And They’re Off!

LA/XC-3 DAY ONE:  MERCER, PA

Today’s mileage:  433.6

Total LA/XC-3 mileage: 433.6

Road Music:  ESPN New York (lasted till Delaware Water Gap); CNN; the Highway (new country); Artist of the Day: Taylor Swift (new feature this year: I listen to my whole collection from a prominent singer associated with the state we’re passing through; T. Swift was raised in Wyomissing, PA.  Country Shmountry); NFL network for Broncos-Ravens pre-game

Weather leaving Westport:  80, mostly sunny

Weather arriving Mercer:  62 and fair

Today’s state tally: 4 (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania)

Gas money to date:  $59.21

Attraction we chose not to stop for:  Land of Make Believe (exit 12 off 80, Hope and Blairstown, NJ)

It absolutely blows my mind how seamlessly Ricky gets back into his travel groove.  He was trying to climb up into the Pathfinder this morning before I was even finished packing.  By the time we’d rolled out of the driveway he was curled into a ball in the shotgun seat; you can ask Carol if you think I’m

exaggerating.  At each pit stop he did his business right out of the chute, had his meds and treats, then gladly went back to sleep.  As soon as we checked in, he trotted to our room, dutifully checked out the closets and trash cans, and played some vigorous fetch with his ancient teddy bear.  He was gung-ho for our nighttime walk — apparently there’s amazing stuff to sniff around the grounds and parking lot of a Comfort Inn in Mercer, PA.  And then, after giving the room a final once-over, he curled up in his red-and-white

striped doggy bed, determined to get his 22 hours of shut-eye for the day.  This is a dog who was built to travel.

I have to say, it’s not just Ricky who’s adjusting nicely.  It’s good to be back in the saddle.  Cruising down the Merritt, listening to sports talk radio on NFL opening day, my dog sleeping with his head in my cupholder — what’s not to like?

So it turns out if you took the under on my departure time, you’re in the money — but not by much.  I was wheels up at 11:33 AM — two hours and change off my goal, but still beating the over-under by 27 minutes.  (You might see a lot of FB-speak in this post; I’m watching Broncos-Ravens as I write.)  I didn’t let the late start throw me, choosing instead to look at the brighter side:  It was the first time in three attempts that I got off before noon.  I knew I had a relatively easy day (434 miles, all interstate), so I wasn’t too worried about my departure time.  I’m trying very hard to adopt a don’t-worry-be-happy approach to my travels this year.  (I know — good luck with that.  Nobody ever confused me with Bobby

McFerrin.)   So far I don’t even think I forgot anything — knock wood — though I did take off without Ricky’s red leash and had to run back to the house for it.

RANDOM ROAD NOTES:

Passed the Williamsport exit off 80:  Let’s hear it for the boys from WePo!

Pennsylvania farm country is a lot prettier than people give it credit for.  (This observation is made as I pass through Limestoneville, exit 215.)

Sign in Pennfield:  The highest point east of the Mississippi.  Hey, I know it sounds crazy. I’m just telling you what the sign said.

Early results are in and my Next 100 playlist is getting rave reviews.  “Great list, Hank!” says Kate M.  Linda G. adds, “I’d definitely enjoy riding along with you with a playlist like this!”  Mike P., one of my harshest critics last year after the release of my first 100, says, “I am thinking about creating an iTunes playlist from this collection and titling it ‘Hank Herman Redemption’.”  All right, John D. still wasn’t satisfied:  “No ‘Purple Rain’ by Prince?”  Beagle Man to John:  M.Y.O.D.L.!

Tomorrow:  Buckeye country!

I PLAN TO POST AS CLOSE TO DAILY AS POSSIBLE WHILE RICKY AND I ARE ON THE ROAD.  BUT YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY:  MAN PLANS, GOD LAUGHS.   OH, AND BTW, YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER