I've been planning my trip to see Erin's new house for about a month and today was the day of departure! I was up before my alarm clock (0445) and was finished packing up my car by 0600. Got started on my telework day before leaving the condo. Stopped for gas at Irving in Hanover (0625) and then drove to White River Junction for my required maintenance on my Subaru. I arrived early and did some more telework from my car. Next, I checked my car in (0700) and moved upstairs to the waiting room so I could telework some more. After a little while, I took a short walk (before it got too hot). My car was ready just after 1115 and, after I paid, I was able to re-org the packing for the upcoming drive to Virginia Beach. I left WRJ by 1130 with an ETA at Erin's of 2200 (I left her a voicemail so she'd know I was coming and she texted back that she would be ready). Like most trips towards the south, I used I-91 all the way past Hartford (CT). Initially, the traffic was OK and the weather was pleasant. Encountered some construction but it really didn't slow me down. Listened to audiobooks on the way. Unfortunately, I started hitting huge traffic jams when I arrived at CT-15. I tried to bypass it, with some success, but the slow down only got worse as I drove west. Google Maps was very frustrating and kept updating the arrival time to closer to midnight. However, whenever I did my own thing (e.g., getting off the four lane highway), it updated back towards 2200 arrival. Eventually, I just gave up and stayed in the traffic (horrible on Merritt Parkway) as it made its way towards NYC. At one point, I tried to stop for a bathroom break but the rest area parking lot was completely full. Typically, I would have headed towards the GW Bridge by that point but the traffic was soo bad that I decided to cross the Hudson on I-287 (Tappan Zee). Traffic OK as I approached the Mario Cuomo Bridge but Google Maps tried to keep me on the east side of the river. I blew that off and, once I was on the west side (1550), took US-9W to reach the Palisades Parkway. It was slow going at times but, at least, I wasn't trapped anywhere... I talked to Eileen and then exchanged call attempts with Erin. Before I was able to get back on an Interstate, I had to use some surface streets but eventually arrived at the entrance to the New Jersey Turnpike - it had taken me almost five hours to reach that point. I stopped for a break at the Vince Lombardi Rest Area and then got on I-95 (picked up a toll ticket). Unfortunately, I was immediately in another traffic jam... This one didn't last too long, though, and I ultimately made great time all the way through New Jersey. The toll at the NJT Exit (1825) was very high - will have to explore ways to avoid that in the future. Also had to pay a toll to cross Delaware River Bridge at 1830. From there, I used I-95 to reach DE-1. Paid yet another toll (1910) but it was worth the cost: I was able to make great time on good road. During this phase, I was able to talk with Mollie (1840). Paid another toll (1845) before arriving at US-113. From that point, I was glad that I still had good traffic speeds. Stopped for gas at BJs in Millsboro (DE) at 2010 and then picked up dinner at Chick-fil-A right next door. On the road again quickly (after about 15 minutes) and made up some time after that. Used US-113 all the way to Pokomoke and then took US-13 to Cape Charles. By then, it was getting dark but it was nice to not have any traffic! Paid one more toll at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (2220) and then had a good drive (no problems) over to Norfolk. Arrived at Erin's new house at about 2250 and got to visit for a little while with her, Austin and Mollie (and Kiki). After that, I started teleworking again - I was tired but wanted to avoid using much more leave. Spent some time reading before bed (0045). Glad to have made this drive (for the first time in many years) without too much trouble but was definitely reminded that the drive distance/time/tolls ($43.70) was much worse than I'd hoped - need to figure out ways to minimize some of these issues...
