So, with grand plans that the all knowing maps said it was a 20 hour drive we began the trip. Our estimate was that we would stay in Youngstown, Ohio tonight. And, we are. Just a bit later than planned. 6 am out of the drive - you all know how much I cherish "not" seeing sunrises - but - we did. Coffee, truck loaded, maps in hand off into the East. We stopped in Missouri to render ourselves completely helpless while we drove through Illinois - those who live in the rest of the state should dis-own Chicago. It is much prettier in the south.
About the time we reached Terra Haute Indiana it began to snow. Just light blowing swirls and snow devils. Very pretty. Wind was howling and guess what? They did not wait until there was ice and snow on ground, they did something unique - they had trucks out spreading corrosive chemicals on the streets and spraying up on our cars before the highway became slick. Massive trucks, going down each lane leaving nothing but pavement covered with melter (my new word for the day) in it's wake. Dinner was spent with a fascinating group of individuals at Ryans. It was fast and had variety and is close to the highway and was voted higher on the food chain than McDonalds. (no snide comments). I have never been there before and granted was only there for a short time but, at least 85% of the people in the restaurant had serious, scary limps. Hard life of rural living? Limps, crooked backs, legs different lengths - it appeared life choice of work type related. But, when you were going through the line, if there was a great looking piece of chicken on your side - taking a moment to decide - Too Late. You are not a local and it was theirs!
Off we drove into the snow. Through Indianapolis which had a cool art and nature part with a lake which has a piece of art that appeared to be a bronze boat and great smoke stacks that appeared to be belching smoke and fantastic miles of wonderful warehouses and architectural buildings that are worth a return trip to explore. It was like the West Bottoms in KC x10! And did I mention lots of snow plows?
We entered Ohio under a blue Arch and Snow. It wasn't bad and really kudos to the Ohio Highway/Trafic department. It is filled with semis and it was in excellent condition! Made it into the Youngstown area about 10pm and as usual the Country Inn and Suites is nothing if not reliably the same. Electric Fireplace roaring in the lobby and a nice clean room with love seat, frig, microwave and king size bed and the promise of a hot breakfast in the morning. The wind is howling outside and snow is swirling and the heater works wonderfully. But, this one has something not usually available - just across the street within view of our window is The 76 Gentlemen's Club. But, if you are headed that way tonight - and driving a semi - stop now. There is no room at the Inn (or the Club as it were). Parking is full! But later, I am sure there will be an opening and they have massage and showers 24 hours a day. And, a fine restaurant and bar. I cannot believe we are here in the room and I am writing this - ah the stories we could tell. But, not this trip. We are saving that for the return.
Ok - due to technical difficulties this is a 2 day post - it was still flurries this morning which lasted until almost Albany. So, yes, we made it! It was a cool 23 with about a 25 mile an hour wind - chilly! We headed straight into Pennsylvania and was glad to see it during the day light. What a pretty state! It is mostly wilderness and trees and hills, and some of the best barns. A beautiful peaceful drive. Wilkes Bare looks really interesting and when you read the history it is amazing. The whole way there are walls of rocks which have been weeping water and today it was frozen. Flying by too fast to get a photo coming up but hope to catch it going back.
We headed north toward Scranton and checked in our firearms before entering NY. We ate at Cortese in Binghampton New York. It has been in business since 1947 - Italian and American food. The neighborhood reminded us of the East bottoms. The building was lack luster - the parking lot packed. It was cozy and packed inside too. Ric tried the French Dip and I had very good cheese filled ravioli with red sauce. Both with salads. And chocolate cake. It was good! The walls have many good Catholic images and photos of the family who started it and still run it. Clean and good - we will go back!
After that we finished the day with a drive into Renesslaer New York. The retirement center is very nice and Barbara welcomed us into a lovely apartment here. Will have pics and more info tomorrow!
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