Friday, August 15, 2014
In the spirit of Steinbeck, Thelma & Louise, Charles Kuralt, and William Least Heat Moon, we set out this morning on our six thousand mile journey along the ‘blue highways’ of the northern states to see some of this vast country of ours.
This was a trip we have wanted to do since our youthful days in the ’60s. Every ‘Baby Boomer’ dreamed about getting out on the open road to “see America”. This summer, Jeff had the crazy idea of going to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming “by car.” It’s a two thousand mile trip one way, so we blocked out a span of time of about four or five weeks to complete the journey.
The Red Rose Diner – Towanda, PA
The original thought was to avoid the Interstate highways and drive on small local roads that pass scenic towns and villages. After some research, we decided to begin our westward journey on Route 6 through the northern part of Pennsylvania. This two-lane highway is actually one of only a handful of roads that run the entire width of the United States from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts.
Because we were familiar with the New York portion of the roasd, we decided to join Rt. 6 in Scranton, Pennsylvania and were immediately stopped by miles of construction traffic. Following a map, we wound our way through residential areas of this historic coal-mining city. The side trip took us out of the way but helped to avoid the gigantic trucks lined up on Interstate 81.
We alternated drivers every few hours as the road continued across the northern edge of The Keystone State through poor forsaken towns and farmland. It was surprising to discover how much of northern Pennsylvania had been taken over by the gas & oil companies as fracking trucks, drilling equipment, and heavy duty support companies dominated both sides of the road. Many towns were covered in road dust and seemed abandoned as huge trucks barreled along Route 6.
We arrived in Towanda for a late lunch at about 1:30. It was a gritty town with decaying brick buildings along the Susquehanna River. We found a decent restaurant which was located in an old train station. Jeff had wanted to have lunch at the Red Rose Diner, but unfortunately it was closed.
The fracking operations decreased about mid-state and Route 6 undulated through green farmland and state forests. By 6:30, we had been traveling for almost nine hours and we were tired. We found ourselves in a small city named Smethport. I had read about the Mansions Inn B & B, so I called for availability for the night.
What a treat! Jovanna and Ross Porter own three Victorian mansions along Main Street. They meticulously restored and decorated the houses and run a very successful and reasonably priced Bed & Breakfast. We stayed in the Dr. Fishman room of the Queen Anne style McCandless Mansion, built in 1891.
All the rooms were beautifully decorated and furnished in the Victorian style. The house was a visual treat and there is so much to look at and enjoy. All guests receive a complimentary Wooly Willy which was actually manufactured in Smethport and the inventor is a personal friend of the Porters.
