9-hour road trip {february 15, 2022}

We are headed to Bronxville, New York, to bid our last farewell to our dear friend. Nine hours in the car. We are still numb from the news of his passing.

Not a lot to see other than interstate concrete and road signs along the way from Columbus to NYC. We noticed a lot of safety corridor signs with reference to distracted driving and excessive speed. No tolerance and double fines if you get caught.

New York City, here we come. I took a double take when I saw that truck being towed!

Welcome to Pennsylvania...the majority of the trip (300 miles) is through the mountains of PA.

There are four states in the United States that call themselves commonwealths: Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The distinction is in name alone. Commonwealths are just like any other state in their politics and laws, and there is no difference in their relationship to the nation as a whole.

New Jersey...finally! Thought that six hour drive through Pennsylvania would never end.

Noticed a couple towns with the ending -cong: Netcong, Hopatcong, and the Muscanetcong River. The names themselves are Indian names. According to the Webster dictionary, the suffix -cong means curved. Towns located on the curve of the Muscanetcong River? Just my wild guess.

Getting closer to our destination. I've never been over the George Washington Bridge. Excited to add it to the list of NYC bridges I've crossed!

The Manhattan skyline as we approached the GW Bridge. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the skyline sparkled. Taking a pic with an iPhone camera from a moving car doesn't do justice to this gorgeous view.

Crossing the GW Bridge from New Jersey into New York will lighten your wallet by $16.00.

After getting settled at our hotel, we went to Bobby O's favorite restaurant in Bronxville, Rosie's Bistro Italiano. After a long road trip where there were only fast food stops available the whole way, this polipetti griglia with an arugula salad just hit the spot.

The bartender knew our friend and when she heard we had driven nine hours to attend his funeral, she was very generous with her wine pour. Cheers to you, Bobby O.