One of the things that has made this trip so interesting for me so far is the odd mix of destinations I have chosen to visit. I’m trying to connect with family and friends and, so, had a number of random locations that I was trying to figure into the mix. It left me a bit all over the map in my travels. My path makes good logical and linear sense. But, it lacks a bit of practicality. For example…….
Who wants to drive into New York City?!
Not me.
I have been to New York City. I know what the traffic is like. But, I wanted to go from the Finger Lakes to Scranton, PA and then to New York City. Try as I might to find a reasonable public transportation option from one to the next, I was unsuccessful. So, driving was the only way.
And, so, it was a plan!
I have seen some wide and varied scenery in my driving extravaganza, to include the winding roads of rural Pennsylvania and New York to the bumper to bumper traffic of New York City……and everything else in between. You can’t get too much more diversity than all of that!
The first leg of my driving experience was very leisurely and, I have to admit, just plain fun! When I left the Finger Lakes to go to Scranton, Bill and Linda at the bed and breakfast suggested that I bypass Route 81. I remember Route 81 from my visit to the Scranton area probably 15 years ago. There was a lot of construction being done on the road. Apparently, it’s still going on!
What?! How is that possible?!
The thought of hours of sitting in heavy traffic, convinced me that I should take the back roads. It was a longer drive, but not that much. And, really, what else did I have to do?
I went through every small town between the Finger Lakes and Scranton. I encountered cars, trucks, farming equipment, bicycles, Amish horse and buggy set ups…..pretty much anything you can think of.
I also saw lots of agriculture…mostly corn, but some cabbage as well. It reminded me of our cross-country trip from the DC area to California nearly 10 years ago. All we could see for miles into the horizon were the tassels on the top of the corn plants.
This was like that.
I stopped to take this photograph so that you could all see it.
Almost had my car door taken off on this small road, too. Forgot to close the car door when I got out to take the photo. It was very exciting!
Up and down I went over the mountains and wound myself through the twisting roads. The scenery was beautiful. I stopped to stretch at this lovely vista!
When I got hungry and wanted to stop for a bite to eat, I was again reminded of our cross-country trip. There were not a lot of choices. I made a stop at the “Dandy” truck stop.
I saw them everywhere….a small regional chain, I think. I got myself some water and some pretzels. When I got back to my car I looked up and saw this sign next to the door of the convenience store that was part of the “Dandy”.
They were advertising “Fried Twinkies”! I could have had one of those. Apparently, the “Dandy” is known for this delicacy.
I’ll pass….fried “Twinkies”….are they kidding? Not for this gal!
As I continued to drive, I continued to think about the “Twinkie”. Silly “Dandy” store. Who fries a “Twinkie”? Then, I looked to the side of the road and saw a sign for the “Better Choice Restaurant”.
“Better than what?” I wondered. “The place selling the Fried Twinkies?” I’m guessing anything would be better than that!
You get the picture.
I was glad to reach Scranton where, after I settled in, I was able to muster a very nice salad and a reasonable beer.
No “Twinkies”! HA!
I did my visiting in Scranton and then headed on to New York City. The back way to New York City was 5 hours as opposed to the 3-hour route that included some highways. Honestly, I was getting tired of driving and just wanted to get somewhere, so I took the quicker route on the highway through the Poconos. It was still a pretty ride, just shorter and more traffic wth lots of trucks. I stopped for a coffee and filled my gas tank in Stroudsburg. Cute town!
As I pulled into New York City, I looked down at my gas meter. It was only 1/2 filled. What?! How can that be? I had filled the tank not too long ago. After some thought, I surmised that I had probably pulled the nozzle out of the gas tank too early before the tank had time to fill. How was I going to find gas in New York City? Do they even have gas in the city? I considered just turning it in without filling it, but the gas replacement cost was about $10.00 per gallon…..too much for this frugal traveler. I would drop my luggage at the hotel and then seek out some gas before returning the car.
The driving experience in New York City was just what you are imagining…bumper to bumper traffic, lots of taxis weaving in and out, no turn signals, cars double and triple parked that you couldn’t anticipate….
……You know, chaos……
I sat in traffic without moving for 10-15 minutes at a time. It was nuts! So, when my new renter texted me with a question, I had plenty of time to respond. We resolved her dilemma, and I texted her about what I was doing. She instructed me to “lay on the horn”. Good advice that I had already given myself. It’s about the only thing the drivers respond to here, albeit one of the most benign actions one can take in traffic. I can never figure out how people think that honking the horn will make the traffic move faster.
After about an hour, I pulled up to the hotel, met a person outside that appeared to be a bell clerk and dropped my luggage. I neglected to get a claim ticket, which I didn’t even give a second thought until I was almost at the gas station about 30 blocks away. Just then, I wondered whether the guy I had entrusted with my luggage really did work for the hotel. Maybe….. he was just there dressed as a bell clerk, but was really stealing luggage. I mulled this over as I filled my tank….
…..and decided that because there was nothing I could do about this issue, I would take a more positive stance. I would believe in the goodness of people and assume that my luggage had made it inside the hotel. If it wasn’t there, I would have the opportunity to do some shopping!
I filled my tank, drove back through the traffic about 20 blocks to the Hertz drop off and left my car, and then walked the last 10 blocks back to the hotel. My total route was about 50 blocks. It took me 2 hours.
The hotel had some difficulty locating my luggage. Oh no……
But, guess what! There is was right on the luggage rack where I left it. I was so happy! There really are good people out there….even in New York City!
So, now I am getting to know my New York City neighborhood on foot, which is a much more pleasant way to explore the city. I’ll let you know what I find!
Signing off…….
Miss Betsy Walking….. in New York City!
Travel With Betsy 
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