Dan's Diary: June 11-16

CBS News producer Daniel Baruch is behind the wheel of one of two Early Show Winnebagos traveling the country in June and July as part of the "Great American Vacation" giveaway. Read his Web-exclusive road diary.

Parting Chattanooga, Tenn., was such sweet sorrow. I knew I had days in St. Louis ahead of me. The chance to live it up in the "Gateway to the West" was something I've imagined since I was boy (just about three months ago). Who doesn't love the Cardinals (even a little bit)? Who isn't a sucker for zoos, the blues, museums and food? Well, my escapades were not to be, but I'll get to that in a second.

My late start heading to my next destination of Quincy, Ill., had me approaching Kentucky by sunset — and what a sunset it was.

View my photos

This isn't the first time I've encountered such disbelief. Not to worry though; I eased their skepticism into enthusiasm. After speaking of my travels, Dave Price's travels and the soon-to-be travels of our deserving vacation recipients, these dedicated fans wished me well as they pondered the best angle to pitch their nominee hopeful. I tried my best to explain we weren't stopping in Clarksville, but their hopes remained.

So what happened to the fun in St. Louis? Let's just say your intrepid hero had an unfortunate run-in with some sub-par Asian cuisine. I was sidelined for 48 hours and spent much of that time having fever-induced fantasies of sharing drinks with St. Louis Zoo penguin escapees at the best blues bar in town over a plate of the tastiest ribs west of the Mississippi. By the time I recovered it was time to move on. Quincy was a-callin'.

On my way to Quincy, I passed through one of the most peculiar cities I've encountered, Hannibal, Mo. Why peculiar? Try to imagine a town where seemingly every business revolves around the mystique of a single famous resident. I bet a few of you already know who I'm talking about. Hannibal is the childhood home of legendary American author Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain. Hannibal has the Mark Twain Dinette, Mark Twain Riverboat, Mark Twain Caverns, Mark Twain Putt-Putt Mini-Golf, Mark Twain Kosher Deli…Ok, maybe I'm pushing it with those last two, but I wouldn't have been surprised to have found them. Let's move on.

I arrived in Quincy on Thursday, June 15, in time to make the local news at KHQA-7. The crew and news team were gracious hosts, and I was joined by a few more friendly affiliates from Rockford, Ill., too. The Rockford crew, led by local hero/morning weatherman Aaron Wilson, showed up in a massive RV not too different from my Winnebago View; their rig being twice as big while getting half the MPG. My ride suddenly seemed like Goldilocks' perfect bowl of porridge.

The next day I had to be at the giveaway location at 3 a.m.… which almost made my 4 a.m. call in Springfield, Mo., seem reasonable. Walking around the deserted streets of Quincy at that time of the morning was an eerie experience. New York City this was not. The good people of Quincy know when to get their shuteye. The The Early Show crew was hard at work under the blaring camera lights beneath a pitch-black sky in the middle of town at Washington Park while I sauntered down an empty Maine Street. It felt like the kind of hour when even clocks were asleep.

By 4 a.m., a trickle of would-be spectators began showing up, including a group of young girls who had been up all night celebrating a birthday. I can't remember pulling all-nighters at that age, though I can't remember The Early Show showing up in my backyard on a beautiful June night, either.

By sunrise, the crowd had swelled and the Quincy Park Band was setting up. Apparently we had an event on our hands. A few hours later the band was providing the music as Dave schmoozed with Mayor John Spring who presented Mr. Price with the key to the city. "Quincy, IL loves Dave Price and The Early Show." It was clear the feeling was mutual.

Moments later in a park-side coffee house, Washington Perk, Dave revealed the lucky lady. Judith Schneider, a longtime pharmaceutical technician and employee of Blessing Hospital, was given a vacation to Las Vegas along with front-row seats to see Celine Dion. Thankfully, Judy is both a fan of Celine and gambling. I, on the other hand, am a fan of sleep.

Surprises Judith Schneider

I'll let you know how it compares. Maybe I'll find an even quainter pancake house.

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