Too Long, Too High, Too Heavy - Motorhome Days 1 & 2

These were the words of the Connecticut State Trooper who pulled us up on the Parkway.  But I get ahead of myself.

Let me go back.

Firstly, for those thinking we had disappeared off the face of the earth, we have had no Blog access for three days - Blogspot has been down - it has NOT been our fault.

Days 1 and 2 in the RV:

We FINALLY got away from Linden New Jersey at 4:15 pm on day 1 with the motorhome.  We were ready earlier, but it wasn't ready for us!! 

Headed out with Brian Roach Esq. at the wheel (being highly experienced at left had drive).  Unfortunately travelled about 30km on the Jersey Turnpike in a southerly direction (instead of north as required).  At a wee stop we worked it out, and finally got on the road north.  So after an hour of travelling, we had got back to where we picked up the RV, we then finally headed towards Boston!

I have to report that despite having the GPS system, the road(s) out of New Jersey through New York and heading north are an absolute NIGHTMARE.  We were heading for Interstate 95, and at some stages of the trip we were actually on it, but it criss-crosses and changes name, shape and form so many times that it is impossible to follow, even with the GPS.

That brings me back to the title - Too Long, Too High, Too Heavy - we had been directed by the GPS to take some bloody Parkway heading north.  We have to admit that we did see the sign that said "passenger cars only", but figured we were passengers, so we took the road.  It turned out that there were a number of low bridges on this road - incidentally our RV is almost 12 feet high.  We must have gone about 30 km along the road, and we encountered a few low bridges - low on one side, but by pushing cars out of the way, we managed to just get under the high side (on the left).  I must admit that there we a few anxious moments with navigator Rod telling driver Brian that he had to get over to the left lane NOW!! ("Get over mate NOW.  Get Over Mate, QUICK")

Americans drivers are so friendly to visitors - there were quite a few cars who gestured to/at  us, obviously they were being friendly to us -  they must have been able to that see were were Aussies Acrosss America.

Unfortunately, the State Trooper didn't share their view.  We were stopped with full sirens by the decidedly unfriendly female Trooper, and we were told in no uncertain manner that we we "Too Long, Too High, Too Heavy" and that we had to exit at the next opportunity (which was about 50m in front of us).  She had obviously not read our blog and was unfamiliar with Aussies Across America. Brian had to hand up his Licence and Rego, and she showed no mercy, handing us a $92 fine. So we did as directed, exited and  headed for Stamford - the closest town.  We managed to get directions back to the I95, and drove north. 

Darkness fell, and we decided to stop at a roadside rest area - a truck stop.  It was a great facility, with toilets, an overnight attendant and vending machines for coffee (etc), so we decided to spend the night in the parking area where the attendant asssured us we would be safe.  We were still 2 hours short of our intended destination (just outside Boston). After a restful night, we headed off early next morning (daylight driving is much easier) with Rod at the wheel, and found our destination with no problem. we did manage to find Walmart and purchased a BBQ for $15 which we put to great use.

Brian had a stressful day's drive on driving day 1, but he handled it very well.  He deserves a medal and every local we have relayed the story to agrees.  "You drove that rig out of New York?  You must be mad. Oh My God". Rod drove for day 2, and there were no incidents (apart from missing a few turns and getting a little lost, but that is part of the fun). 

This is a beautiful part of the USA.  It is lush and green from all the water from the winter snow, and still quite cold in the wind and overnight.  The campfire helps keep the cold at bay, and we love the area.

Reports on Driving Day 3 and photos will follow when time permits. 

For now, we are pleased to be back on the blog, we are safe and well and we are having a ball.

Love to all,

Rod, Helen, Brian & Maureen.