Day 1/7 – Western MA to SW New York State

Hello my friends! Writing to you from the beautiful, pastoral rolling hills of New York’s “Southern Tier” which borders Pennsylvania, having followed a different route than we took last year. This was my first time driving on I-88 and I-86. Gorgeous, and much easier than going through Buffalo on the 90… absolutely zero traffic, and the weather was perfect. I couldn’t have imagined a nicer day to commence this journey of first returning. 🙏🏼

I was extra careful to keep Clyde in the house, under watchful eye, as I loaded up the car. After what happened last year I wasn’t taking any chances! (If you’re new here and you don’t know what happened last year, I invite you to scroll down to the first post from November 2022 and read all about it. I’ll give you a clue, though: Houdini.)

We left at 9 AM and drove for two hours, then pulled off in Duanesburg New York to stretch our legs. To be clear, Clyde doesn’t usually stretch his legs on the road, he stays in his crate. But Timi likes to walk around a little, sniff stuff, pee, and have a drink of water. As for me, I got a dark roast coffee at Dunkin Donuts (not shown). It was yummy!

Two hours from Duanesberg, we stopped again to fill up with gas at the Dandy Truck Stop in Nichols where a gallon of Regular goes for $3.75. (I know I’m going to miss those prices in California!)

After that, it was just a quick final two hour leg to arrive at our first destination, a Microtel Inn & Suites in Olean/Alegeny. My friend Sarah strongly encouraged me to try out one of these new boutique style, pet-friendly hotels by Wyndham and I love it! So clean, well appointed, and nicely situated: a few minutes drive from the highway, in a quiet area beside a little field. We all just might be getting a good, sound sleep tonight. Fingers crossed. Tomorrow is a big day, traversing Ohio and several of its major cities. Fortunately, the weather promises again to be sunny and clear. Hallelujah! 💜OBC🦉🌵