Stittsville to Doswell Virgina

As usual, a crack of dawn departure as we leave the bitter cold [-26ºC with windchill] and a foot or so of snow behind to do the snowbird thing.  At this time of year, our crack of dawn is bout 9am.

The roads were clear, and snow level petered out as we reached the border where our crossing was as near to instantaneous as we're ever likely to get: the car in front left the kiosk as we were slowing to a stop, the customs agent was  welcoming and efficient.  We were back on the road before the car behind us was completely stopped.

We were on the Interstate 81 South, on our way to Florida!  We noted a new sign along the interstate that stated: Text Stop, 5 miles.
And 5 miles further, there was the stop, just a long drive through with parking, and a garbage can.  A few miles later, another sign said Text 3 times: lose your license!  Now that's pretty clear isn't it?  Maybe our provincial gov't should do something similar...  There were Text stops, or Text, Rest Areas just about every 10 to 15 miles for the first fifty miles or so in NY State.

As we drove towards Watertown NY, the sky turned sort of foggy and grey.  Then it got fairly dark as the snow squall settled in for about a dozen miles or so.  At times, you could barely see the car in front, but at no time was the road snow-covered.  Shortly after Adams NY the snow squalls ended and we saw miles and miles of ice-covered trees and bushes that were magical in the light from further south.  Quite spectacular at times!

Mid afternoon, we pulled off at Hazleton to get gas at a Sunoco Station.  The posted sign said $3.38/gal, while the pump said $3.44 for payment by card.  Almost a bait and switch, but clear enough when you looked at the small print.  The washrooms on the other hand were nothing short of filthy and discussing!  It takes a few of these to realize how spoiled we are 'back home'.  $46 for a fill-up is much nicer than $65+ "back home".  The local temperature had risen to -4ºC, with serious winds to make it colder.

As we got into lower Pennsylvania, we saw miles of wind turbines on the top of a ridge, all merrily doing their thing; what a sight, essentially as far as the eye could see.

Well, it's late and the crack of dawn comes quickly. Most of tomorrow should be well above freezing and maybe we'll get into the cool mid-fifties...

To be continued...