Just another weekend getaway…or was it?

 

Last Thursday, after work, I headed out for a wedding in Pittsburgh. Due to the timing of the wedding, I needed to get there by noon on Friday. I decided to treat myself to an overnight at a halfway point, just north of Columbus. I mean who wouldn’t enjoy a hotel room with a comfy bed and no interruptions? I had even decided to treat myself to a restaurant dinner…which is a big deal for me to eat alone in a restaurant.

So, I left Portland (where I work) and headed north. I had beat the rush hour in Louisville and was expected to arrive at the hotel between 7-7:30pm. Promptly at 4:40pm, I came to a complete stop on I-71. I was just past exit #34. My GPS warned me of a 20 minute slow down, but nothing more.

I looked at the GPS map and saw nothing but a red line all the way up on 71…not a good sign! So I put the car in park, and just started flipping through my phone…email, Facebook, and then my guilty pleasure game, Triple Tile. At 5:30pm, I was still sitting in the same spot. It was not looking good.

For me, I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic…semis all around me, my right, my left, in front of me and behind me. I put my window down to get some fresh air. I then tuned in my GPS again to hear, “I-71 is now closed. There is no alternate route.”

This message brought a little angst to me as I was alone and although I had plenty of gas, I wasn’t sure how long my bladder would hold out! I went back to my game and tried to distract myself with fun music and the challenge of getting three hidden items at a time. Not sure that Triple Tile is a good brain game, but it does pass the time.

I also got on Facebook and found out that there was a page devoted to traffic between Carrollton and the 75 split…I mean, who knew? So I checked it out and saw that there had been a crash with two semis and an SUV, and that traffic was backed up for seven miles. YIKES! This page was active and I found myself helping others by my comments about location, just as others were helping me.

The traffic did not move an inch for close to three hours. It was a nightmare for me, but I reminded myself that something bad had happened and it could have been me.

We moved slowly and finally, I was crossing the familiar bridge and headed further north on 71. I checked into the hotel at 11:15pm. WHEW!!

Sadly, I didn’t get that special dinner, but did have treats in the car for the boys so I ate three bags of fruit snacks and some M & Ms for dinner.

I have to say that although it wasn’t a long stay, it was a pleasant night’s sleep and I wished for more time. Friday morning, I continued to the final destination of Pittsburgh and spent a lovely afternoon and evening celebrating Katie’s friends and their marriage. It was worth the long trip for sure!

Fortunately, my trip home from Pittsburgh on Sunday was uneventful. However, I did do a lot of thinking about how traveling alone, I should be a little more prepared. I have a blanket in the car, probably need to pack a snack when I leave home and water. I hate to say it but I’m not sure what I would have done without my phone.  I’m grateful I always have a car charger too.

Bottom line…be prepared!! I was lucky. I look forward to my next trip to Pittsburgh…on a Southwest flight!!! xoxoxoxo