My tenth trip to visit family, has me learning a new way.

[AZBuck]

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

[BillyGr]

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

Just note that a fair section of US 209 in northern PA and to it's end in NYS veer away from I-81. If you follow it all the way, you will wind up on I-87 in Kingston (NY), which could then connect you to the I-90/US 20 corridor across MA.

Alternative may be to follow US 11 until it actually meets US 6 (a bit north of Scranton area), then 6 east to 209 then 209 North. That way, you stick close to I-81 & I-84 until you get onto 209, and the section from there into NY isn't that long to cover before hitting the Thruway (which brings you back to areas with lodging and possibly some truck stop access).

The other issue getting onto 209 further south is that the section just south of I-84/US 6 is through the Delaware Water Gap, definitely slower for a number of miles - but then again also a great area to go through, and there may be options there for stopping with the park access as well, if you did choose that way.

[Lifemagician]

One constant I have noticed as I drive the various highways and byways. No matter how big the town or city, or how small and isolate a village or settlement may be. No matter how heavily travelled the road, or where one rarely sees a vehicle - let alone a person. There is one constant which binds all these roads and places together.....

And that is the (almost) comforting site of the black and gold Dollar General sign. It has at times given me somewhere to ask for directions; answer a call of nature; get a query or puzzle about a local feature answered; and always, ALWAYS, on the narrowest road given me somewhere to park, even if only for a moment. I had never before noticed just how many and how wide spread this brand is.

Lifey

[DonnaR57]

Don't ever try to find a Dollar General in southern California. It didn't exist out there. Instead, we had Dollar Tree, 99.9c Only, and Big Lots.



Donna

[NowthatIamretired]

Don't ever try to find a Dollar General in southern California. It didn't exist out there. Instead, we had Dollar Tree, 99.9c Only, and Big Lots.



Donna

Dollar Tree just announced they would start selling some items at more than a dollar. So much for that. But….if in rural areas, looking for a Dollar General is probably good advice. They are popping up everywhere in the rural areas, the new version of the old Five & Dime stores.

[Lifemagician]

.....US-6 (I-84), US-209 (I-81) and US-20 (I-90)....

Thanks for reminding me Buck. Three of my favourites. Have thoroughly enjoyed US-6 through many States, and those of you who have never driven US-6 through PA have really missed something. It definitely deserves a few days to take in everything from the Kinzua Bridge park in the east, to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania in the middle and the lovely mountain villages towards its western end. I was fortunate to have experienced the Kinzua bridge some three years before it was destroyed by a tornado, after having stood there for well over a century. There are many websites featuring the many and various attractions along the way.

Similarly US-209 has delivered me with surprises each time I have travelled it through Pennsylvania. Those mountain villages seem to always have something going, a parade, music festival, or similar event. Have taken it from the Jim Thorpe area to the Susquehanna River, several times.

I’ll be back on US-20 again next week, from the area of South Bend IN to who knows where. Love the route it takes through NY and MA. One of my favourite routes west when leaving Boston.

Lifey

[Lifemagician]

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

[keithg]

Hi Lifey.

I was getting worried as to where you were. Great that everything has worked out well and you are enjoying yourself apart from the frozen shoulder. Stay safe and enjoy.

Keith

[Lifemagician]

Am now heading towards Boston, slowly.... very slowly. Choosing mostly routes which are a single line on the maps, usually the slowest, often most scenic and which have places of interest, people to speak with, etc. Not interested in flying from one place to another and not seeing what is in between and meeting the folk who live and work there.

Car needs to go back by 8th Dec, after four months. Learned a lot about rental cars and renting threm.

Hope the State borders will be open without interruption next year. I'm longing to drive to and through western Queensland.

Lifey

[Lifemagician]

These last couple of weeks I have not really been able to concentrate on my road trip, and have often been forced to hop on the interstates. Talk of having to remain flexible!!

The family, both here and at home have long been urging me to come home *earlier*. Now with this new variant of Covid, this pressure has been upped a notch. So am now heading for daughter's place in Boston. Have been communicating with my travel agent who has assured me that there is no shortage of seats in business class, so I can go whichever day I choose. Am changing the 12th to the 5th of December, and praying that the border between NSW and Vic does not close before the 7th, so that I can get home to Melbourne. United is still not flying into Melbourne. The only international flights going direct to MEL from LAX is Emirates. That would involve 25 hours in a plane plus a 7 hour layover in Dubai. Not at all appealing. Plus, it would cost me an extra AU$19.000.

This is the first time I chose to use a travel agent. The original trip for May 2020 was booked in 2019, well before Covid arrived on the scene. Once it did, the help from the travel agent has been invaluable. Travel agents have their finger on the pulse of every requirement and every change. She's been wonderful in guiding me through the maze of changes, and guide me towards the best for my needs. I could never have done all that on my own.

Because all of that, US-11 got to see very little of me. Such a shame, as I may never be this way again. However, US-64, was an absolute delight with a surprise at virtually every turn, especially in southern NC, from Hendersonville to Murphy. It is slow going, hilly and twisting, but oh so pretty, especially with the autumn colours. Several long time residents told me it was the best show they have seen. The quaint mountain villages along the way were a delight to behold. Other minor roads I enjoyed I will cover later, as I recall them, and review my notes.

Right now my mind is on getting to daughter's place (1st Dec), getting the rental back to Budget (3rd Dec), organizing my Covid test in the 72 hours before departure from LAX, and packing. Daughter-in-law will be taking me to Logan. She is the only one with a vehicle large enough to take all my things, including my scooter.

I'll probably be home before I can get back to this thread.

Lifey