to go visit and tell them about my blog. There I met Jason (also a huge basketball fan) and Rob (who made sure that I had some Tesla items to pass on to others along my journey (key chains and stickers).  These Tesla employees were shocked and amazed to hear that I had traveled all the way from San Francisco in a 60kw Tesla on a solo drive WITHOUT the tech package to provide navigation and turn by turn directions… I only had to stop at one RV park along the way to bridge the gap between Las Vegas and Beaver, Utah.  This may be one for the record books!  After speaking with many interested patrons in the Tesla store, I returned to the car and researched my next leg of the journey.  Delaware or New Jersey? Frugal Tesla

After a refreshing shower and catching up with relatives, I emptied out the front seats to allow another Tesla test drive. I remembered to give them the key fob this time. The response was, “The acceleration is incredble! I can go from a dead stop to 50 in like 4 seconds!”.  Since the rain was so bad yesterday, we treated the windshield with Rain-X which will hopefully help in future downpours.

I gathered more photos to bring to my Mom, redistributed the contents of the car so some of the kids could enjoy a Tesla ride, and we headed to Dairy Queen for a tasty lunch. There we snapped a few family photos, ate our ice cream, and reviewed the toll free route to Hagerstown, MD. The kids said they planned to start saving up to buy their own Tesla cars someday!  Thank you all for the hospitality and lunch.

I left the Dairy Queen with odometer at 18,524 temp 93 degrees and 174 range at 2:25pm. The drive was full of green countryside. The numerous fields and hilly farms had different shades of greens, browns, and golden yellows. They had different textures too, such that they fit together like patchwork quilted hillsides. The highways were lined with numerous sumac trees and the larger hills were packed with trees.

At 3:51pm I crossed the Mason-Dixon line into Maryland at 18,595 on the odometer and 106 range. The sign said, “Welcome to Maryland. Enjoy Your Visit”. I was at the Hagerstown Premium Outlets by 4:23pm where I typed up this post. Odometer at 18,625 at 87 degrees and 80 range remaining. I hope to visit with my college Judo coach who lives in Maryland now. Time to visit DC before charging tonight or tomorrow in Bethesda, MD.

Before leaving Hagerstown, Greg from Potomac, MD pulled up in his blue 85kw Tesla. He will head to Somerset, PA next.  At 5:45pm and with my charging complete at 206 range, I am off to visit our nation’s capitol, Washington, DC. With patriotic pride,  Frugal Tesla

From Maumee, OH  I crossed the gorgeous Maumee River (this is in the Toledo region of Ohio).  I drove on and the journey became personal.  I made my way to the shores of Lake Erie and drove to the “Land of my Birth” along the scenic Hwy 6 (Lake road).  First stop was to get copies of my birth certificate since the original is so worn it is nearly impossible to read.  Since they had misspelled my mom’s maiden name on the original, it turns out that going in person to get a copy worked out so they could correct the flaw. I obtained the address of the hospital where I was born, and stopped there to take photos.  I also visited the homes we lived in, churches, and took more photos so my mom could enjoy the memories and see the changes that have occurred over many years. I was amazed at the vast and beautiful Lake Erie, which is in much better condition due to the efforts of many who wanted to stop the pollution.

I made my way to Macedonia, OH and the Macedonia Commons shopping area to charge. I arrived at 5:20pm with odometer 18,275 temp at 82 degrees and 62 range remaining.  I met the new owner of a blue 85kw Tesla who purchased his car in June. His Ohio license plate was “FARADAY”.  Google it!  Great choice for a Tesla. He also referred to his car as a monster since it is larger than his former vehicle.

I spoke with relatives in PA and made a plan to visit overnight.  I was hoping to go directly to Somerset, PA but the distance is 176 miles so that is too far for my comfort zone in this 60kw car.  I left Macedonia, OH at 6:15pm at 81 degrees with 185 range.  I encountered HORRIBLE rain on the way to Pennsylvania.  It was so severe that I had to really slow down.  Thankfully that passed and then I saw a huge rainbow, a very nice omen.  I entered PA at 7:11pm with 18,344 on odometer and 112 range .  The sign said, “Pennsylvania Welcomes You.  The Keystone State”.

I stopped in Cranberry, PA for a quick charge to get me to Somerset, PA.  The chargers are behind the Marriott Residence Inn (way in the back). The odometer was at 18,372 and temp of 81 degrees with 82 range remaining. It was 7:44pm and I will not discuss my power driving to get here, but you can do the math if interested. One very surprising moment was when an owl flew up and landed on the rooftop adjacent to the chargers where I sat. After a few minutes, it simply flew away… amazing moment indeed. I stopped charging at 170 range at 8:15pm and headed to Somerset.

