Day 2 to NY

We left for the second leg of the trip early.  We were on the road at 7:30.  Didn't plan on stopping so soon - but saw a sign for gas $2.47.... so we stopped and filled up the tank.   But we found it even cheaper at one of the last exits in SC at the Flying J, where it was $2.39!  While we were there we had breakfast at Dennys, picked up a Cinnabon for Rich, and a toothbrush for me!  Yes, I packed by toothbrush holder - but without the toothbrush!

By 8:30 we had turned off of I-95 north and headed west on I 26, and shortly after saw flashing lights.  If you are waiting for a UPS delivery - I hope it was not in the truck that went off the road here in SC.   Hoping that no one was seriously hurt...........

Our travels today took us from South Carolina into North Carolina, along I-77,  passing through Charlotte,  and then into Virginia, and continuing through Virginia on I 81 N....

Parts of the trip were quite enjoyable - seeing some beautiful trees,  decorated medians, and the always beautiful Lake Norman in NC. 

BUT a good portion of the trip today was slowed down either by rain, or miles and miles of construction which lead to miles of traffic backups.  We encountered our first in Charlotte, ( top right in photo below),  and then things continued to get worse.  On I-81 in Virginia  with only about 60 miles to go - we got in the middle of another long long back up of traffic ( bottom right).

And then a tractor/trailer blew a tire, had pulled off to the side of the road, but a large piece of his tire was in the middle  of the road, in the lane we were traveling on.........and unfortunately we were not able to swerve quite enough to miss it.  A huge bang..........on the drivers side did a job on the front bumper and the back/side panel.   Rich was able to snap most of it back in place, and where he couldn't he wired up!

After the accident we drove through a heavy heavy thunder storm.  The visibility was terrible!

But we finally made it to the hotel.  Quality Inn and Suites in Troutville, VA.   Very nice, comfortable, very clean,  coffee, juice all day long, and very very friendly staff.   Right next door is a Cracker Barrel Restaurant.  So, for the second night we could just walk to dinner.  We both enjoyed the Chicken Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans, and buttermilk biscuits!

And then about 8:00 Rich had his Cinnabon for dessert..... and we were in an relaxing until lights out.