On the road

The general plan after setting up the van in NJ is to hot-foot it west. Most of the places we really want to spend time at are in the west (Yellowstone, the Canyons, the Colorado Parks, California etc etc) and we have toured in the east previously. Hence, we figured we'd get out west pronto - well before the parks begin to close in Sept.

Sat 12th July - We rose early to get an early start on the road (well, not that early - 8am is the earliest we've got up so far on this trip!) . A couple of hours' fannying about later, after a hefty breakfast (and one false-start), we waved farewell to Grandma and Grandpa. We were sad to go as we'd had an awesome two weeks of R & R (mainly eating!) with the Gramps.


We headed north through NJ to the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area on the border with Pennsylvania. It's a area of woods around the Delaware River valley. We spent 2 nights there, doing some easy hikes to see waterfalls, and swimming in the river.

Mon 14th July - Taking Route 6 through northern Pennsylvania was a treat we had little expected. To be truthful, we had thought that this easternmost leg of our journey would be fairly dull. Much to our pleasant surprise however, we found ourselves driving through the quite beautiful Pocono Mountain and Endless Mountain ranges.

We stopped the night near the pleasant rural town of Wellsboro, in Colton State Park, which encompasses the Pine Creek Gorge, aka. the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania". Having seen the frankly mediocre "Niagara of Pennsylvania" in the Delaware Water Gap, we truthfully expected little from the "Grand Canyon". Well, although I'm sure it's nothing like the really Grand Canyon, it was nonetheless thoroughly impressive. The cool, high forests were a welcome refuge from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. We took a hike into the gorge and paddled in the refreshing creek at the bottom.

Tues 15th July - Continuing on Route 6, we arrived in the Allegheny National Forest. What can I say - another stunner! These parks are just completely different from anything I've seen in the UK, or even Europe. The vast forests and lakes are an endless playground to explore.


We stayed 2 nights at one of the state-run campgrounds. I just can't emphasise enough how fantastic these grounds are, this one being possibly the best we have ever seen. Our camping plot was about the size of the plot our 3-bed semi house in Bourne sits on! Not only that, but it had its own little beach onto the vast Allegheny Reservoir. Besides that, you get your own picnic table and area to build your campfire (that's standard for state campgrounds). Moreover, the parks are so quiet - there were other campers, but probably totalling 100 people in about 50 square miles! Renting a canoe allowed us to explore the lake - finding hidden coves to beach and go for a swim. Heaven.


Thurs 17th July - Yesterday was a day of motoring - through the drab indusrial north of New York State, and southern Ontario. 300 miles later, we arrived at the base of the Bruce Penninsula, which juts out into Lake Huron. We found a lovely spot to camp by the Georgian Bay coast before completing the final 60 miles up to the delightful town of Tobermory today. A swim in Georgian Bay and a boat cruise around the surrounding islands gave us the lie of the land (and lake), before exploration on foot commences tomorrow.