I took a longer break than I realized with writing and posting here on the blog. I would like to apologize for my absence. I knew I would take about a month and a half away from the blog because I would be spending that time in Iowa helping a family member. We had spent so much time bouncing around the same campgrounds in Texas, I really did not have anything interesting to say. It was the same old thing, taking Murphy swimming almost every day, no real adventures, just normal every day life. But, before we got back to that routine, we did have a brief stay in Texarkana, TX at Piney Point Campground. We saw a ton of deer, found a great spot for the pup to swim, and enjoyed a woodsy setting.
After that, we headed back to Dallas so that I could fly out and Aaron and Murphy could get settled back in at Clear Lake again.
Last Minute Change of Plans-Indianapolis and NASCAR
My mom was getting her knee replaced and needed someone there to assist her with recovery. I was pleased to have the freedom to schedule my time to go there and help her. My dad also had a few doctor appointments that I was able to take him to as well. While speaking with my brothers, I found out they were going to meet up in Indianapolis for a NASCAR race. They go to the Indy 500 every year and catch other races as they can, but they have never been to a NASCAR race and do not really follow that type of racing. But opportunity knocked, and they decided to go check it out. I decided to meet up with them in Indy to watch the race, and then ride back to Iowa with my brother, Chris, and nephew, William.
My older brother and I both landed in Indy right at the same time. Chris and Will picked us up from the airport and then we went out to dinner- really yummy Mexican food. The margarita I had was delicious, but it was also the first time I had a rubber ducky and an umbrella in a margarita.
Race Day
Sunday morning rolled around, and it was time to head to the track. I had been there once before for the Indy 500, which is a totally different type of car race. The rules and the cars are very different. Since this was the very end of July, it was HOT! We had time to kill before the race, so we decided to visit the Indy Museum at the track.
We enjoyed visiting the museum; it had so many cool cars and the history of the Indy 500, and most importantly, there was air conditioning!
The trophy actually has the name and face of every Indy 500 winner. Really cool, but also a bit weird.
Janet Guthrie was the first woman to compete in the Indy 500. She ran her first race in 1977 and drove the car pictured here in 1978. In 1978, she kept a broken wrist a secret and drove this car to finish in 9th place. She held the record for the best Indy 500 finish as a woman from 1978 until 2005, when Danica Patrick finished in 4th place.
A few more pictures from the museum
The Race
My favorite part of the race was that Cookie Monster was the one to say, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”
Our seats were fantastic! But it was super crowded and super hot. After about 3/4 of the race, we decided to move down to a less crowded area. The view was not nearly as good, but the seats were much closer to the track. The cars were insanely loud, and every person there had earplugs. I do not think I would have made it without them.
Here is a 3-second video. If you would like to hear what it sounded like, just click on the image below for the video to play.
We all thought the race was OK. Would any of us attend another NASCAR race? I do not think so. I had a great time with my brothers and nephew, and we experienced something we had not experienced before. Plus, Cookie Monster was there.
The race was over; it was time to drop Sean off at his hotel and for Chris, Will, and me to drive to Iowa. They both had to work the next day, and I needed to take Dad to a doctor’s appointment.
Aaron, Murphy, and the Airstream were still in Texas.
Next week, I will cover my Great River Road excursion in Iowa. Thank you for sticking with me and reading about all of our adventures!
Wandering Cindi 
Glad you got to spend time with family, help your parents, and even squeeze in a NASCAR race. Loved the Cookie Monster touch, that’s unforgettable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos! Nice post
LikeLike