West with Giraffes

As they enter the city, Riley agrees to allow Woodrow to drive to Tennessee because he’s decided not to stop in DC. Riley tells him about Mrs. Benchley, and Woodrow is surprised that a woman is the boss of an entire zoo. Riley regales Woodrow with tales of Mrs. Benchley’s heroism and devotion to animals. As they enter their Southern route, Woodrow becomes nervous. He can’t return to Texas and doesn’t want Riley to know why.

The narrative moves to Woodrow in his old age, frustrated when someone interrupts his writing.

A detour requires that they drive the rig through mountains. Woodrow has never seen a mountain, much less driven on steep and winding roads. Riley says they can turn back to DC or attempt the much more treacherous journey through the mountains. Woodrow spots Red’s car behind them, but when she accidentally clips them, the rig teeters to the side. Riley grabs the wheel and tells Woodrow to calm the giraffes; the weight of the giraffes’ bodies can help rebalance the rig. Woodrow successfully calls the giraffes away from the cliff edge, and the rig continues. They pass the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), a group of roadworkers hired by the Roosevelt Administration to create new jobs for the unemployed.