Our phones were sitting side by side in the center console, both with different mapping software displaying varying maps on our best direction of travel. The goal was to get out of the city as quickly and safely as possible without somehow being tossed into downtown NYC. That fear is REAL, and for Tyler, it put him on edge. Words like “Tunnel,” “Downtown,” or “Bridge” sent him into a tense and agitated state where he couldn’t control the words coming out of his mouth. I sat quietly, aggravated with him, but trying to keep us heading in the right direction.
When we made it through the complicated portion of the directions, we both could relax. Him relaxing from back seat driving and me from him! He apologized. COVID has shut down nearly EVERYTHING except toll booths and within the first 30 minutes of our drive, we had already forked over more than $40. Tolls are definitely something we are still having to get used to, and carrying an adequate amount of cash is key. Fortunately, I was prepared for at least today!
We continued our travels towards a Harvest Host we had found in Maryland, but as we neared our destination we both determined we hadn’t traveled far enough. It was just after 1 pm and I knew I had more drive in me to continue. The next place Tyler found was another 260 miles away. It seemed like a stretch, but we gave it a whirl. I continued down the road, but after the next hour or so, I knew driving another 3 was not attainable. Tyler began a new search closer to our location.
It wasn’t too much further down the road where we settled on a State Park. Nearby was a Costco and we were in desperate need of replenishing our food. Tonight we are staying at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, VA. We traveled 262 miles and touched through 4 states (NJ, DE, MD, VA). Tomorrow we will likely head through West Virginia and towards “Whiskey Country” as Tyler has said.
We enjoyed NY Strip Steak Salad, a nice campfire, and a beautiful evening under the stars before the rain, thunder, and lightning began. I foresee a game or two of Sequence before bed. Addi and I are currently still in the lead with a 10-6 record. Even though today got off to a rocky start, as I sit here and type this, I feel so grateful for this experience. While we have no idea where we are going, I know we are right where we are supposed to be!
(No pictures were taken today as I was driving and we didn’t really do anything notable, but I did keep my humans alive)
The Church Hideout 