“What’s with that truck? Its trailer is weaving back and forth!”
As my husband, Steve, and I pulled into the left lane, the problem became obvious: The truck was hauling THREE trailers!
This was not the only one like it that we saw on our 3,000-mile historical research/ book-signing road trip. We learned very quickly to steer clear of the three-trailered-trucks!
We learned many things while driving from Iowa to Massachusetts and back, via Vincennes, Indiana. While Steve drove on one of our boring stretches of highway on this journey, I made notes and thought I’d share them with you. I hope you find them helpful.
1 – Before you ever leave home, invest in comfy seat cushions. We bought the Aylio Coccyx Orthopedic Comfort foam seat cushions. Steve merely called them our “butt savers.” Whatever you name them, they will save the day for your back and rear end!
2 – If you’re feeling tired and looking for stronger coffee from a well-known coffee shop, get the “blonde” roast. There is more caffeine in the less processed coffee beans.
3 – When driving through New York State on a toll road and the sign says “No Cash,” this translates into “they ONLY take cash.” I can’t explain it…
4 – Carry healthy snacks in the car like almonds, peanuts and dried fruit. You will be less inclined to buy “goodies” whenever you stop for gasoline.
5 – Bring plenty of plastic bags for trash and laundry. You’ll be amazed at how quickly both items accrue.
6 – Don’t wear white blouses or shirts when drinking coffee in the car. I have personal experience with this.
7 – If you eat a donut and drink coffee from a well-known donut chain four days in a row, you’ll never want to eat a donut again. You may feel like you’re turning green for days afterwards every time you look at their sign. I also have personal experience with this.
8 – If you’re staying in a motel and want to know the forecast, don’t bother with the weather cable channel. They seem to be too busy running specials in the evening to let you know there might be a tornado on the ground nearby. Watch the local channels.
9 – Carry a small cooler for drinks and quick meals like yogurt. You will save time and money.
10 – Watch out for mother otters—carrying their babies in their mouth—scurrying across the road. (They are SO cute!!)
I hope you find these tips helpful. Although it took lots of planning and occasionally, was incredibly boring, driving across the miles through these United States is the best way to see this gorgeous country we call home. I highly recommend it.