The Back Roads of Pennsylvania!

Ohhhhh - those back roads get us every time! Traveling east this morning, breezing along I-80 across the middle of Pennsylvania, with our destination Pine Grove KOA - which is about 30 miles or so north of Harrisburg off of I-81. Thinking I would 'save' us a few miles, I routed Roger south - off of the interstate - down some state roads. What a mistake! Again! I truly NEVER learn!

As we approached our first 'small town', Roger starts slowing way down. So much so that I asked, "Are we low on gas?" Of course we were! He was trying to 'scope' out the gas stations to see if they had diesel - and if we could get our 'not so small' rig in to the pump. Being the 'good' wife I am, I asked, "Why didn't you stop for gas on the Interstate if we were so low?" Roger's answer: "I didn't need it then!" (Now why didn't I think of that!) After a bit of 'creative' maneuvering we got some diesel and went on our merry way, meandering through beautiful small towns. As I was commenting on how pretty the old buildings and houses were, Roger said something about how I should learn to drive on these roads! I assured him he was doing a very good job. . .! Think it had something to do with how narrow they were - and how sharp the turns were! I have to admit I was getting a bit nervous, myself; especially when we would approach an underpass labeled 13' 10"! I quickly asked if we would 'fit' - and Roger assured me "Sure, we're only 13 foot!" Boy, was that reassuring!

The scenery was beautiful, though. So many dogwood and other flowering trees in full bloom. The maple trees were loaded with dark burgundy leaves. Truly small town beautiful. Got through the towns and although the roads were anything but straight, I thought we had got through the worst. As we rounded one curve, there before us was a humongous mountain of coal (literally) - and a mega coal mining operation. The coal was right on the surface and they were mining right into the side of the mountain. What a sight.

But shortly thereafter, we had to go down a mountain. I REALLY got nervous when the speed limit signs said 20 mph for trucks. Never saw a sign that said what degree of down grade it was, but it was steep. When it 'ended' in a hairpin curve, I had had enough of this 'Sunday drive!' We saw a sign that said I-81 to the left - and we took it! We were only about 15 miles short of our intended destination, but we were leary of what could possibly lie ahead. SO, from now on - it's freeways for us - at least when we're towing the fifth wheel!