Egg Harbor, NJ (USA)

First thing this morning, I went down to the lobby of the Somers Point Residence Inn for breakfast with my client, Jim (0700).  While eating, we prepped for another full day of work. Meeting was held on the Tech Center this time (Sharon coordinating again). Spent several hours wrapping up the last parts of a big project (very pleased with our progress over the last 48 hours!). Afterwards, I met up with one of Sharon's co-workers (Rick) and we went on a tour of the testing labs. Lightbulbs came on in my head after that (I'm really glad I saw some of that stuff (finally). We picked up lunch at the cafeteria and I talked with him about the future software releases while we ate. Later got dragged into a new "emergency" back in DC (yikes!) and started to realize it was time to go back. Still, I needed to be part of the afternoon teleconference (for part of it, anyway) - listened in with Sharon for the important stuff and then gracefully departed (1500). Had no problems with weather or traffic this time (US-40) but got stuck in a lane I didn't want to be in when I drove through Woodstown. As a result, I found myself on NJ-45 and passed through the town of Salem (a name I recognized from some of the genealogy I've done over the years). It looked like an interesting place to return to... Got back on the right track (NJ-49 and County Road 551) and crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge on I-295 again (1630). Traffic was already getting really bad at the I-95 merge, so I decided to take a more leisurely route: the Eastern Shore. I've tried this way several times for Norfolk - but never to get to Annapolis. US-13 was a little frustrating, but DE-1 was fine. Got off at Middletown (paid toll at 1650) and used DE-299 to get to US-301. Made good time to that point, but when I crossed into Maryland, I found out a few things that (once again) make me sure I don't want to live there: no cell phone use (unless hands free) and very rural roads still have 55 MPH speed limit. Add the excessive tolls I saw on the way up yesterday ($20) and continued talk by their governor about raising taxes and I know I'm not going to live there (ever!). But I digress... US-301 merged smoothly into US-50 and I never even had to slow down. Did need fuel by that point and wanted to get a crab dinner. However, it was dark enough now (and late) that I gave up the food idea and just tried to find gas. Ended up having to cross the Chesapeake Bay before I found some (VERY windy and a little disconcerting guard rails...). After a couple of fake-outs (signs for gas stations that never produced one - what's that about?) - found a place to refuel in Annapolis. Traffic still flowing well, so I got back on the road and continued all the way home (US-50 to I-495 and back across the Potomac). I was relieved to be home, actually, since this whole trip ended up being work. One good thing: I can see some potential for places to stop and/or enjoy when I go back. Stayed up late on a work project - when I finally went to bed, I fell right to sleep!