Speedway, Indiana

One of the most famous race tracks in the world, Indianapolis Motor Speedway held its first Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. Today, the Indy 500 is the biggest single-day sporting event in the world. NASCAR has also raced at the track since 1994.

Permanent seating capacity at the track is 257,000. With infield admissions factored in, total capacity is a staggering 400,000.

Charleston, West Virginia

On the road trip, Hearsay made a stop at the West Virginia State Capitol Building in Charleston. The building was dedicated in 1932, and required more than 700 train loads of limestone and 4,640 tons of steel to construct. There are 535,000 square feet of floors space and has 333 rooms.

Danville, Illinois

Hearsay tagged along on a road trip to Danville, Ill. this week. Danville is the home town of actor Gene Hackman, Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, Robin Yount and astronaut Joe Tanner. One of the main landmarks in the city, which boasts a population of about 35,000, is Danville Stadium. The park is home to the Danville Dans, a team in the Prospect League. Scenes from the John Goodman movie, "The Babe," were also shot here.



ROUND TRIP TRAVEL BETWEEN YADKINVILLE, N.C. AND DANVILLE, ILL.: 1,280 MILES

TOTAL TRAVEL: 50,994 MILES

Montreal, Canada

Hearsay didn't stay home long after getting back from Iraq and Germany. Within days, he was on his way to Montreal, Canada with Katy Hamel, a long time family friend. Family friend? She's like a daughter to Rick and Jeanie.

Katy's dad, Pierre, is a native of Montreal, so Katy took Hearsay along for a visit with her dad's family. Their sightseeing tour took them to Olympic Stadium, home of the 1976 Olympics, the Montreal Expos and Alouettes.



ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM YADKINVILLE, N.C. AND MONTREAL, CANADA: 1,500 MILES

TOTAL TRAVEL: 49,714 MILES

More From Germany

More From Iraq

Hearsay Is Home!!!

After a whirlwind world tour that included stops in Australia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Germany, Hearsay is back home in good ol' Yadkinville. Hearsay, by the way, is now a decorated stuffed monkey, courtesy of Capt. Matthew Houston, Rick's cousin.

Here's Hearsay with his Combat Patch from the 1st Armored Division, earned by serving in a combat zone for 30 days.


Hearsay also made a stop at the Veteran's Memorial in the Yadkin County Park in honor of the Fourth of July.


After a short rest, Hearsay will again take to the highways and skyways of the world.

TRAVEL FROM FRANKFURT, GERMANY TO YADKINVILLE, N.C.: 4,500 MILES

TOTAL TRAVEL: 52,714 MILES