2010-06-28, Last entry

Just kidding. This may be my last entry for a week or so. I’ll have an update when I am back on the road trip.

I have decided to accept the job I was offered and stay in IL until after the fourth of July. This means I will make a little money, hang out with friends, and be on a lake for the fourth with people I know. I am very excited.

From 11am to 7pm I will be selling hotdogs, brats, sausage, and more on Fox Lake in Fox Lake, IL. I look forward to being with my friends, being on the water, and hopefully making new friends and stories. I have worked around boats before and couldn’t pass up the chance. Like my mother said, “It’s just very you.”

Day Eleven, work

Nothing like playing with ponies and puppies in the morning. Yes, I am a girl, no I did not ride today.

After the trip to the barn we headed to Costco, a noodle stop, and did a quick change. We then gathered the food and headed to the annual fundraiser Live 4 Lali to raise money for drug awareness. My friend from school was friends with Lali and helps with the event so I tagged along. It was a beautiful afternoon and it appeared to have a good turnout. Just from the amount of raffles sold they appeared to have made a few thousand, which is great. It helps to have a fundraiser in an affluent affair and I think people need to keep track of the reason they are there. That is all I will say.

After the event we headed home and our friend from the Chicago drove up to meet us. Now it’s a party!

Today I was offered a job for next weekend. Iowa or boat?

Ten, valet

I had my favorite breakfast, chocolate chip cookies, and started the day trying to plan the next few days of the trip. Time flew and I had to head to Northern Illinois to another friends house. Northern IL is pure country, farm, and lake land. Then, we pulled up to the lake restaurant and were greeted by a valet service. After a culture shock and freak out about valet in the middle of Illinois we settled down to catch up and chat about people from University. We ate delicious food by Fox Lake and just relaxed.

Later that day we hung out at her place, made some dinner, and then got ready to go out. We went to the lake side bar Famous Freddy’s and after I got over the shock that it was empty I really enjoyed it. Quite atmosphere with boats, basketball nets, and good people watching. I was also able to see another friend from college.

Just another good day on the trip.

Day Nine, perfect

After a week filled with go go go days, I finally had a chance just to relax, hang out and enjoy my friends in Willowbrook, IL. I slept in late, stayed in bed and hung out with my friends mom.


I then met up with my friend on her lunch break and ran some errands. Later I had a deep conversation with another friend about PhD programs and the future then went to a car show with another friend.


That night I passed on a chance to see a very good cover band in order to eat dinner, make cookies, and hang out at home. Perfect!

Day Eight

The Trip,
The trip the trip is oh so fun.
The trip the trip, is not for everyone.
I will visit places near and far
I will do it all, in my car.

I thought I would start with a poem since my friends in IL just read my poetry from when I was eight years old. Thanks for the support Brett Lee and FRIENDS!


I started the day saying good bye to my good friend and her husband in KY. I headed to Indianapolis for a few hours. My first stop was the NCAA Hall of Champions, awesome place in a great location. Normally I like museums alone but this one needs a buddy to fully share in the fun it offers. I then headed to the Medal of Honor Monument and walked around downtown. Really nice city but can’t say the same for the state.


After downtown I headed a few minutes away to non other than the Indianapolis Speedway. When in Indy. I only paid for the museum and not the trip around the track but if you’re a real fan it’s probably worth the extra five dollars.

I then chose to take a back way up to the Indiana National Sand Dune and Shoreline Park. In Ohio and PA they had beautiful back roads. Indiana did not. This one was long and long. The park was really pretty and only 45 minutes outside Chicago. The best part was the view of Chi Town across the lake and the old houses from the Chicago Fair. I was happy to see they are restoring a few.

I was surprised we could actually walk on the dunes and they weren’t protected better. I oh most rain down the sand dune but walked in stead. Many people were swimming but there were signs saying that bacteria levels were too high for safe swimming. Just another reason why it’s hard to live in a land locked state.


Indianapolis was a beautiful city and seemed like it had a lot to offer but I am not yet impressed with the state or the people. Sorry Indiana people. I am sure there are nice ones.

Once in Chicago I went straight to my friends house and I have been here hanging out ever since. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but it may be a nice lazy day with my friends, and maybe Brett Lee.

