Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Lock Haven Pennsylvania)

June 2nd, Sparky's Epic Adventure. We overnighted in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The cute historic downtown area has massive homes and several large churches. The town has fallen on hard times economically, and many of the stores are empty. Sparky was overheated in the 90-something-degree (mid-30s C) weather and went for a wade in the river.

Sparky, cooling down at Lock Haven, PA

Private mooring for pontoon boats, Lock Haven, PA

Large, dramatic church at Lock Haven, PA

Another pontoon boat, Lock Haven, PA

Across the river from Lock Haven, PA

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Maryland & Pennsylvania)

June 1st, Friendsville, Maryland, and Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. (I am getting better at spelling the state names!) Miss Google routed us through many roads and towns. The slower routes add driving time, but for me, the adventure is more important than just arriving at the next hotel.

Friendsville Maryland

Friendsville Maryland

Friendsville Maryland

My Mazda 3 in Friendsville, Maryland

View of Maryland from rest stop

Bellefonte Pennsylvania

Bellefonte Pennsylvania

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (West Virginia)

 May 31st, Charleston, West Virginia, state capitol.

I only drove 200 miles today, because of restless sleep the previous night. I stopped in Charleston, West Virginia, and checked into the first hotel that I could find.

The Hawthorne Suites was interesting for a chain-style hotel. Every room was equipped with dishes, a proper fridge, and a microwave, plus had the use of the outside BBQs and patio seating. Judging by the number of company trucks, I think their clientele was primarily people on work assignments who were living at the hotel. It was a great place to overnight.

Sparky charming the front desk ladies

Charleston West Virginia Governor's mansion

The dome of the capitol building

Across the river at Charleston WV

The capitol grounds, Charleston West Virginia

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Berea Kentucky & the Historic Boone Tavern)

May 30th, Berea, Kentucky, college campus, and the Historic Boone Tavern. The campus has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,468 (fall 2021), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 140 acres.

It's a very pleasant place to visit.

Lunch on the veranda while we wait to check-in

Historic Boone Tavern on the college campus

Berea College campus

Berea College campus

Berea College campus - student?

Berea College campus

Berea College campus

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Tennessee back to Kentucky)

May 29th, traveling between Lebanon, Tennessee, and Berea, Kentucky. The fun part of traveling with Miss Google telling me where to go is that she also says things like: Speed trap ahead! Thanks, Miss Google.

Crosses in front of the church for the Memorial Day service

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Tennessee)

May 27th and 28th. We continued on to Tennessee to visit my friend, Carmen Amato. She is the author of the Emilia Cruz Detective series and the Galiano Club Mysteries.

I swear, Lawrie has taken over my Google Map lady, whom I refer to as Miss Google. Lawrie always liked the 'interesting routes' and in the last two days, Miss Google has picked out a route that leads us along the narrow, winding, country roads - totally avoiding the interstate freeways.

I had a blast driving through the countryside, but occasionally my co-pilot would huff at me! "Just stop and let me pee, for pity's sake!"

We spent two blissful days just hanging out with our friends and the various critters in Tennessee.

No driving. No sightseeing. Just chilling.

Bear, aka Polar Bear

Hazel has a wolf grin

Getting the chickens all in a row!

Llamas are fascinated by Sparky

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Kentucky)

May 26th, day 26 of Sparky's Epic Adventure. We wandered through more of Missouri and a bit of Illinois, then overnighted in Paducah, Kentucky. I took the scenic backroads today, and we were 7 hours on the road.

Before we left Paducah in the morning, we roamed around the historic area of Paducah. It was a Saturday, and the market was in operation. I purchased a metal dog sculpture from the artist to add to our overloaded car! What was I thinking?

On the backroads

Paducah Kentucky market

Ewin Ledbetter and my new dog

Historic area of Paducah Kentucky

Historic area of Paducah Kentucky

Sparky's Epic Adventure to Newfoundland (via Missouri and other parts)

European-style fountain outside the capital

May 24th and May 25th of Sparky's Epic Adventure across North America, via a convoluted route.

Today is our first full day visiting with Rob and Julie Goth. Julie and I left the fur-babies to get into mischief while we explored the downtown area of Jefferson City, Missouri.

It's the capital of the state and has many historic old government buildings as well as stately homes. It is also the childhood home of Julie and Rob.

The weather is hot and sunny, and I finally changed my shoes to sandals. Looking forward to another evening of laughter and giggles with wonderful friends.

Julie and I at Canterbury Hills Winery

Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City

The state capitol building.