As we left Dan’s house we were driving straight into the sunrise, passing the weather radar station on route 10 a few minutes after we pulled out of the drive. We were heading east and planning a long day. Our goal is a Harvest Host location near Mansfield, Ohio some 425 miles away. We were not pushing the speed limit or anything, just a steady pace. I typically drive just at or slightly under the speed limit. When we were out west and the speed limit was 80, I kept it at 70. Here where the speed limit is 65, I kept it at 65.
Driving past Indianapolis
Through the day we stopped when we wanted to or needed to. We checked out all the welcome centers, but didn’t stray too far from what the GPS was telling us. We had lunch at a rest stop and moved on. Passing through Indianapolis we never saw the speedway but did see a cycling velodrome…far more rare.
Yea, Ohio!
By afternoon we entered Ohio, skirted around Columbus and started north on 71. Around 5:00 we arrived at Der Dutchman, our parking lot for the night, found a fairly level spot and just kind of crashed for a while. Der Dutchman is a small chain of restaurants, shops and Inns. They make and sell all sorts of ‘homemade’ Amish foods and have an amazing bakery. We ordered a fantastic supper which we ate in the Doodle. Harped had her share as well. Amish cooking is very satisfying and very delicious. We had a game or two of cribbage before turning in for the night.
The Amish restaurant in Ohio
Morning came early and we got right on the road for another longish day of driving. Our goal this time was an RV park/marina right on the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal parallels the New York Thruway (Route 90) from Buffalo eastward to Albany. Back in 1999 Carol and I traversed the entire length of the Erie Canal when we cruised the Great Loop - you can read my ancient blog of that trip here.
Morning in Ohio.
This night we were staying in Saint Johnsville, NY right on the banks of the canal. When we arrived in the late afternoon, the harbormaster/rv guy wasn’t around but he had told us that we were to be in site number 14. We found it and got set up, plugged in and walked around and check out the campground. We had chatted with a family that was making a week long trip on the canal in a nice trawler. As we sat eating some snacks and playing cards the harbormaster showed up and we chatted for quite a while. He was new at the position and was learning the ropes. We watched the sun settle in the west as a few boats moved up and down. We even had a guy on a paddleboard go by a few times.
Snacks, cribbage and the Erie Canal.
When morning came we fixed a good breakfast and were in no real hurry to leave as we were only a few hours from home. Soon enough though we were back on the thruway after passing through a beautiful rural countryside and small towns along the canal. A slight rain began to fall as we neared Albany. As we crossed the bridge over the Hudson River we reminisced about the day we crossed under this bridge on our way to the canal.
Crossing the Hudson River near Albany, NY
Minutes later we were into Massachusetts, rolling through the mountains of western Mass. Since the last time we drove the Mass Pike they have renumbered all the exits. Exit 10 is now exit 94 which takes us to route 146, the road to Providence and home. We were relieved when we came of the final exit to home a couple of more minutes and we will be there.
Almost Home
But, as we drove up our street we could see police cars and signs and barriers blocking our way. So I drove around the block to come in the back way. Blocked. Road Closed. What the heck, I can see my driveway 50 feet away and can’t get there. I got out to move the traffic cones and signs and a lady construction worker came over and we chatted. We both laughed that this is not the way to end a 10,000 mile trip.
I got Port-a-potties in my yard.
I pulled the van over under the big tree to move the car out so I could back into the driveway. The car battery was dead, of course! So I pulled out my little car battery starter to jump the Subaru and it too had lost its charge…Arrrrrggg!!
Just couldn’t get the final few feet!
It all worked out I plugged in the charger and within a couple of hours it had enough charge to jump the car. We emptied the van of a lot of stuff. Emptied the fridge and filled the empty fridge in the kitchen. This journey is done. Home again. It is always amazing how it sometimes feels like you never left, everything is so familiar after so many days of unfamiliar. Harper squealed with excitement when she realized she was home, I think maybe Carol and I did too.
I am planning another post about this trip, as I have been asked a lot about the statistics of the trip. I have to gather all the facts and am hoping to have that completed in the next few days.