Day Seven. I didn’t drive once

After a good night’s sleep in air conditioning at a friend’s from college, she took me on a great tour of Cincinnati. Yes, I am in KY.

Our first stop was to Findlay Market. Although the outdoor market was closed it was great to walk through the oldest outdoor market in the United States. I can only imagine the crowds and scenes on a Saturday.

We then drove to the very old, very large, Museum Center at Union Terminal. We saw my first Imax film in years and learned lots about creatures of the sea.

After we drove through the University of Cincinnati campus and stopped at the International Friendship Park. If it weren’t so hot and humid we would have walked more. We saw a large part of the park and it was beautiful.

Our next stop was to eat. After driving around downtown we found a place to park and had lunch in the lounge of the very nice Palomino. Yummy. Dessert was the local Graters Ice Cream. Yummy as well but no moo cow.

We then spent the next few hours at the Freedom Center, the national museum of the Underground Railroad. I really like when museums are affordable, only $10 for students, and have those individual hand held audio tour devices. The museum was informational, beautiful and moving.

The only down side I have with a lot of museums is that they are TOO wordy, or full. It becomes overwhelming and I get sleepy. Oh well. I can always look up more info online.

I then went to relax by a pool and had a yummy yummy dinner at a Hibachi grill. Thanks Friend!

Day Six, aliens

I woke up and said goodbye to my hosts taking a back road to Cleveland. I made it to The Rock and Roll hall of fame with no problems. I pulled out of a en dollar parking lot for a six dollar parking lot and I am so glad I did. The cheaper parking lot happened to be in front of the National Women in Space Museum. Very nice to see. On my walk to Rock and Roll I was able to see the U.S Cod.

At first I was very overwhelmed by the crowd and content on the first floor of the museum. There was no space to enjoy leisurely. The next five floors were much more convenient and wonderful. The best part is the Hall of Fame wall. Only bummer is that I was not able to see two exhibits for there was a teachers conference going on. Not fair.

I then headed to Chillicothe for the Hopewell Mound Site. So cool and the Park Ranger was amazingly helpful. Now I am in no way an alien freak but it makes you wonder. The United States has mounds, Europe crop circles, Egypt pyramids and who knows what else. If scientist can’t explain them, can’t find the tools, and can’t explain their cultures, how were they built? Regardless, the mounds are very unique, sad, and worth seeing or at least knowing they exist. Whether the history is actual or not is not the point. They are very cool.

I then headed to KY to my friends house. Her and her husband treated me to a yummy Mexican dinner, gave me a nice tour, and tomorrow we are planning more fun. Thanks to all!

So far Pennsylvania has the most beautiful farms

West Virginia has the most expensive gas

Road kill makes me sad, like very sad for at least a few minutes

Do I have a passion? It’s not music, not sports, art….. Is it travel? Do I have a passion?
I used to be a much more thoughtful generous person. Peace Corps has made me less thoughtful and I don’t like that. Maybe because I had to give so much for two and a half years now I am drained. I hope I get it back.

Day Five, Construction

Construction sucks! Trips that should be short are not, and then I get confused and I don’t like that.

So many things go through my head in the car that I want to write. However, it is not safe to write and drive so they are lost.

Pittsburgh was really nice. I just wish I could have done something. Monday is not a good day to be in Pittsburgh. Also, before you drive down town to do a walking tour you downloaded for your iPod you should make sure it works. I drove around what seemed like a nice city, parked again and wanted to have breakfast at a highly recommended Piramati Brothers than go to The Cathedral of Learning. Both were not open and I wanted to get on the road so they will be saved for next time.

I then drove down to Falling Waters. This was the house Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the Kaufmanns and now it is an amazing museum. The grounds pass was cheap and there were some very helpful people working. If you want more info I am sure the tour is great. The girl and guide helping me were so knowledgeable but did not know enough to be tour guides. Imagine what they know!

After hours of circles, maybe a fine, traffic and closed roads I took a scenic route to New Philadelphia. I wanted to stop at this gorgeous lake but needed to be at the Visitor Center before it closed. Thank goodness I made it because I got a free ticket to a show.

