Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t take vacation photos from the front seat of a car that is speeding down the New York Thruway at 70mph. Believe me, it can be done!! I took most of the photos posted here from the car- through the windows. Why not? It is a rule of vacation that most of what you want to see will be alongside the road and nowhere near a rest stop or turn out. Why not try a few shots?
The NY Thruway is wonderful. I just wish our own toll road was in such great shape and had such wonderful service plazas. I’ve never seen such clean restrooms anywhere! Of course I think most of the people I know would be totally surprised to see how rugged and rural New York State is and I think they would love to take a vacation there. I love the vineyards and farms and orchards.
One thing that I found amusing was the “deer crossing” signs. I think NY should just put up a big billboard at the state line and say “Caution- deer everywhere!” The deer signs gave mileage and I saw everything from ¼ mile to 65 miles!! I kept wondering how they determined the crossing areas and why on earth they would post a sign that said ¼ mile! Are their deer trained?? Do they know they are supposed to use that crossing area? I saw seven deer during the day and they weren’t anywhere near a posted crossing. J Even saw a little spotted one out with its mom.
I love to see how other people live. While I was a passenger I got to see lots of houses and farms. I still find it strange to see big new housing developments without fences. I guess I will always be a Californian at heart- houses should have fences. They don’t seem to agree with me in Illinois, Indiana, or Ohio. Lots of vast expanses of green lawn obviously mowed on the same day. Must take some cooperation.
I do NOT love to see how other people drive! Let me just tell you that there are idiots in every state who do not read speed limit signs or merge signs or construction zone signs. They do not drive in predictable ways and they are NOT paying attention to trucks, road debris, or potholes. They just suddenly react to whatever happens!! And they annoy the *&%^ out of me when they do it!!
My vote for the best road sign- in front of a fireworks store: “Fireworks, pepper spray, stun guns, sugar-free fudge.” Truly one-stop shopping for your holiday!!
Microtel gets my vote for best new idea. Well, I haven’t traveled in a while, so maybe they have been doing it for years- they no longer put bedspreads on the beds! Yeah! Always the first thing I remove and throw in the corner because I assume it hasn’t been washed. Microtel puts a sheet on top of the bed and then a cute strip of fabric, like a table runner, for color and decoration. And yes, I remembered to sanitize the remote before using it! I travel with wipes!!!
We ate at several restaurants along the way and for the most part had some good food and service. I didn’t always stay on my diet or worry about sodium like I should have. I tell you that so I can freely admit that we had lunch at Fazoli's one day! If you haven’t eaten there, I recommend it as a pleasant change from burgers or tacos. They serve quick Italian food on real plates with real forks! Their prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. There are some in Texas and Oklahoma, but not in Durant! :(
Gas prices varied from $2.46 to $2.99. Not bad when you travel 3,600 miles. I actually expected them to be a little higher in the east and was pleasantly surprised.
Before I close, I have to say that my husband is the best traveling companion ever. He knows how to drive in all the major cities. He never gets lost. He doesn’t speed. He doesn’t try to drive 18 hours a day. He makes frequent stops so I don’t have to ask to “rest”. He understands my phobia about driving in the city and always arranges to trade places with me. (Traffic does not bother me, but I hate figuring out exits, and I fear getting lost.) He keeps his driving suggestions to a minimum. He doesn’t get upset very often by other drivers. He doesn’t mind stopping to see something interesting. He loves to talk or just let me doze. I would travel with him anywhere, anytime!
Tomorrow I will post some cow art!
Trent wants to travel with the kids like you just did. He has fond memories of he and his 8 siblings traveling cross country to vacation. I think he's just blocking out a bunch of stuff that his parents must have endured!
Traveling with just my hubby would be an amazing opportunity to connect, play and relax. I'm SO jealous.
I'm currently drawing a blank or two on other hotels that I've been in that have ditched that comforter, but it may be a trend. And I love that you're a germ phobe too: I do all handles, light switches and surfaces when we travel. A vacation is not a time to get a new virus that isn't circulating in my home community.
LOVE your pictures. I can just envision you and Uncle Gary speeding alone chatting about the lovely fields and homes. I especially like that barn shaped white one. Darling!
Posted by: Megan | June 27, 2010 at 07:34 AM