For years those who travel from North of the Mason Dixon line on the east coast to places further south below the line dreaded the I-95 corridor through Baltimore, Washington DC, & Richmond because they faced huge traffic jams in the area. A few years ago many people wised up and took I-81 around the area via I-66, US 17/15 and connected back on to I-95 near Fredericksburg, VA. It was a little longer but traffic moved more freely. That is how it used to be for a while.
We were heading north on I-95 about 30 miles south of the US 17 connection and traffic came to a standstill. Keep in mind, we weren't running into the Washington DC exodus, but were going the opposite way. It was stop and go for well over an hour and then the traffic on US 17 was very heavy. It finally thinned out and we made good time once again.
Those on US 17 heading for I-95 weren't as fortunate. Traffic was backed up for miles heading south and not moving very well at all. What a mess. So, for those of you wanting to take this route, don't expect to make good time.
We made the trip from Chesterfield, VA during some heavy rain and then lighter, but constant rain. Since we were driving so slowly, it wasn't a problem. We did see a number of stupid drivers taking chances and only looking out for themselves. A few of them even drove along the shoulder of the road so they could pass a few cars and move up a length or two in the miles long traffic jam. I don't know where they were going, but they must have been in a hurry. Probably didn't want to be late for "happy hour".
It was nice pulling into our driveway at the cabin and getting settled in. The cabin looks pretty good, my old storage shed had fallen down, but other than that we are in good shape. We will stay in the motorhome a few days and air out the cabin, clean it and then gradually move in for the next 2-3 months. Our "snowbird round trip of 2013/14" has officially come to an end.
That was our exciting day, how was yours?
Sabillasville, Maryland farm
And that would be one of the major reasons we are going the route we're going. We will be going further south before going north to Fredericksburg. Glad you're at the cabin and getting ready for your summer stay - even though summer is almost over. Hope your weather stays good. We had quite a downpour last night but no leaks so I'm happy.
ReplyDeleteglad you told about US 17 as that is the way we go. we will be coming back that way from Norfolk and hopefully we will miss it. See you on the 5th or 6th for sure. glad you are at the cabin safely. see you soon.
ReplyDeleteSay Hi to the cabin for me! So glad you made it safe & sound! Move into the cabin S L O W L Y so you can enjoy it rather than wear yourselves out!
ReplyDeleteLake Gaston is as beautiful as ever! Having a blast with Gail & Kyle who say hi! Also visiting here & there with Trey & Diane. Catherine & David are coming back up on Thurs & we'll
Have 8 of us out on Trey & Diane's
Pontoon to celebrate our 32nd!!
Should be great time based on all the laughing, carrying on & catching up we've all been doing!
Live to you & Mom