DAY 2 -
It was around 12 hour journey from here. We ate breakfast while driving and started the day 2 trip. Basically there were 3 more states between here to our destination. There is nothing to see during the trip and also not much to eat.
We took our first break at around 11AM in a service plaza in Ohio state. We stopped there for Starbucks and loo break, but got lucky to find some good food options there. There was Sbarro, an Italian food chain with plenty of vegetarian options. Harmit picked a pizza slice and I took cheesy mushrooms along with baked potatoes. Food was cheap, delicious and very fulfilling. It served the purpose for our whole trip. We also filled the gas tank there.
From there we continuous drove without any break. We talked a lot, listened music and whenever I felt drowsy, discussed some serious topic 😊. We saw some beautiful colors in Pennsylvania but couldn’t capture much.
Soon it was dusk and there is nothing in Pennsylvania other than cluster of trees both sides like a forest. It got very dark with basically nothing but just big trucks trying to overtake us in that silence. That area was so quiet and dark that we decided to look for gas station so as not to be in trouble. We searched for gas station and exited the highway for it. Place was very scenic and cold. We filled the tank and went to washroom there.
Finally we entered NJ, and it was more illuminated unlike Pennsylvania. We reached at my sister’s house at 10:30 PM, still 1.5 hours before her birthday. She wasn’t aware of this plan, it was a birthday surprise for her. We unloaded our carry-one and ringed her apartment bell. She opened the building door and waited for the guest to come upstairs and knock her door. But we stayed in the lobby trying to hide beneath the staircase. After few minutes, she came out and asked - “who’s there ? “ When no response came, she came downstairs with some hesitation and saw us. We said - “Surprise ! “ and she was speechless for few seconds trying to understand what just happened :). Then there were hugs, welcome and birthday party :)
Interesting facts about the trip
- Added around 1200 miles in the trip
- There was no COVID related restriction in any of the states
- Masks are mandatory almost everywhere
- Cash was not being accepted at tolls, only card or EZ pass
- Nearly 30 $ was spent in state tolls
- Route is not much scenic
So overall it was a great trip and we enjoyed it to fullest.
Happy Reading ! Keep Traveling !!!
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