The show was at times rather agonizing. It didn’t start until 8:30 and let out at 11pm. It was also way too religious for my likings. It was described as a play about the history of the valley. That it was, and a night at church. The outdoor amphlitheater.

After a call from Costa Rica, I went to bed.

My thoughts from the day:
Traffic is no fun

Why go hiking in the woods when you can go off roading. Thank you Garmin

Construction is no fun

PA tolls are HORRIBLE. I think the worst I have ever experienced

MINI CONES for 25cents are AMAZING. I hope they are at all McDonalds

I would like to share a direct quote. Black car facing wrong way in McDonalds drive through “You done fucked it up.” Then they peeled away very loudly.

West Virginia Welcomes you with Cabelas

And so far, Ohio people are amazing.

Day Four, crowds

I had homemade baked oatmeal for breakfast in Lancaster County, PA. Said goodbye to my friends family, called my dad, and hit the road to Hershey. But, oops, forgot I wanted to go to an Amish house.

Once I turned around I went for the Amish House and Farm tour. You couldn’t miss it. Its next to the Target. This was a great tour. Just what I needed to understand the Amish. Not that one can understand the Amish, but at least I learned.

Once again I was on the road to Hersey. Hershey is special. Worth seeing and experiencing but I do not recommend Hershey on Father’s Day after school children have been let out for the summer. I did the free “tour”, saw the gift shop and walked around looking for a post card. Damn capitalism, you had to buy a packet of postcards, you couldn’t just buy one. I then wanted to go to the Hershey Museum to learn about the man who has given his fortune away, twice. However, this girl does not have a fortune. I sadly have realized I cannot do it all. Decisions will have to be made and things left out. If I had all the money and time that’s another story.

After Hershey I headed to Gettysburg. Once there and informed my Parks Pass wouldn’t work for anything I was ready to go. I saw the Morgan Freeman narrated video, an amazing painting video ting that has a name I cannot remember, went to the museum, and then did a shortened driving tour.

I need to stop worrying about getting to peoples places at a certain time so I can enjoy my activities. I don’t want to make anyone wait. Especially someone who is hosting me.

I left Gettysburg for Pittsburgh after a long moment with the maps. I may have to back track tomorrow but it’s worth it to see Pittsburgh. Also, route 30 was beautiful!

The day was great minus the CRAZY crowds everywhere. I don’t think I like crowds but there is no way around them in the summer. I highly highly recommend Gettysburg. Give yourself plenty of time, leave the kids at home (they don’t care), and spend the extra money for a narrated CD or better yet, a tour guide who drives your car!

Day Three, technology

What did people do on road trips without technology? Without the cell phone, GPS, and lap top, today would have not been possible. I even tried the old fashioned way of asking for directions in a gas station but they were not any help. Very nice, just not helpful.

Woke up bright and early today; well, bright and early for a 25 year old, and left Philadelphia. My first stop was at Valley Forge. After a phone call home, and much debate, I chose to rent a bike and ride around the historic site. The bike ride and grounds were beautiful but I was not getting the actual feel for the history. I do have sympathy for the men of the time after seeing the grounds and informational video. The video also helped me to understand the revolutionary war and Valley Forge better. The park is beautiful and clearly locals got to walk and bike on a daily bases. The real deer were fun to see too.

I left Valley Forge and started to my trip to Lancaster County but got side tracked by a sign on the highway for the another National Site. I then detoured on two gorgeous back roads to get to the Hopewell Furnace Site. What a gem. I loved the winding road to the entrance and the quaint little, well preserved site. Also, the people were extremely friendly and helpful.

Continuing on back roads I made it to the famous Lancaster County. The GPS took me on a back road through farm and buggy country. Then there was a blocked road and I was back to traffic and congestion. I arrived at the Amish Framers Market I was headed to and left after 10 minutes. Not exactly what I was expecting. I assumed the market would have fresh fruit and veggies and baked goods. Well you know what they say about assuming?

I left the market to go to the Bird-In-Hand Bake House. Pure Mennonite and perfect. I then stopped at a Visitor Center on the way to my friends parents house. After a phone call to their house for directions I arrived at my stop for the night. My friends parents then graciously took me out to Shady Maple Smorgasbord to experience my very first Pennsylvania smorgasbord. Their house and generosity definitely beat camping.

