Day 03 Keeping It Short

Due to my sleepless nights, we decided to keep the days a bit shorter for a while. I did get quite a few hours last night though so feeling pretty good now.

We left Lexington at about 7:15 and after refueling headed west on I64.

A little about the fuel, the Escape is doing about 25mpg so not the greatest fuel consumption. But petrol here is cheap. $3.50 per gallon or 92c per litre. It would be difficult to squeeze $50 worth of fuel and that does over 450 miles ( 720 kliks).

We did mostly Interstate roads today. That means generally divided four lane road with an extra one for uphills so the semis don't get in the way. 70mph is mostly the limit and most people stick close to it in this area. If they do I figure it is a good idea for me to too.

We traveled through the Appalachian Mountains and everything was mostly green with just a few leaves starting to turn for the Autumn.

Although there are heaps of eating places in USA, they are mostly big chain ones. Variations of the Maccas theme. No trouble to get fast food anywhere if that is what you like and apparently the Americans like it, judged simply from the proliferation of chain eateries.

But we like the more authentic American style of the Diner. Specially for breakfast. So this morning we once again went looking for one.

Pulled off the interstate into a small town called Covington and cruised around until we found it.

There was a Bergy with outriggers parked outside and a small metric cruiser was just pulling up. Old Motorcyclists know where to eat.

Sure enough, inside a group of elderley gentlemen were settin' down to eat. One wore a cap saying "Old Coots on Scoots" so he was the Bergy rider. Another had a bag of tomatoes and they were sharing slices while their meals were being prepared by the cook, who proudly had her Purple Heart certificate framed on the wall.

We had bacon and eggs, with toast. "Y'all want grits 'n biscuits with that?" No thanks, just coffee. We've had grits before - not exciting - and biscuits are a sort of salty scone. It'd take time to get used to them.

All up $13 with a tip. Cheap, filling and great to eavesdrop on the old boys reminiscing. Better than fast food any day.

Back on the road and through the mountains we encountered our first rain since arriving in New York. Driving is never as good as riding, but we were happy to not have to stop to put on the wets.

We came upon Charleston, the capital city of West Virginia and from the road saw their very impressive Capitol Building. We pulled in and went for a little walk for a closer look. The weather closed in and there were several claps of thunder and lightning so we scampered back to the car. We needed to "go" and it was pouring rain so we parked in a nearby Maccas and crossed our legs until the worst of the rain passed then went inside.

Fast food shops are good for something.

We bought some wraps for an early lunch to justify using their amenities.

A little further up the road, the weather cleared and we were now quite close to our intended destination for the day. Athens, OH. We crossed a bridge that looked like a mini Storey Bridge, but without the lights, and half way across we entered Ohio. Second of the seven states we are visiting.

Being early, we took a little detour around a lesser road that followed a bend in the Ohio River. We drove through a few pleasant little towns and past lots of hideaway houses nestled on the riverbank. A lovely little area and nice to be off the Interstates for a while, despite Karen's constant urging to return to "the best route". We don't see eye to eye with Karen on this, but we still keep her around to find our destinations for us.

A short time later, after missing a turn and doing an extra few miles (I worry that Karen is sometimes deliberately vague), we are now in the local Super 8 motel. Being early, we were the first here for the day.

A few photos. Click on any one to make them bigger

West Virginia's impressive State Capitol

Sob!

When it is good to be in a car

Mini Storey Bridge

Entering Ohio

Lonely little Escape in the Super8 Parking lot

What's all this to do with the price of bananas?

Nothing.

But look at the price of those bananas!!