Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 38: September 19th, 2006 Detroit — Pittsburgh

Breakfast is today only with Jean. Matt has an appointment, which he was not able to shift. I receive an excellent breakfast with bacon and eggs. Because my driving distance today is not this much, I can start the day slowly. Just before 10am I say good–bye and depart.

The stop at the gas station will be at Adnan, who has helped me out last year with my broken water pump. And I am lucky: Just when I am ready to leave, he shows up with his tow truck. He still remembers me and we have a brief chat. He even wants to help me with my rear differential. But there is no chance that he can say more than that it is broken. There is no chance to change it today.

So I say good–bye and start my drive back to Pittsburgh.

The weather is again pretty nice without rain and only a few clouds from time to time.

Interstate 75, State Line MI and OH

Interstate 75, OH

Again, I cross the state line to Ohio on I–75.

This last drive is without any excitements. Only the road closure of the Interstate in Toledo is causing some headaches until I am back on my planned route. All in all, I want to leave the Interstate there and take Highway 2 to avoid the toll roads…

Like every year, I cross Sandusky Bay on Highway 2.

Then I must drive through Cleveland, Ohio.

Interstate 80, State Line OH and PA

Interstate 79, PA

Finally I cross the state line to Pennsylvania. Around half past four I am back at Helen’s house. She is with her Mom and after I have unloaded my truck I give her a call around 5pm. She is glad that I am back safe. We discuss how we arrange the next couple of days. Then I call David to make an appointment for changing tires tomorrow. He is home until 10am. Hopefully I will make it, because I have an appointment with my Chevrolet dealer in Wexford to diagnose what needs to be repaired next year.

For dinner I am going to the Outback Steakhouse again. There I even receive the same server as before my departure. He even remembers me and we have a brief chat. Around 9pm I pay and drive back home. Hopefully I am able to get out of bed early enough. From the Pacific Ocean to here are three time zones and I have not been yet adjusted.