(Lin) We’re off! Up first: two nights in Elverson, Pennsylvania, to connect with both of our families. We’ve driven to from New England to Pennsylvania dozens and dozens of times over the past 17 years, but today I looked at the familiar terrain of each state differently, knowing all the states that we would be traveling through over the next six weeks. In case you have interest in these things, our route looks like this:

Northern route out, southern route back. Super sad to miss the northwest! There’s only so much one can do in 39 days.

One item of note along the way to PA today was the construction for the New Tappan Zee bridge across the Hudson just north of NYC:

Here is what it will look like when completed:

Upon crossing into Pennsylvania, I was reminded that this state is just beautiful in a way New England is not — much more open with sweeping, open farming valleys and gentling rolling hills. (Don’t get me wrong — I love Rhode Island! The access to water–beach, bay, etc.–is unparalleled.)

The kids were eager to get out and run around when we arrived at Landis Homes, where Jo’s father and his wife live.

All in all, a good start to the trip. Don’t worry, we’ll have more exciting posts in days and weeks to come. Thanks for reading!