Experiencing America > 2019 > Mountains, Fields, & the Beach > Day 1
Day ONE...
Monday, July 15th, 2019
Day one of a trip that was planned for over two years was going to be the longest drive part of the trip; minus the final day home. Starting out at home base in the Southwestern Suburbs of Chicago, the goal for the day was Pittsburgh, PA. Construction was going to be a major theme today. The delays on the work zone near home base had the trip start with back roads to even be able to leave the State of Illinois.
Now to State #2...Indiana!!...
The Indiana Welcome Sign on EB I-80/90; U.S. 6.
As we moved across Northwest Indiana at rush-hour on a Monday. While it was not at a stand-still, it was still heavy all the way to the Indiana East-West Toll Road. The toll road was our next path to follow. From the Portage area, across the rest of the State of Indiana, there was nothing to see...just fields, and fields... One thing to see along the way was the change in time-zone.
The marker for the time zone change on the IN E-W Toll Rd.
Now to State #3...Michigan!!...
The Michigan Welcome Sign on NB U.S. 131.
The brief trip of the Indiana East-West Toll Road to literally step over the state line in to Michigan was because a few members of the group had never been to this state. At the state line was your standard group of tobacco shops, gas stations, and fireworks stores. All to take advantage of different taxes and laws of the different states.
A rocket at a fireworks store at the Indiana/Michigan State Line.
Back to State #2...Indiana!!...
The Indiana Welcome Sign on SB U.S. 131.
Once back into Indiana, we continues down the Indiana East-West Toll Road, mile by mile as we head towards Pittsburgh, PA.
Now to State #4...Ohio!!...
The Ohio Welcome Sign on EB I-80/90.
The State of Ohio was very similar to the State of Indiana as far as scenes to look at as miles of miles of interstate highway track by. About an hour into Ohio we came on Toledo. While the Ohio Turnpike runs along the south end of the Toledo Metro Area; there still was a great view of the Downtown Toledo skyline. On the day we were passing through this area, it seemed to also be the day that the border patrol was visiting to.
The Border Patrol along EB I-80/90; OH Turn.
While the goal for the trip was Pittsburgh, PA, there was an option to get out and stretch for a bit and see one of the great lakes. For this we stayed with Interstate 90 to get to Bay Village, Ohio. Where we were going to park and walk was at Huntington Beach. Along the was it was discovered where the Duck Tape World Headquarters is at. The beach allowed for great views of Lake Erie, and the skyline of Downtown Cleveland.
The Duck Tape HQ along I-90.
An old water tower at Huntington Beach.
Looking at the Cleveland skyline from the beach.
As the day was wearing on, we headed back to the Ohio Turnpike and towards Pittsburgh, PA.
Now to State 5...Pennsylvania!!...
The Pennsylvania Welcome Sign on EB I-76/PA Turn.
As we got towards and into Pennsylvania, the hills started rolling. This was the same along Interstate 76/Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Interstate 376. The readout for the miles per gallon in fuel being used was interesting. Overall the rewards for the day long of driving was dinner at a Pittsburgh staple; Primanti Brothers. Their signature sandwich, good pizza, and fun entertainment makes a relaxing way to end a day of drivings.
The Yukon's MPG along I-376.
The Primanti Brother's that dinner was had at.
The signature sandwich at Primanti Brother's.
Day TWO