I arrived in Somerset, PA at 9:43pm with 73 miles range remaining and odometer at 18,457 with temp at 71 degrees.  I typed up my quick summary blog and stopped charging at 10:45pm with 203 range to head to see the relatives.  That drive took about an hour with 18,523 odometer, temp at 86 degrees and about 146 range remaining.  I plugged into a 110 garage outlet to top up slowly while sleeping so I could be sure to make the distance to Hagerstown, MD on Wednesday afternoon (after lunch with family).  Frugal Tesla

It was a very gray and overcast day with no sign of sunshine.  I departed the George Craig Travel Plaza by 6:35am at MM 90 with 189 range and headed back to the toll roads for a quick trip to Maumee, OH.  Only 10 miles later at mile marker 100 a truck passed by from Jasper, Indiana… bringing to mind a very dear friend from Marin, CA.  I listened to internet radio,  ABC News Channel, and heard a report about the devastating effects of drowsy driving.  This confirms that the frequent resting approach to my journey makes the safest sense.  Another report was about a company called Vertical Water which is in business to help maintain maple forests.  They are selling maple water, which is the sap from maple trees without all of the cooking down that it takes to turn it into maple syrup.  I will have to find some of this healthy water at Whole Foods Market sometime soon.

I paid the last toll in Indiana with a 5 dollar bill and received 70 cents change at 7:37am.  This was about halfway to the Maumee, OH charger and I had 18,069 on the odometer and 123 range in the car. The Welcome to Ohio sign said, “So Much to Discover”.  For me it will be about discovering my earliest roots since I hope to see the places where I was raised as an infant.  (Details in next post).  As I drove in Ohio I found that most of the barns here are red, and there are a LOT of them.

I paid the $4.25 toll at Exit 59 and arrived in Maumee at 8:40am to charge at the Meijer Superstore.  Odometer was 18,130 with temp of 76 degrees and only 66 range remaining.  Here I saw my first rain since Wyoming.  It started as a very gentle one, but then it developed into a real downpour… good for rinsing off the car!  Freight trains were rumbling by with the track adjacent to this massive parking lot. I noticed a strange sight, a car circling around for more than 10 minutes which appeared to be slowly moving closer to the charging car.  Is it possible that no one was driving and there could be an impending crash?  No, it turns out that the guy in the car was talking on his cell phone while driving in circles.  WEIRD!  And what a waste of gas.  He finally drove away.

I met Lisa as she drove up in a scarlet red 85kw Tesla.  She is from Indianapolis, IN and was on a trip to have fun with friends in Cleveland, OH.  Her kids were in camp and her husband was busy working, so he loaned her his car for this fun break. After speaking with her, I went into the store to purchase 4 rechargeable batteries with charger to get my camera back to functional. I ate some breakfast, called my Mom to talk about Ohio and our family history there, and set off at 11:50am to see Lake Erie and some of the towns where we had lived.  It was pouring rain and had cooled slightly to 73 degrees.  I departed with 203 range.

I had departed Aurora, IL with the plan to drive to Indiana without paying any more tolls for this leg of the journey.  Also, It was about time for me to enjoy some countryside and towns away from the interstates which are crammed with many huge trucks. The route that I took was:  30E to 55 S to 80 E to 57N to US-6 to get to 94 E (Enter Indiana!) to US 20E to 2E to 20/31N and toward Mishawaka, IN via exit 265 onto Cleveland road (8 more miles) to Grape Road where the University Park Mall and the Tesla Superchargers are located. It seems crazy, but it was a very enjoyable day.

Near the Aurora Municipal airport on Hwy 30 there was a place with many historical military planes on display.  I wanted desperately to take a photo of them but my camera batteries had died (sort of funny, given all of the recharging I’ve been doing for the car!).  Driving on Hwy 30 reminded me of Manasquan and Wall in New Jersey but without the circles/roundabouts found there.  (Lush green farmlands). There were lots of cool, old barns and I drove past Lake Renwick where there is a huge bird rookery and preserve.  I laughed out loud when I passed by Durbin’s which advertised proudly the “Beer Pong Wednesdays”.  Alas, it is only Monday.