Day Two

Staying with friends who know the area is the way to go. Also, when they have internet it makes blogging much easier. I don’t think I’ll be able to keep the daily updates going but it’s a nice way to start. Also, if you want to get to know a place, get to know the locals!

Today was a busy, jam packed day and I never had to be behind the wheel. My friend and her younger sister showed me parts of Philadelphia I have never seen and local cheap, delicious, eateries. I also went to my first murder trial in the CJS, and the Federal Attorneys office with a view of Independence Hall.
After driving on beautiful Kelly Drive we went to the new Comcast Building with the coolest public entertainment wall. I could spend an entire day watching these 3D shows. We then proceeded to see, experience, and stop at: Reading Terminal, Lorenzo’s lunch, Johns Water Ice after, the 9th street Italian market, South Street, LOVE park, Ritten House Square, Main Street Manayuak and the night ended with a yummy Shabbat dinner, and of course chocolate cake. THANK YOU HAIMOWITZ FAMILY!

Day One

The first day is under my belt, literally. It was an interesting first day and great learning experience. I packed up the car with the help of mom and dad then hit the road around 9:45. After a frustrating bathroom break, highway related, I finally arrived in Scranton, PA. It took awhile to find the road I was looking for, but got to see the small city of Scranton. Although I know nothing about the city itself, through my car window, it looks like a not too shabby city.

Once I arrived to my destination I was feeling much better. The people were extremely helpful and I purchased my Parks Pass for the rest of my trip.
I highly highly recommend the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA. Whether you are a train aficionado, kid, or random person driving through, it is an amazing stop. You can spend anywhere from half an hour to three hours, and it is all pleasurable. The working train site, repair shop, turn table, and train rides are all open to the public. Not to mention the video, unique history museum, and technology museum on site. I loved this place and could have spent more time here.

Across the parking lot is a trolley museum, down the road is a neat coal mine tour, and there is always downtown that I missed out on. I could have spent more time in Scranton but thought it was time to head to Philly.

After a 45 minute detour I made it to the toll way I needed. There was a slight mishap with the toll ticket, hunger in my belly, some traffic, and a horrible experience with the GPS not being helpful. Thank goodness for cell phones (hands free of course). I was finally rescued by my friend (just back from Costa Rica) and escorted to her house in Philadelphia.

Not so bad for a first day, a good refresher in driving in America, friends, and frozen custard. Tomorrow will only offer more fun and friends in the city of Philadelphia.

The First Loop (of three)

Activities are in no particular order, nor do they contain towns where friends live. This is just the first loop so not all states are listed. Stay tuned for the other loop activities when the time gets closer. Also, I may not be able to get to everything on this list, but WELCOME SUGGESTIONS.




Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg, PA
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge, PA
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Philadelphia, PA
Steamtown National Historic Site
Scranton, PA
Hershey
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
Lancaster / Amish Land and there is a house museum
Shadyside, downtown Pittsburgh


Ohio
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial
Put-in-Bay, OH
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Chillicothe, OH

Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, One Key Plaza, 751 Erieside Ave. (tel. 216/515-8420; www.rockhall.com),
Amish Culture Tours


Indiana
Santa Claus Indiana- museum and castle
Studebaker National Museum, 201 S. Chapin St. (tel. 574/235-9714; www.studebakermusuem.org). Also in town is the 38,000-square-foot South Bend Chocolate Company, 3300 Sample St. (tel. 800/301-4961; www.sbchocolate.com),
William Henry Harrison Mansion Museum, 3 W. Scott St. (tel. 812/886-0400; www.grouselandfoundation.org),


Illinois
Big Popeye- Chester
Hometown of Superman and Super Museum, Metropolis, Illinois
Mecca of Albino Squirrels, Olney, Illinois




Iowa
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Harper's Ferry, IA
Fans of Robert James Waller's novels should head to picturesque Winterset in Madison County, off U.S. 92 (tel. 515/462-1185; www.madisoncounty.com). Its five covered bridges date from the 1880s and are National Historic Landmarks. The best time to visit is October, when fall foliage is at its peak and the Covered Bridge Festival takes place. Also notable in Winterset is the birthplace of John Wayne, 216 S. 2nd St. (tel. 515/462-1044; www.johnwaynebirthplace.org). You can visit the four-room house in which the legendary actor was born; it's loaded with memorabilia and photos.

