Some Settling May Occur in Transit

2025-08-31
PA, WV, OH

Like so many of these trips, I started by driving west. Labor Day Weekend had very little traffic on the PA Turnpike. Also, there wasn't much construction; just the installation of a few of the new overhead tolling gantries. I hope they clean up the toll booths soon (apparently they've started but I haven't used a cleared entrance). There weren't any blocked lanes on the stretch I drove which made traffic feel even lighter. I think they try to move the barrels for the holiday. Squirrel Hill Tunnel was still clogged as always; squirrels try to ruin everything (and plant walnut trees in all my bushes). Of course, Ohio had plenty of construction zones, but they do love an orange barrel out there. Police are out in force too, but cruise control solves most of that.

I stopped in Raccoon Creek State Park and did the Mineral Springs trail. It is only 1.25 miles, but it's a chance to stretch my legs. Not only is the trail shady, the parking area is shady too. Overall a great way to break up the day.

I ended the day in Richmond OH, right on the Indiana state line. And I mean that literally; depending on where in the lot I park my car it will be in one state or the other. I opted to keep it in OH for tonight.

The phrase "Some settling may occur during shipping" used to appear on bags of things like potato chips. It may still be there. This was because when you opened the bag, the top half was just air. This has gotten us all prepared to see just a few chips in a bag I guess. It also applies to my car load. Even though several large new articles were added, the removal of the seats seems to have more than compensated and stuff is free to slide around in the back and "settle." My first trip everything was pretty well locked (stuffed) into position. Maybe I will try something new and buy a souvenir now that I have all this space. Or maybe I will have to buy things I forgot?

Hiking distance: 1.25