To Pennsylvania

The trip to Pennsylvania was not boring.  We had surprising experiences in several areas.

1) The Tappan Zee Bridge is toll-free going east.  Incredible, considering almost every mile of US Interstate in the Northeast Corridor is a toll road.  How do the other states provide Federal Interstate Roads for free?  Don't tell me taxes.  These states that charge for travel on the Interstate also have the highest gas taxes and high state income taxes.  Where does the money go?  Oh wait, never mind.  I don't think I want to know the answer.

 
2) We discovered that the make-shift installation of our LCD TV in the front of the motor home is secure enough to withstand the deplorable conditions of the freeways in New York.  Good grief those roads are awful.  If you're paying for the roads in NY, shouldn't some of that money actually go to make the roads drivable?  The bumps were so bad that the built-in coffee pot above our dinette slipped out of its housing and fell to the floor at one point.  But, the TV did not move.  When we get home, we might bolt it down, lol.

3)  You cannot pump your own gas in New Jersey.  It's against the law.  But, New Jersey does have the cheapest gas in the area, so it's a good tradeoff.

4)  Who designs the roads in New Jersey?  What does "All Turns from the Right Lane" really mean?  Does the phrase "jug handle" have any transportation meaning OUTSIDE of New Jersey?  Just asking.

5)  Pennsylvania has an entrance fee just inside the border from New Jersey on I-78.  

6)  Pennsylvania has, without a doubt, the strangest beer laws in the country.  You can only buy beer from two places:  a) a "beer distributor" which, by law, can only sell in CASE QUANTITIES, or b) a bar or restaurant, which, by law, can only sell in single or six-pack quantities.  A bar or restaurant by the way, can sell only a maximum of 2 six-packs to any one customer.  There is no running down to the corner market for a 6-pack of Bud.  At least the beer is cheap, though, if inconvenient.

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state, though, with gorgeous hills and farmlands.  Catch our next post for details on our stay in Amish Country.