Since the night was setting in, I saw the most amazing NATURAL fireworks display as thousands of lightning bugs (fireflies) lit up the fields along the roadside. I crossed from Illinois into Indiana at 8:36pm with 115 range remaining and saw the welcome sign which identified Indiana as “The Crossroads of America”.  While cruising through Indiana, I cannot help imagining  David Letterman driving along to go visit his Mother here (as I am journeying East to see my Mom).   I later passed by the South Bend area (in total darkness, so no scenery to report) and made it to the University Park Mall at 10:26pm. The odometer was 17,990 the temp was 74 degrees, and I had 81 range remaining. I was done charging at 11:25pm with 200 miles of range and I drove to the very nearby mile marker 90 rest stop.  The odometer was 18,001 (I just passed the 3,000 mile mark of this journey!).  I left at 6:30am with the temperature at 73 degrees and 189 range remaining in the car.  Next stop in OHIO, the land of my birth!    Frugal Tesla

Here is the super brief summary of the last 24 hours with details to be filled in later:

For the late evening of Monday, July 7th, I charged the car in Mishawaka, IN. Next I drove to mile marker 90 and rested there.

On Tuesday morning I charged in Maumee, OH. Then I drove to childhood homes near Lake Erie to take photos.

Next charge was in Macedonia, OH. Then on to Cranberry, PA for a quick top up to get me to Somerset, PA.

After charging fully in Somerset, PA I will drive toward Altoona, PA for an overnight visit with relatives. I will try to get back on the road to Maryland on Wednesday pm. Frugal Tesla

(NOTE: This post is for the trip from Madison, WI to Aurora, IL that took place on Monday between 1pm and 6:30pm. With little time to blog, and getting tired later in the day, I may wait to post the afternoon and evening adventures during the next morning charging stops. This is being typed up while charging in Maumee, OH. More on that later… FT)

After driving for almost an hour from Madison, WI, I entered Illinois at 1:52pm. The sign said, “Land of Lincoln”. Here in Beloit I encounterd my first toll on the trip! I paid the $1.90 fee and in my true frugal way, I exited onto another road without tolls which was going South toward my Aurora target. The road was 39/51 South. With slower speed limits at 55mph, I knew that I would also have plenty of range for the side adventure. I connected onto 30 East and saw a cool water slide park with people in giant rafts being propelled uphill by gushing water along a HUGE rollercoaster-like flume ride! Next, I saw more windmill type electricity generators amidst the ubiquitous corn fields.

I enjoyed this meandering drive along 30 East. The speed limit would slow as I approached the towns along the way, but that gave me the chance to look around some more. In Waterman, IL, there was a huge turf plant. Need I say that this town had the nicest grass I have seen for its soccer fields and lawns! Continuing on, at least two trains went by with more of those black, cylindrical oil tanker cars than I have ever seen… I estimate about 50 per train! I am glad to see the many American flags that line the streets of these patriotic towns.

I arrived in Aurora at 4pm and had a difficult time finding the Supercharger. This is because it is located in the parking lot that is hidden behind the Comfort Suites hotel. Also, it is adjacent to a bus area which I managed to enter by mistake twice! So, non-locals beware… I also ended up in the train station parking lot trying to find the charger. In retrospect, the easiest way to find this is to enter on the left  off of Spring Street and go behind the Comfort Suites where you will see the huge 2 Brothers Brewing Company building and chargers on the front left side of the entrance.

I fully charged for about an hour, done by 5:10pm. During the charging I posted the Madison blog entry and did some email. At the end of the charge time I met an Aurora local named Brian and had a very long conversation with him. Next I reviewed Mapquest to find a toll free route to Mishawaka, Indiana… my next stop for the day. My odometer was at 17,848 and range full at 206. I departed at 6:30pm to find the University Park Mall in Mishawaka, IN.  Three states in a day… Frugal Tesla

On Sunday night I left Albert Lea, MN to get to La Crosse, WI. The sunset sky was spectacular and HUGE cotton candy clouds took up the entire Southern sky. I would have snapped a photo but that is when my camera batteries decided to quit. I had some concern about the weather since there were reports of upcoming thunderstorms so I hurried along. Due South of me in Iowa, there were tornado sightings and ongoing warnings in effect! I crossed the Mississippi River through lots of construction and in darkness so I will have to see this on the return trip. I entered Wisconsin at 10:35pm.

I pulled in to charge at 10:45pm in Onalaska, WI in La Crosse County. There was one Tesla being charged, but since it was so late I did not talk to the occupant. I had 89 range remaining, odometer at 17,572 and temp was 73 degrees. I charged up to 185 range and left at 11:15pm to find a rest stop.  The rest area was near mile marker 20 so I was there by 11:30pm. That was a long day since I had been up since 4:30am!

