He's Home!

It was not an easy trip. When we left the GPS said we should reach our destination at 12:15p.m.
However, that was not to be. I'm not sure why, but this year, every time we travel, we encounter complications. We were looking forward to arriving at Mohonk House early enough to enjoy spending a little time there with our son. However, just after crossing the New York line, we hit bumper-to-bumper traffic for the second time. The first time was brief, thankfully.

In New York, the bumper-to-bumper traffic didn't just slow to a crawl, it came to a stand-still. It took us half-an-hour to travel three miles. Then we reached a service area, so we got off and went to use the restrooms. The travel plaza (service area) was so crowded, it was nearly as hot inside as out, and there was no place to sit unless you were going to eat. So we stood, and then sat, for an hour outside in 104 degree heat waiting for the traffic to move.

The above photo are the vehicles lined up on the off-ramp at the travel plaza, waiting to get back onto the highway. Deep in the photo, you can also see the traffic lined up on the highway.

The above photo is traffic lined up on the highway. The photo below shows some of the many semis (tractor trailers) were stuck in the traffic awaiting to get to their destinations as well.

In the photo above, our little guy is swinging his arms back and forth, out of boredom.
In the photo below, you see our son, Nick, hot and disgusted with the situation. He also wasn't thrilled that mom had her camera out to capture the situation. (Hey, what else was I supposed to do?)

Our two boys' feet, trying to be patient, while another little fella decides to attempt to climb the stone pillar at the travel plaza, just for something to do.

Our nation's flag blew in the hot breeze overhead.

After an hour, we got back into the van, and joined the line of traffic. This time, however, things moved slowly and we made it through in a more reasonable amount of time. What was the hold-up, you might ask? Well, as we drove through the congested area, we saw a tractor trailer's trailer lying on its side completed blackened and destroyed by fire, nothing remaining but the frame. I'm not sure what caused the fire, but this was what caused the delay. I don't believe anyone was injured, as the tractor part of the semi was safely detached and sat several yards away.

So the plans we had to enjoy some time at the castle were dashed as we only arrived there at 4p.m. and it was about a 3 1/2 - 4 hour drive home and my hubby had to work today, starting at 6a.m. as they are currently working some overtime. We also took the other young man, who had ridden with us to New York, home to his family, before we could go home to our house. So, basically, we picked up the boys and their luggage and headed for home.

The photo above and below show a diner that we passed during the travel. It's called the Clinton Station diner, and it was an intriguing looking diner. Our original plan was to leave the castle early enough to stop and enjoy a relaxed dinner here on our way home, but that plan was thwarted as well, by the delay. (sigh) So, we ended up getting McDonald's to go at a travel plaza.

So, we arrived home at 9:30p.m. after a very long day. I was just so thankful that we were ALL home again, and that we were all safe. It's been a blessing to see the changes in Anthony from this amazing experience. We have been having some fantastic conversations about spiritual matters. Despite the traveling challenges, this week was quite a blessing.

(And, yes, that train car is connected to the restaurant building, which was what intrigued me. I wanted to see if we could actually dine in the train car. Oh, well, maybe some other time.)

P. S. I'm not sure if I will be able to post again until Wednesday or not. We have been having problems with out internet connection and are supposed to be getting a replacement modem on Wednesday. (And I've been doing so well at keeping up with my blog again.)