Dyersville: Field of Dreams


Nebraska
Chimney Rock National Historic Site
Bayard, NE
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Omaha, NE
Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska
Rowe Sanctuary (tel. 308/468-5282; www.rowesanctuary.org) and the Nebraska Bird Observatory at Crane Meadows (tel. 308/382-1820; www.cranemeadows.org) are the best places for bird-lovers to check out the snowy-white birds. For a living-history view of life on the prairie, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Hwy. 34, Grand Island (tel. 308/385-5316; www.stuhrmuseum.org),

Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone, WY
Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower, WY
Kemmerer: JC Penney Store No. 1 and JC Penney Museum
Fishing on the Snake River
Buffalo Bill Museum - Cody


Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Gunnison, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, CO
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant, CO
Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver, Colorado)
Lamar – gas station
Boulder
Vail
Rocky Mountain National Park -- perhaps taking a hike in the high country -- and crossing the Continental Divide on Trail Ridge Road before enjoying the sunset on Grand Lake.

Kansas
World Biggest Ball of Twine - Cawker City, Kansas
Tiny Church, Glen Elder, KS - 7 mi.
Geographical Center of the 48 States, Lebanon, KS - 23 mi.
Wichita and Hutchinson


Oklahoma
Guthrie
Cherokee• Directions: Located in Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation.
3 mi S of city off Hwy 62 on Willis Road Tahlequah, OK 74465 • Other
Contact: info@CherokeeHeritage.org
Fleetwood Ghost Town
National Banjo Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City

Arkansas
Arkansas Post National Memorial
Gillett, AR
Buffalo National River
Harrison, AR
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Little Rock, AR
Little Rock High School
Murfreesboro, Crater of Diamonds State Park


Missouri
Fiorellas Jack Stack Barbecue, KC
Kansas City


Kentucky
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
Hodgenville, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave, KY

Tennessee
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Oneida, TN
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Emert Street
Gatlinburg, TN
Memphis Botanic Garden (Memphis, Tennessee)
Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, knoxville
Checkout the Underground Sea!


Virginia
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Hardy, VA
Petersburg National Battlefield
Petersburg, VA
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Richmond, VA
Tangier Island
Lexington
Middleburg
Mount Vernon/Monticello
Chesapeake bay
Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown


West Virginia
Gauley River National Recreation Area
Glen Jean, WV
Rafting- Gauley River, New River, Summersville
Once a year BUNGEE JUMPING off the highest bridge in USA!
Beckley: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
Berkeley Springs Historic State Park, Spa


Maryland/DC
Assateague Island National Seashore
Berlin, MD
Hampton National Historical Site
Towson, MD
Thomas Stone National Historic Site
Port Tobacco, MD
Baltimore
Annapolis
International Spy Museum, Washington, District of Columbia
Chevy Chase: World's Largest Rubber Band Ball (former)

Than home to better plan the second loop up North starting in Maine.

It's Time

The guesstimated timeline of events. All subject to change.


June, July, August and beginning of September:
PA, OH, IN, IL, Iowa, NE, WY, CO, KS, OK, AR, MO, KY, TN, VA, WV, Maryland

End of September, October, Nov:
Maine, NH, VT, Mass, RI, NY, NJ, CT

Dec. Jan. – NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, Miss, LA, TX
Feb. March, - NM, Arizona, NV, CA
April, May, June – CA, Oregon, Wash, ID, Utah
July, August - Montana, ND, SD, NB, Minn, Mich, Wisc



These are key places and ideas I want to accomplish:

Ghost Town. I can use them as fillers
Rafting- NY state or West Virginia
Battle reenactment
Fishing
Botanical Gardens
National Parks
Historic Plantations
Snorkeling Areas
Random Roadside Stops
And much more

Trip Time

You can see “THE MAP” with almost all places listed as bullet points at except for where friends live:


http://www.scribblemaps.com/#id=EiX4hFUaRJ&lat=38.366735658376086&lng=-93.90371278621348&z=4&t=Map&y=0&p=0


Just copy and paste this link and it should take you there.