Although I woke up briefly at 5:30am, I went back to sleep until  7:30am… much better! I took my morning vitamins, ate breakfast, cleaned up in the restroom, flossed my teeth, reviewed my route, and cleaned the windshield and front of the car. Especially after driving at night, there were lots of dead bugs on the car. I soon had a flashback of summers in the East since many annoying gnats were flying around me. I left the rest stop at 9:11am with the odometer at 17,587 with 163 range, and temp at 71 degrees.

The drive to Madison, WI reinforced my East coast memories as the highway is lined with much greenery, some pine trees, but mostly deciduous trees. The speed limit in MN was mostly 70mph but here in WI it is 65mph. The ad on the radio in WI was pushing for bicycle helmet safety for a campaign about zero deaths on Wisconsin roads. It seemed ironic that none of the MOTORcycle riders wear helmets here. I listened to ESPN and crossed the beautiful Wisconsin River.

I arrived at the East Towne Mall in Madison, WI where there were many huge cylindrical pylons scattered in front of the superchargers. It took me some extra effort to negotiate my way around them and get into place for charging. It was 11am with odometer at 17,704 and range of 62 remaining. temp was 82 degrees. I did some banking, used the restroom, and returned to the car. Then, the first green Tesla that I have seen pulled in to charge. Jason had purchased the car only 3 days ago! He was there with his friend Asher and they are Madison locals. This green Tesla is an 85kw+ (it has some additional power to it) and Jason named the car “Godzilla”!! We talked about the cars and they gave me some tips about upcoming toll roads in Illinois. I left Madison at 1pm with 203 range to head to Aurora, IL.  Here, the superchargers are so close together that I must skip some and choose my route. Onward! FT

From Mitchell, SD (the home of the corn palace… no, I did not stop there!) I headed through the prairie lands. Even the billboards tell that Laura Ingalls Wilder was from DeSmet, SD. I loved seeing the white propeller shaped windmills mixed into the farming landscapes. This wind generated power should make every Tesla owner smile.

I entered Minnesota at 2:32pm with the sign saying “Minnesota Welcomes You!”. Yet, this welcome is tainted by the frustration caused by the first 35 miles of poor quality concrete roadway. It was very bumpy but settled into smooth roadway when the reddish colored road began. The song “Mother and Child Reunion” came over the airways as a pleasant reminder of the purpose of my trip. See you soon, Mom!!

I arrived in Worthington, MN at 3:15pm with 72 range and odometer at 17,330 and 89 degrees. I published two posts while charging and prepared the next few legs of the journey. After talking briefly with Bill, a local man who is very knowledgeable about wind surfing and wind generated electricity, I headed out at 5pm for Albert Lea, MN with 206 range.

The drive went quickly with the 70mph speed limit in MN. Some construction slowed traffic to 60mph, but only for small stretches. I arrived in Albert Lea, MN at 7 pm with 2 other Teslas charging. I plugged into the 3rd of the 4 chargers and soon met with a very nice couple from Owings, MD who are traveling to Redondo, CA and then going to the big Tesla gathering called: TMC Connect. This couple actively tweets using @MAXXINBLUE. I do not know what that means, but they said that many of you would understand it. So, there it is.

Just before departing I met Guy from Michigan who was also going to CA to attend the TMC Connect. Funny coincidence to meet two Teslas going there at the Supercharger in Albert Lea, MN! So now, at 8:30pm I will go to La Crosse, WI. odometer at 17,446 with 206 range and 85 degrees. Goodbye Minnesota! Frugal Tesla

From Murdo I went 10 miles to Draper to go to 8:30am Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Draper has mostly dirt or rocky roads rather than paving. So I took my time and enjoyed a nice service led by Father Gary Oroshoski. Afterwards I was invited for “coffee and rolls”. Since I am not a coffee drinker, I did have a slice of cinnamon doughnut and spoke with some of the parishioners there. My favorite was the baby boy who had an infectious belly laugh that had everyone smiling. After demonstrating aspects of the car and answering questions, I left Draper via N-13 back to 90E at 9:40am with odometer at 17,070 and range of 160 with temp at 76 degrees.

Heading East, I crossed the Missouri River, which is wide indeed. Passing by many cornfields, I fell in behind a truck and went 66mph in the 75mph zone to extend my range. I arrived in Mitchell, SD at 11:45am with 25 range left. At first I could not find the Tesla supercharger, but finally found it across from the Goodwill dropoff area. I plugged in and wrote up the blog post that I could not write in Murdo.

It appears from eyeballing the USA map that this is about half way across the country! odometer is 17,203. With range at 206 and one blog post published, I set off for Minnesota at 1:15pm. FT