Road Trip to Maryland

We got up early again and ate a great breakfast that Leo cooked for us.  We discussed the plan for driving home and agreed to take Route 84 out of Hartford and follow it all the way to Route 81 in Pennsylvania.  From there, JJ planned to pick up Route 83 nearby and dump out onto the Baltimore Beltway and head for points south and home.  We were shooting for the fewest possible stops, bypassing all the toll booths and potential traffic snarls on Route 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike.

JJ took a look at his fan, radiator and support systems in the light of dawn and the garage security light.

When he was satisfied (well, satisfied that it really was hosed...), we started our early morning drive on Route 202 heading towards Quabbin Reservoir and Amherst.

Movie:

Road Trip Home - Route 202

The trip was pretty uneventful.  We didn't hit any snags, and aside from one stop where we tried to force more air through the radiator, we didn't have any problems.  It reminded me of the many trips I took with various cars that had cooling problems.  JJ kept his distance from large vehicles, ran his heat, and kept his speed down.  Those things pretty much helped to prevent a problem, though he did run between 220 and 240 degrees F all the way.   Hopefully he can get his fan replaced under warrantee and there was no permanent damage to the engine.

Finally, we reached the Route 81 and soon after that, Route 83.  I decided to stay with him until I branched off onto Route 70.  I must say that the extra distance on the road was offset by the lack of tolls and relatively light traffic.  I may have to look into traveling this way again.  When I parted company with JJ, he was doing fine.  He called later to say that he had gotten home under his own power.  I am sure he will be wrenching on his Jeep in the near future, but I am glad that it was not on the way home from the trip!

JJ on Route 695 Near Baltimore

Reminisces

I'm not sure what's left to say about this trip that hasn't already been said.  We got in and out and didn't lose anybody.  We had some carnage but it was very minor and we were not slowed by it in the least.  I can only speak for myself when I say that I had a good time.   There were some "moments" but I am sure that we will remember them as well as the good times, once we put some time behind us.

I wish I could say that "Next year, Deeps Woods Expedition will go out again and it will be better than this year."  But I don't yet know where we might go.  Moab?  Rubicon?   New Brunswick?  The Everglades?  ???

Watch this space ______________!

Waypoints