Stephen H. Long Trail 1819 — 1820

Day 40: October 2nd, 2008 Pittsburgh (Mine)

Around half past seven I get up. Originally I planned to drive over to Eat’n’Park for breakfast. But I am not able to convince Helen to join me. So I will have just serials at home for now. Then we leave for the mine.

Warrendale Rd, PA

Like every year we drive on smaller highways to Evans City and turn onto Highway 68 there.

Highway 68, PA

Highway 68, PA

Then we take the Interstate like Highway 422.

Highway 68, PA

Highway 68/Chicora Rd, Chicora, PA

Finally we continue again on Highway 68 and drive through Chicora with this interesting wooden bridge.

Highway 68, PA

Highway 68, PA

This time my gas tank is almost empty when I arrive at the mine. It will be next year just enough to get me to the next gas station. Unfortunately, there is no one there which knows us. Helen is even not joining me for checking in. I pay this time including August because I am not sure when exactly I will be back.

Mine Entrance Bradys Bend Underground Storage, PA

88 S10 Blazer at Mine, PA

We follow the employee into the mine. This is almost getting to a routine in the meantime. Disconnect the battery, collect my remaining stuff and a good–bye picture — that’s it. I have a brief chat with the employee. He works here for just 4 months and is originally mechanic. Therefore, he will most likely no longer be here when I pick up my truck again. But he definitely wants to take a look at my web page. So I hand him over my business card.

Mine Bradys Bend Underground Storage, PA

Mine Bradys Bend Underground Storage, PA

Then we leave the mine and drive back home. After we arrive there I make myself quickly two sandwiches. Then I update my diary. My next task is to pack my suitcases. Everything must be repacked and aligned with the suitcase weight to stay below the weight limit per suitcase. Around four I have finished this task. But my suitcase is pretty much at the limit. Hopefully this will work out…

Now it’s time to take a shower. Then I make myself ready for the dinner tonight. Because I am still good in time I write at least some of my picture postcards which I still have. Then I do a brief update on my diary before I have some time to relax a bit. Around seven we leave for my last dinner this year in the USA…