4570.3 MILES: Clovis NM. The kids and I took a leap back in time with a visit to The Norman Petty Recording Studio. Buddy Holly recorded his first hit, "That’ll Be The Day." That was the first of over a dozen hits recorded right here. The studio itself is lovingly preserved with original equipment dating back to those early sessions. Jimmy Gilmer and The Fireballs, Waylon Jennings and eve Leann Rymes recorded here. One rare gem here that stands out: the third Ampex portable recorder EVER made–and use to record Buddy Holly on location on location in Oklahoma City. Still works today. Tha the girls watched in amazement as a record player was demonstrated only made me feel old.. Special thanks to Kenneth Broad who came in to specifically show us around and share memories of history recorded here. (And, that is the exact spot Buddy Holly sat listening to playback of those early hits. How cool.)

    
4538.1 MILES: While filling up, I noticed this pump at the other end of the island. Ever heard of it? This must be some kind of nasty stuff. On the other hand, maybe it has extra kick…

   
4538.1 MILES: My scottish heritage came in handy at this gas stop. While I have trouble believing 135 gallons of gas fit in my 27 gallon tank, I’m okay with the idea $43.52 means it cost about 33-cents a gallon.

   
4527.2 MILES: Our cross-country trek brought us past a massive wind farm. I see this and wonder why there aren’t more.

   
4508.7 MILES: This also happens to mark 10,000 miles on The Expedition. The GPS says get off the interstate and follow this… This is a trusy-testing moment…