Day 12 - From Here to There, We Just Can't Get Anywhere...

We left Salem and the ocean to head inland for the rest of our trip.  We are making our way to Gettysburg and to cut a long driving day down we are stopping somewhere just inside the Pennsylvania border.  Who knew the lengths we would have to take to get ourselves out of the New England area.

Google Maps has been wonderful, until now.  Apparently if you drive around the the Connecticut/New York/New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania area you'd better know your road system and how tall your vehicle is.  We had to turn around 4 times because the bridges were too short or the turns were too narrow.  Google Maps doesn't have an option for campers.  We think they should!

The first two hang ups were highways that didn't allow access to commercial vehicles.  We weren't a commercial vehicle, so we didn't think anything of it.  Then we realized it wasn't the weight that was a concern, it was height.  Bridges would be as low as 8'6" and we were definitely taller than that.  Fortunately,  we were able to get turned around and headed on another freeway.

Our third hang up was on a road just off the freeway.  We were cruising along until we saw a sign that said "Low Bridge Ahead 11'6"."  Not entirely confident we could go under, we pulled off the side to measure our trailer.  It was a close call, and not one that we wanted to risk.  Fortunately, a nice fireman helped us get turned around and back on our way.

This is where we stopped to turn around.  Close call!

Marc turning around and blocking traffic.

Our final obstacle, a small bridge to cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania.  A nice Barney Fife looking Road Commission guy stopped us and said we wouldn't make the turn on the other side.  He kindly "helped" us by stopping traffic so we could turn around.  Unfortunately, he didn't warn us about the brick wall that we scraped as we made the turn.  Luck has not been on our side today.  The damage was minor, nothing we couldn't fix when we got home and thankfully nothing as serious as a blown tire!

After we got ourselves turned around, we found ourselves winding our way through one lane roads for two-way traffic, following the river until we could get to a bridge that we can cross.  These towns are not meant for RV traffic, but we manage to make it to our campsite.  The campground is beautiful, and we can't wait to get set up.

Final blow for the day, we literally blow a circuit as we back into our site.  Sparks flew everywhere and smoke filled the air.  Marc managed to change the circuit that blew and melted on the battery that runs the refrigerator when we're driving.  He had the forethought to order an extra part when he fixed it the first time and brought it with us.  Praying it doesn't blow again, as we will be out of luck if it does.

I think we have had our fill for the day.  A trip that should have taken 6-7 hours took us 9 hours when all was said and done.  Good thing we all have a sense of humor or this vacation would be wreck.  As crazy as it's been, I still wouldn't trade it for anything.

Time to sit back with a drink and enjoy the setting.  This place feels like what camping should be.  Wish it was closer,  I could see us returning again for sure!