Just got back from an aGoT roadtrip - it had been a long time since I had done anything like that so thought I would post and remind people of how great it is and you should do it!

Went to Muscatine, Iowa to stay w/ Maester Luke. Great little town, I have never spent much time on the Mississippi (being on the Missouri myself) and it is much different. When Luke said he lived in Iowa, I said I would visit (my town, Wayne Nebraska being 40 minutes from the NE/Iowa border). Little did I know it was 5.5 hours away if you go 75 the whole way and don't stop That is Illinois man, not Iowa!

Saturday went up North to Dubuque to a great park overlooking the three states that meet up there (Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa). Who was there to meet us and surprise me - Madkasel himself! With deer sausage and homemade beer. That rocked (as anyone who went to the Trials in Madison knows). Played a few non-aGoT games before it got too cold, then went to a bar and played a few more. Then hit Clash of the Titans (not good, BTW, and I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt).

Sunday hit Clu's store in Iowa City (Critial Hit Games) and played all sorts of aGoT and Warhammer with the locals. Great to see everyone, especially Clu (it had been awhile).

So, thanks for all the hospitality Iowa!

Just be thankful you were crossing Iowa E/W and not heading north. I swear, that is the longest drive and it must be all up-hill, as my gas mileage goes to crap everytime I return home. Still, with that kind of company it must have been worth the drive.

I'd ask if you were coming to Roseville for the FFG regionals, but since I can't make it now (store commitments, especailly the new Magic set) it seems kinda moot.

That's awesome Matt! Travelling to different venues to paly Thrones is still a blast - though I rather doubt there is as much difference in the game meta to meta the way there used to be (shallower pool and all that - though its getting there).

Its also great to think that you gusy were playing Thrones at the smae time I was - was running a newbie tournament Saturday at the local store and getting some early regionals prep in with the locals.

For anyone else out there - if are ever get the chance to play this game out of your own neighborhood: do yourself the favor of doing so. You will meet amazing people and you just may end up making friednships that will last for years.

This means that you're roadtripping down for our Regional in June next, right?

We will see on June. I am sans-wife & kids until next week, and then the full move to Nebraska will be complete (witness the power of this fully armed and operational...never mind).

Since I am still trying for KublaCon (San Fran in May) and GenCon (Indy in August) it might be tough to convince the family (read: my wife) of another aGoT trip She is great at letting me travel, but I can only ask for so much.