September 25: Good Night from Clinton, NJ

We checked out of the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, WV at 11:30, topped off our gas tank for $3.49/gal and hit the road to make our 200-mile drive to NJ. We stopped early afternoon for a Wal-Mart run and had lunch at a Cracker Barrel as I was craving my veggie fix.

We drove across the tip of Maryland for 12 minutes and then entered PA for our 2-1/2 drive in that state. At 4:35, we entered NJ and made our decision to stop in Clinton for our night's stay in a real nice Hampton. Before coming to the hotel, Richard topped off our gas tank for $3.34/gal. There have been NO gas shortages since Asheville for which we are thankful.

We checked into the Hampton and I went right to work doing up our two loads of laundry so that is done.

We will get a good night's rest and leave here mid-morning (don't want to get into the morning rush hour in these parts!) and have a reservation at the Four Season's Sheraton at the Newark airport. They will have shuttles to help us get to where we need to go. In addition to the room rate, they charge $20 per day parking fee while you are their guest. Richard says that is "the norm" for up here, but lands-a-living; I have never heard of such!!!

It is cloudy, windy, and cool here, and the Nor'easter is on it's way. We hope it doesn't interfere too much with our NYC tours, etc. on Friday and Saturday. God is in control and time will tell.

God certainly answered our prayers for safety as we have traveled these many miles ~~ some 1800 miles since we left home on the 15th. From Pensacola to Huntsville, from Huntsville to Nashville, from Nashville back to Huntsville, from Huntsville to Chattanooga, from Chattanooga to Gatlinburg, from Gatlinburg to Asheville, from Ashville to Martinsburg, and from Martinsburg to Clinton. We thank the Lord for safety and pray for the last leg of our trip until we get on the cruise ship on Sunday that it will go smoothly and without incident. I'm sure I'll be wide-eyed at everything I will see in NYC. Richard has been there before so he knows what to expect. I can't wait!!!