by Dave Pelletier
This month, I decided to do something different and write about a recent car trip that my wife, Pat, and I took.
A couple of weeks ago, we headed out towards Cuyahoga National Park in Eastern Ohio. We have been doing the National Park thing for a few years, and now have been to 18 out of the 63!
I felt it easiest to travel out Rte 80 through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, into Ohio. While in New Jersey, we discovered that a short section of Rte. 80 was CLOSED in both directions, with a detour that took an additional ½ hour. It seems that over the winter, Rte. 80 developed a depression, first on the Westbound side, then 2 months later on the Eastbound side. These depressions led to large sink holes! Upon their investigations, it seems that the state of New Jersey built that section of Rte 80 on top of a Coal Mine! What could go wrong? Subsequently, when the mine collapsed, so did the roadway! And you think RI has road problems!
On the way out, we spent a few hours in Punxsutawney, PA, visiting Phil and his family! The roads leading to and from Punxsutawney, as well as many side roads in Pennsylvania would have been great on a motorcycle, but….
We arrived at Cuyahoga NP to find that the Steam Train that takes you through the park, unique to this park, was closed due to flooding from recent rains. We did manage to hike a couple of trails and did see Brandywine Falls, one of the main attractions.
We later visited Kent State College, site of the 1970 shootings from the National Guard (song from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) where they have erected a memorial to this May 4th incident.
As we headed out of the area, through Akron, Oh., we encountered several road closures. Apparently they have a sense of humor there (not), as their detour sign lead to additional detours, leading us around the city with no escape! Finally, using the old fashioned compass way, we headed East eventually getting back to a highway, heading to Pittsburgh, PA, as we have never been there before.
Pittsburgh is a city with over 300,000 population, with many highways running through the center (of the city). There is a defined center of the city with interesting architecture, both old and new. Bicycles seem to be a good way to navigate around as many are in use.
Although the steel companies have moved out of the city evidence of this industry remains as all the overpasses seem to be built out of steel girders. Roadways are close together there, and I can only imagine the difficulty for snow removal during the winter time.
We took the Duquesne Incline, a funicular type trolley up Mount Washington (yes, they have one too!) and had dinner up on top with a great view!
The next day, we visited the Flight 93 Memorial, a somber remembrance of the 911 attacks on our country. This is a place everyone should see! While there three busses of High School aged students were visiting. It was good to see that they all acted respectfully and understood the gravity of that day. Thankfully history is still being taught.
Our last night was spent in State College, PA, where we visited the Penn State campus. Along with the campus is a section of the city with many bars and restaurants, where we had a delicious Philly Cheese Steak sandwich!
For the ride home, I decided to avoid Rte 80 in NJ, and take 81N to 84E. Well, a TT Unit had overturned on 81, closing the roadway while a crane up-righted the unit, with a 5 mile backup. I found a turnout and headed back to deal with Rte 80 after all…another ½ mile detour!
We were home early afternoon in time to pick up the dogs from the “spa” and even wash the layer of bugs off the car!
Even though Cuyahoga NP is one of the smaller ones, I would recommend visiting it as it is a relaxed trip with good short hikes. I also would strongly recommend ANY secondary roads in Pennsylvania, as they are some of the best riding ones in the East!
