Some of you may be aware that I took a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania over what could be termed as a loooonggg weekend so that I could attend a memorial for my good friend Norm Shor. It was a hectic five and a half days, covering nearly 2700 miles and more orange construction barrels than I care to recall.
Day 1-Thursday the 11th. Started from Allen at 5:55 in the morning, otherwise known as 0:dark thirty, reaching Effingham, Illinois 745 miles and eleven and a half hours later. Literally flew through Texas, at least after getting on I-30 in Greenville where the speed limit was 75. Hit the welcome centers on either end of Arkansas. I-30 roughly parallels US 67 until I-30 disappears in Little Rock. I stayed on US 67 from Little Rock to Popular Bluff, Missouri. From there, I took US 60 east which evolved into I-57 which went into Effingham.
Effingham is at the intersection of I-57 and I-70. There was a giant cross set up by one of the local Christian groups which was supposedly lit up at night. I didn't venture out of my hotel room except to eat at a Culvers just down the street. With the piped in Christian music and the box soliciting donations to keep the cross lit, I came away with the impression that the owners of the franchise were committed.
Day 2 - Friday the 12th. Another early start in order to rendezvous with my sister at a restaurant in Carmel, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis. I actually made it to the assigned place within 3 minutes of the time agreed upon and was delighted that my sister's husband came to share lunch with us as well. After leaving Indianapolis, I pretty much headed straight to Chillicothe (after calling a friend in Dayton who could not make a rendezvous) to see my mother and my brother to stay the night. My first hour there was spent listening to my mother rationalize not making a trip overseas the next day - her traveling companion had canceled and Mom would rather have had the company. Dinner at Bob Evans, followed by a trip to the supermarket to get my favorite chips. Four bags of Herr's Salt and Vinegar, or as we always called them, "juicy chips".
After dinner, a bit of relaxation. A friend dropped by for an hour or so to catch up on things in general. After introducing her to my mother, we came to find out that they worked in different buildings at the VA hospital in Chillicothe at some of the same times. I may have started a nice little friendship, there.
Day 3 - Saturday the 13th. Still yet another early start, this time due to a long-standing appointment to have breakfast with a couple of friends who have met most Saturday mornings at the same place since before I left Chillicothe to live in Texas. I then proceeded to Pittsburgh by way of Columbus, where I stopped to see more family.
I arrived in Pittsburgh early enough (so I thought) to take a ride downtown on the transit system. The ticketing/fare system caused me to miss two connections and the first few minutes of the dinner which was part of the memorial. The evening went well, otherwise. I was able to recall parts of my trip as part of my presentation - one which was well received. Afterwards, I had a word or two with my editor before calling it a night.
Day 4 - I scooted out of Pittsburgh, early again, so that I could make it to Lexington, Kentucky at a decent time. I made a point to head to Fairview, West Virginia to spend a little bit of time in quiet contemplation at the cemetery where my maternal grandparents are buried. It had been at least fifteen years since heading up that particular road. It was a great setting with perfect weather. I'm glad I took the time to stop.
Lexington was easily attained - the hotel where I had a reservation was a bit more difficult. Construction on the road in front of the hotel meant that I couldn't get there without making a U-Turn a mile up the road. Add to that the frustration of an Innkeeper who didn't have good command of the English language and a room which wasn't ready when I arrived... well, let's just say that the best time I had there was the time spent with a long-time friend and his wife on his farm just outside of town. I'm staying at his place the next time I'm headed in that general direction.
Day 5 - Early again. Not much to note other than watching the crop dusters in action while coming down US 67 through Arkansas. I planned to stop in Cairo, Illinois to spend a little bit of time on the spit of land where the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers intersect. I was disappointed that the access road was blocked.
I stopped in Little Rock instead of making the rest of the way to the Dallas area. The hotel was next door to a Hooters. I ended up eating at a Chinese place, instead.
Day 6 - Today. The last early start. Made it to Allen just after noon. I think I'll stay put for a while.
Be Seeing You!
bdharrell
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