An early rise to the first day... Dena was shocked to learn the numbers went into single digits.


Dena models her first choice of t-shirt for the roadtrip, Darth Vader making a Death Star hedge.


Keith shows off his just finished sharpie-modified Army shirt, now a member of the Pearl Army!


After some Cracker Barrel, Dena started the driving.


A jury-rigged webcam worked great for getting time-lapse shots of the road. Sadly, a brand new inverter for the laptop's power was not so great.


Keith decided not to let his laptop woes get to him. Time-lapse or no, this trip was started!


As pretty as some of the landscape is in western and southern Virginia, we're eager to see new things!


Lots of cows were seen on the day's journey, waiting to become fine tasty burgers. What else do cows do, really? Quite the life.


Not sure what this place was, but since it said Pretty Girl, Keith had to get a picture of Dena there.


An Echo isn't too small a car, as long as you take regular leg stretching breaks.


After waiting too long to take the picture, Keith ended up with this amazing shot of the 'Welcome to Tennessee" sign.


With the window down, Dena's hair takes on a life of its own!


Doesn't it look like the rabbit out of Monty Python and the Holy Grail??


We stopped at McDonalds, but made sandwiches in the parking lot. Keith offered a bite to Ronald, but he remained coldly aloof.


This windshield was clean not 2 hours ago! So many suicidal insects.


A glowing Pearl logo on Nate's desk, one of the coolest desks out there!


Keith found this patch for Nate at a gas station on the way, it reads, "I'm famous on the internet." How appropriate!