Roadtrip from Michigan to Mississippi, Sep 2006, rough notes. Exciting vehicle breakdown and repair. Melinda and motel clerk play Abbott & Costello.

Chinatown Sacramento is a two block area of restaurants, motel, Confucius school, one gift shop that's not open all week, and a Denny's with dragons on the corners of the roof. Don't bother unless you specifically want food or you're also going to Old Sacramento.

Lesson learned: Although the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, that is not the time to break in a new pair of shoes. Even if you're driving the whole way.