5 Things I Learned While Driving From Portland, Maine to Pittsburgh

Travelling 12 hours anywhere by car gives you a lot of time observe things around you and ask questions like "are we there yet?" On my recent trip to Pittsburgh from Portland I noticed 10 things along the way that I will keep in mind next time I decide to drive such a long distance. 

1. Connecticut Has Very Well Maintained Highways

Maine could learn a thing or two from Connecticut. Their highways are beautiful, clean, and well maintained. Of course Connecticut has a lot more money than Maine does which might have something to do with that.

2. Connecticut Drivers Are the Worst

We Mainers like to complain about Massachusetts drivers, but they drive like grandma compared to Connecticut drivers. I was tailgated, cut off, and passed in the breakdown lane all in a span of 10 minutes. Apparently there's a nickname for these Connecticut drivers: "Connectic---s." You go ahead and solve the puzzle. You're going to want to buy a U.

3. Google Maps Navigation Voice Welcomes You to Some States

This was just odd. I was using Google Maps as my GPS for the drive, and when we crossed the border into Massachusetts the voice announced "Welcome to Massachusetts." I had never heard it do that before. It did the same thing when we entered New York. No love for Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut or Pennsylvania though. You aren't welcome there.

4. There Is a Severe Lack of Gas Stations Near the Portsmouth Exit of I-95

I thought it was pretty much standard to have a gas station near the on and off ramps of major highways, especially in a town like Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I needed gas once I got to the Maine border and rather than pay the inflated price on the Maine Turnpike, I figured I'd hop off in Portsmouth and grab some gas, but the nearest station was hard to find. I went around that traffic circle like Chevy Chase in European Vacation and picked the wrong direction to head to find gas, adding 15 minutes to the trip. Did I miss the signs?

5. Next Time...Fly.

Driving all day just sucks. By the time you get to where you want to be, you're tired, your butt hurts and you just want to sleep. With what we spent in gas, tolls and wear and tear in the car, we probably could have flown for the same price. Now that I've learned that there are Connectic---s, I"m booking my flight today for next year.