“…it’s about the journey, not the destination…”

                                                                SUMMER TRIP 2023

The Goldwing on the side of the road along OH 586

        My wife and  I were watching Yellowstone on TV, and I kept noticing the scenery. I decided that my big trip this summer would be a trip to Montana, and to spend some time there exploring. I have been through Montana before, but just rode through on the interstate, and didn’t see much of the state. I put together a 17 day trip from Delaware to Montana and back. I would also take a look in Idaho, and would begin the trip home through Wyoming. Sounds like fun to me!

Downtown Martinsburg Ohio.

        The way I planned the trip was that the first 3 days would be 500 mile days. By the third night I plan to rest my head on a pillow in Watertown SD. This gets me beyond Chicago and all of those population centers. 

The park in the center of Mount Vernon OH

Notice the wonderful fountain in the backround

        I left home around 7:45 in the morning and rode to Lancaster PA. PA 283 from Lancaster to Harrisburg and onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Lunch at Somerset PA, then on to I 70 at New Stanton PA. 

Inside the Eat and Park restaurant in Somerset PA.

Notice the “Smiley” cookies on top of the pastry case!

        I 70 west through Washington PA, around Wheeling WV, then across the bridge into Ohio. I chose a route in Ohio that I knew would include some good roads out of Zanesville. OH 146 north to OH 586 that would take me to Mount Vernon OH, then up OH 13 to OH 95 west to Mount Gilead. Then north on OH 61 to Galion.       

My wife’s family home in Galion OH.

        The challenge tomorrow is to get to Dubuque IA, navigating around Chicago and other large cities. I have another 500 miles to do tomorrow so I can’t just wander around, taking my time. I think I’ve got a good route planned. I’ll find out tomorrow.