Lake George, New York

Day 379

     We visited the Village of Lake George in upstate New York. The village and surrounding area were on the route between the British and French colonies, and were often traversed by military forces during the Colonial wars. The Village of Lake George was incorporated in 1903. Today they were having their annual wine and food festival.

     For a modest admission, you got unlimited tastings from the 40 or so vineyards represented. Barbara took full advantage.

 

     Barbara, can you hear me?    BARBARA, CAN YOU HEAR ME?       Oh well!

 

Technical Stuff: Scranton, Pa. to Queensbury, N.Y. 229.4 miles

5 hours 48 minutes

11.5 MPG

Diesel: $2.05

 

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Day 376

     Scranton, Pennsylvania is the geographic and cultural center of the largest of the former anthracite coal mining communities in Pennsylvania. Scranton was incorporated on February 14, 1856, as a borough and as a city on April 23, 1866. The borough and city were named for the family of George Whitfield Scranton, born May 11, 1811, one of the leaders of coal mining in this area.

     We visited the Anthracite Coal Museum, located over a coal mine in Scranton. What is the difference between anthracite coal and bituminous coal you ask? Anthracite is a harder coal and therefore burns hotter, longer, and cleaner. This fuel powered the railroad locomotives, steam engines and iron furnaces that started the America’s industrial revolution.  98% of anthracite coal found in the United States is located here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

     In the gift shop was a piece of coal, about the size of your fist, that was selling for $35.00. I think my father paid that amount for a ton of coal delivered to our house, which was heated by coal, in east Baltimore during the 50’s. 

Motoring America

Day 375

     We are continuing our travels. I am glad so many of you were able to come visit with us and tour The Sphinx.

     If you are only getting this blog through Facebook, you can make life easier for yourself, assuming you want to read this blog, by e-mailing me at blog@scheinin.com. Just say “Hi Steven”. I will then send you a link to wordpress, where I host my blog, so that you can receive an e-mail each time I post, then you can view my post, or not. DO NOT SIGN UP FOR AN ACCOUNT, OR SET UP A PASSWORD. Go to the bottom of the link I send you and click on “subscribe by e-mail only”. That way you will receive no junk advertisement.

     I know I am confusing people with my day numbering at the beginning of each day’s blog. Day 1 was February 23, 2016, the first night we spent in The Sphinx on the road (although we began living in the Sphinx on January 21, 2016). Each day on the road thereafter is consecutive. When we return to our home in Maryland we do not count the days there, even though we still live in the Sphinx. 

     Therefore, Day 374 was when we left Virginia, today is 375, even though we spent 3 weeks in Maryland. Got it?

     We do not intend to return to Maryland for 6 months, probably middle or end of December. Then, only as long as my wife forces me to (she is sentimental about family and the holiday. Me, that is why we have Skype, FaceTime, and Find a Friend). 

     Thank you for your time following my blog. Please feel free to leave comments in the section below. Remember to check the box to notify you when I respond to your comment. 

     These are the State we have been during the previous 375 days:

Technical Stuff: Fallston, Maryland to Scranton, Pa: 204.2 miles

4 hours 30 minutes

10.4 MPG

Diesel: $2.02