We woke early and headed to the interstate for some cooling system succor. At a gas station along the way we received a recommendation for a garage and made our way with an eye ever on the thermostat.

15 minutes later we settled up and drove off with a new hose clamp and a full reservoir. Alas it was not to last: 10 miles down the road the light returned. Boo hoo and back to the garage. To be told the drop in fluid is likely due to a burped air pocket. It held for the 10 minute idle test though the warning light stayed on and on and on despite a restart even. Turns out the sensor was loose. Maybe potentially the source of the slow leek since Illinois? Once tightened, away went the alert and us too. To M D and Mme D’s place for a respite that is.

Our route took us through PA on I 76. What a bait and switch are these toll roads. We paid $24 and change for the experience. Don’t we pay taxes for infrastructure?

You can see the same thing [de]evolution progression in California: some lanes, at certain times of the day, require payment. Of course it is attractive to zoom by the cheapskates going nowhere, and yet is this not one of those rich people win again things?

Deft mind washing led to the passing of prop 13 which was instrumental in the helping shareholders get richer at our expense. Literally, obviously.

Likewise, the Bay Bridge tolls have been raised over and over to pay for stuff like public transportation that, again, used to come from taxes.

Back to PA, where the fuel was, no joke, more than $1 per gallon over what we’ve paid in other states. The state has a site to help folks with RVs decide to tour here. The economic reality makes it tough to consider with places like Virginia, Tennessee and other also beautiful states out there.

We are always spoiled when we arrive at M D and Mme D’s place and today was another fun and tasty highlight. M D had us get our spicy on with a cornucopia of options that he makes himself, these being differently spiced and pickled vegetables, caramel and nuts. And then supper. And then a home baked birthday cake courtesy of Mme F. Super sweet and heartwarming.

Look at that! So tasty yum!!!