I took my time getting up-and-at-’em on my last morning in Charleston. I figured I didn’t have to check out until noon, so I was going to take all the time I needed. I slept late, got up and showered, got dressed, packed, checked out, and was on the road by 11:30.

I drove north on twisty, hilly I-79 for two hours and then got off to get lunch. Oh, Arby’s, how I’ve missed you. Vermont doesn’t know what it’s missing.

While chowing down on both a Chicken, Bacon, ‘n Swiss (my favorite ingredient? the ‘n.) and a junior roast beef, I checked my map and saw I was only one exit away from US Route 50, so I decided I was tired of the interstate and would take the back roads for a while. I took 50 for 30 miles or so in to Maryland and then took route 219 north past Deep Creek Lake and hooked up with I-68 west of Cumberland. Pedal-to-the-metal, I flew the rest of the wasy and was in Hagerstown and at Dad’s just as dinner went on the stove.

I had a great night with Dad and Darlene, with Ann and the girls. I was tired and went to bed early and had a surprisingly good night of sleep on a bed that I previously thought was among the world’s most uncomfortable.

Today it’s on to Frederick and more family time with Mom and Cal.

I’m considering doing the entire drive home to Vermont in one day; tomorrow.

I love my family and I love my friends and it’s been a great trip, but I just want to be home with my wife.