A Relatively Uncommon Symbiosis
When the Interstate Highway System was built, it largely followed previously well-worn footpaths, wagon tracks, farm-to-market roads, and the US Highway System. They all followed the contours of the Earth - through mountain passes, along rivers, and straight as an arrow on the Great Plains. The result of all these 'roads' following the same routes is that you end up with many highways becoming 'duplexed', that is sharing the same physical roadbed. Sometimes this is for a short or modest distance, but in at least one instance the Interstates (I-55/I-44/I-40) have completely replaced a legendary highway (US-66).
But US-11, while running basically right next to I-81 for mile after mile, is still there in all its relaxed-paced, stop and smell the roses glory. One can drive it up through the Great Valley of the Appalachians and never be more than a few miles from I-81 and its truck stops. Around Scranton/Wilkes-Barre PA, however, US-11 and I-81 turn more northwest rather than northeast towards Boston. My suggestion would be to look at a couple of other US highways that also run parallel to some Interstates. Those would be US-6 (I-84), US-209 (I-81) and US-20 (I-90). Use the US labeled roads in the countryside and the Interstate labeled roads to get through urban areas.
AZBuck
Back to Boston for the show, and more.
After all that, I got to see very little of US-20 in IN.
Spent more time in Elkhart than planned and in fear of running late for grand-daughter's show, I was (more or less) forced to take I-80. However, that was a great surprise. Since it was now half way through October, the trees had started to change and the kaliedoscope of colours through which I travelled was so exhilarating, it helped me ignore the pain of the frozen shoulder, which had developed over the previous weeks. When the wind blew up, it was like driving through a shower of confetti. The other interstates to Boston were likewise.
The Three Musketeers was a typical school production. It was delightful, seeing most of the actors (characters) being killed and re-appear again as another character a few scenes later. Lots of laughter (behind masks), and a really good night.
Left Boston a week later, for Raleigh NC, where the planned luncheon - twice delayed - was enjoyed very much. Thanks Foy!
Before leaving Boston, my daughter had arranged for herself, my daughter-in-law, and me to go out to dinner and see Million Dollar Quartet . It was a great show, and I enjoyed it very much, as would all those who recall 1956.
It was now a little cooler right accross the country, and once again I set out for Big Bend NP, which has always intrigued me, and which I have never had a chance to even get close to. However, at an average of less than 200 miles per day, it was decided that I may not get back in time to get home before Christmas. [Now that quarantine is no longer mandatory for the vaccinated, I have booked my ticket for the 12th December.]
Lifey
