It was supposed to be held on the Elipse at the zero mile marker but weather concerns put us indoors at the Reagan Center. Outgoing Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta was on hand just as he was at our start in San Francisco. Since our whole trip really honored the vision of one man, President Eisenhower, who signed the law creating the interstate highway system we also had a special guest on hand.

She is Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter to President Eisenhower. Like her son Merrill, who travelled with us, she is very well spoken.

Mary spoke on a very personal level and said of President Eisenhower that if she had one wish, it would be to say one last thing to him. She says she wishes he was here to see the progress that’s been made on his vision.

You can hear Mary’s remarks here: Mary Eisenhower Remarks (5 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

I have a number of additional posts to do and will get them done over the coming days. Right now, it’s time to relax and get ready to fly home in the morning.

We ended the trip with a nice closing ceremony and I’ve got pics and audio from it. So stay tuned to Domestic Fuel.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

These were presented to our convoy group at different stops along the way and put on display today in Washington, DC for our closing ceremony.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

This has truly been a historic trip and what a great group of people. I think ABC should have videotaped it for a mini reality series called, “Convoy.” Over two weeks of travelling with people you’ve never met before and we’ve bonded into one big happy family!

You can see a larger picture here.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

I am real happy with this one I got to do with my local AM radio station, KWOS. Thank you John Marsh for your phone call.

You can listen to the program here: KWOS Coffee Break (4 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Actually, I was impressed with how he handled the heat in that suit. Merrill started out thanking all our military for their service. I’m sure his great grandfather would be proud of him.

You can hear Merrill’s remarks here: Merrill Eisenhower Atwater Remarks (2 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

You can get a feel for the convoy and what it takes to get us parked by watching it happen here: Emmitsburg Visit (2 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

This is part of our group on the way to Emmitsburg, MD this morning. We had to take a time out for some reason before heading on in.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

After we took off from Carlisle, PA this morning we went to Gettysburg and toured the Eisenhower farm. We had a press conference mid morning. I learned a lot about our Interstate President that I didn’t know. Like how he raised purebred black angus cattle.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

To get one they had to agree to pose with them on.

After spending a couple weeks with these folks I can say that they know about ethanol and some of them are fervent supporters.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Very cool Merrill.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

We’re certainly keeping an eye on the sky since tomorrow we travel on to Gettysburg and Emmitsburg, MD and then Thursday we wind things up in Washington, DC.

Keeping our fingers crossed.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

I talked to Andrew about what his thoughts are on the highway system, agriculture and renewable fuels. I think he had some very well thought out answers and am presenting them to you here: Andrew Firestone Interview (5 min MP3)

I also wanted you to see the convoy pulling into the Firestone headquarters after a 380 mile day which you can do here: Pulling Into Firestone (2 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

We pulled up to the Studebaker National Museum and were treated to lunch and a press conference. One of the speakers was the Indiana Dept. of Transportation Commissioner, Thomas Sharp. He spoke about Innovation and Innovators. This is why I record these things. You can listen to him explain here: Thomas Sharp Remarks (8 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Here’s the color guard presenting in front of the stage and 2 highway signs. They were too highly reflective for my camera and flash. But I thought it was a neat picture.

One of the speakers was Norm Stoner, Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. He spoke on Pioneers, Pride and Potential. I’ll let you either apply those terms to the highway system and figure out what his message is or you can listen to his comments right here: Norm Stoner Remarks (8 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Before leaving Tinley Park, IL though we had a big press conference. The Illinois Dept. of Transportation has a very nice display of pictures of old highway construction, including equipment like this that I found fascinating.

