Nomad Life - Day 174

Unlike most of my Nomad Life weeks, it doesn't look like it would be a good idea to stay in one place for a few days.  Instead, I'm going to try to make my way lazily west (in the general direction of Pittsburgh) and see what I can see in short, overnight stays.  This morning, I was up at 0630 (no alarm set) and started teleworking.  I had meetings for most of the morning and spent the rest of the time catching up on lots of work from the preceding Installation trips.  I took one break (0815) for breakfast at the Super 8 Mifflinville.  After that, I kept working until 1130.  The forecast had said that there would be snow overnight but none ever felt where I was.  It was, actually, mostly sunny.  Also, the temps seemed very pleasant (38 F) and it seemed like Spring while I was walking around in the "courtyard" of the hotel.  Once my car was packed (1140), I departed my hotel and drove across the street to get lunch (to go) at Burger King (1140).  I waited to eat and repositioned my car from Miffliville (east side of the Susquehanna River) to South Centre (on the west side).  I parked at Columbia Park and, between 1200 and 1300, I went wandering around on trails near the river.  On such a beautiful day, I found LOTS of birds!  Even better,  I logged two miles of walking.  I encountered a deer carcass during my exploring but I don't think there were any major predators around - the area was residential.  Before departing the area, I finished my lunch and joined a work telcon (1300).  While listening to that, I made my way to I-80 and drove west.  As I entered Montour County (1315), I started to see snow again.  The Susquehanna River paralleled the Interstate in this area and I crossed it more than once. This part of the drive was punctuated by lots of curvy roads, fast trucks and narrow canyons through the hilly country.  I lost signal on my telcon but regained it less than five minutes later.  Signs along the highway warned of a major exit closure (for I-99) so I followed Google Maps' advice and exited I-80 at PA-64.  After following that road for a while (very little traffic), I reached PA-26 - from that intersection, I merged on to I-99.  Before long, I had reached State College and I exited on to US-322 (towards the south).  Soon after that, I got off the Interstate at College Avenue and made my way (via side streets) to my hotel, the Super 8 (State College).  With a conference call still going on at that point, I waited in the parking lot until it finished (1440).  Immediately after that, I checked into my room and resumed teleworking.  I stayed online until 1630 (when I reached my 8 hours).  Next, I went to the Lobby and printed documents at the hotel business center.  By 1700, I was ready for some fun.  Leaving the Super 8, I was stunned to find that the tamps were in the high 40s!  Following recommendations from the clerk at the hotel, I drove to the PSU campus and was able to find parking at the East Deck. (arrived there at 1730).  Next, I walked to the Penn State Berkey Creamery and ordered a Peachy Paterno ice cream (bowl, with cone on top) at 1740. I ate my delicious "dinner" inside the venue - I was surrounded by young ladies in small groups - they all seemed to enjoy the location for its comfort food.  After that, I went walking around the campus and logged another two miles (met my step goal for the day).  Like I've been seeing since Scranton, there were only snow remnants to indicate that Winter was still out there somewhere...  The air was very pleasant and I was treated to a pretty sunset.  I saw some interesting looking ski areas in the distance.  While I was walking, I got photos of football stadium, watched students playing pickleball and lacrosse and got a better feel for PSU.  When I reached my car again, I left the garage (1820) and drove a short distance to the west.  My target was the local Marzoni's Pizza and Brewery.  When I reached the bar, I ordered four of their brews (6 oz each).  A nearby couple, originally from the UK (Northumbria region) engaged me in conversation - it turned out that she was a PSU professor.  We had a good chat before we were all finished with our drinks (1940).  Feeling quote good about my choices this evening, I drove back to my hotel (arrived at 1950).  After quickly changing clothing, I went to workout in the Fitness Center (20 minutes of biking, 6 miles total).  Back in my room, I blogged, logged eBird entries and watched watching movies before going to bed at 2300.  This was my first visit to State College since I'd brought Erin here (see AUG 2015) and I really enjoyed the vibe!