I’ll have more tonight.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

This display was part of the Innovative Mobility Showcase that’s been following along with us at several stops to showcase some interesting highway and road safety systems.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Besides a remote controlled car, Bob also brought a vintage Thunderbird and a couple of Honda tricycles. Of course he’s riding in a custom Country Coach and his toys are riding in bright yellow truck. Bob has an interesting story to tell which you can listen to here:: Bob Lee Interview (4 min MP3)

Here’s a short video clip of Bob playing: Bob Lee & Toy (1 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

I went to see the awesome blues guitarist, Carl Weathersby, who was greatly influenced growing up by Albert King. Carl was even better that I expected and I’m glad I went. After so many days on the road you need at least a few hours to unwind. However, I got a late night reminder of the challenges we face with our interstate highway system when I sat in stopped traffic coming back to my hotel. 3 lanes solid for miles after midnight due to construction. It was 30 minutes getting there, over 2 hours getting back. I’m sure the original highway planners never envisioned that kind of traffic, especially at 12:30am.

I’m posting this video clip so my convoy buddies who didn’t go, know what they missed: Carl Weathersby (1 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

The Lincoln Highway Association has produced some commemorative medals that are modern replicas of the ones made when Lt. Col. Eisenhower conducted his cross country convoy in 1919. Most of this group are folks who worked at the Ottawa AASHTO test site many years ago. They were recognized at our stop for the work they did in helping get our interstate highway system off the ground. Mixed in are current convoy participants like yours truly.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Jim is a corn grower in Illinois right below Chicago. He also commented on how important the interstate highway system is for transporting agricultural commodities.

I interviewed Jim prior to his speech: Jim Robbins Interview (4 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

I got on the convoy radio once to point out to our participants all “that fuel growing along the roadside.” This is what it’s all about. We can grow this over and over and make our own clean burning fuel. Farmers and ethanol plants are getting more and more efficient and the explosive growth in the ethanol industry is just going to keep pushing the development of new and better ways to fuel our cars and our economy.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

One of the people greeting us was Senator Dick Durbin. I interviewed the Senator before our program began. He talks about the importance of the highway system and renewable fuels like ethanol. He also pointed out how it took a doubling of the gasoline tax 50 years ago to raise the funds to get the interstate highway system going and he credits President Eisenhower with a lot of courage to get that done.

Listen to Senator Durbin here: Senator Dick Durbin Interview (2 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Here’s two of our army participants posing in their modern day uniforms. They look sharp don’t they?

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

This is also a fueling stop that has ethanol in the pumps. Glad to see that.

You can find The World’s Largest Truck Stop off exit 284 (Interstate 80) in Walcott, IA.

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Joanna says that people need to demand ethanol because it’s good for the environment, good for your car’s engine and reduces our dependence on foreign oil. She says they’re developing a mechanics training module to teach mechanics about ethanol regardless of what blend they use.

Listen to Joanna here: Joanna Schroeder Interview (2 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Tony is the public relations man for the team of students who work on this car this year. He did a great interview.

Tony says that the engineering students build this car, which is a mini version of a Formula One or Indy race car, to compete in the Society of Automotive Engineers competition. They’re one of the only cars to use ethanol.

Listen to Tony here: Tony Sartor Interview (2 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

When I spoke with the Lt. Governor she said she’s kicking off her own convoy tour around Iowa to promote tourism. I’m sure she’ll be doing some interstate miles. She thinks ethanol is very important to Iowa and is proud that Iowa is the number one ethanol producing state.

Listen to Lt. Gov. Pederson here: Lt. Governor Sally Pederson Interview (2 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

One of their group was volunteered by the others to do an interview. He’s Chuck Thompson. Chuck says he burns ethanol in his Harley with no problems and highly supports renewable fuels.

Listen to Chuck here: Chuck Thompson Interview (2 min MP3)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Yes, we risk life and limb to bring you interesting pics and video. It’s been a long day with a fabulous celebration at Living History Farms and a stop at the Largest Truck Stop in the world and now we’re in Davenport. Tomorrow it’s on to Illinois and I’ll get caught up this weekend.

So watch our convoy roll out of a rest area this morning being led by the American Legion Riders: Convoy Rollout (2 min WMV)

Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.