First, and most important is to leave via Fort Erie, and go through Duty
Free, as this is the LAST chance to get Tim Hormone's coffee. Once you
have crossed over the Piece Bridge and cleared customs take I190 south
(West to Erie) but exit at route 400 - last chance before you have to pay a
toll.
Take 400 south to alternate route 20. WATCH your speed! The police thing
this is a great revenue generator and love to hammer Canucks. Take
alternate route 20 east through Warsaw (great drive into the town but watch
for the police). The road is usually cop free so you can make good time.
After Warsaw the road will swing north. Trust me, go straight. This will
get you to 63 just north of MT Morris. Turn right (south) and head to
town. If you are really good, you should turn left before the bar, some
Yankee name that escrapes me, and then do an immediate right as this will
avoid the centre of Mt. Morris. Which ever, you will end up heading east
to I390 (aka 17&15) go south. There is a 'pit stop' just as you enter the
road.
You will want to exit the road at Painted Post (just south of Cooper Plains
- glider lurkers will understand) and take 15 south (WATCH for cops) to PA.
(Remember to use the clutch as you exit the Interstate - some have been
known to forget!!) PA is much more cop friendly than New York, not that I
would ever suggest you exceed (what ever the equivalent to Her Majesty's
Highways) the speed limit. I suggest you wait till PA to gas up. Gas is
cheaper and its right on the road.
Now the fun begins. Follow 15 south to Williamsport. This used to be
glorious 2 lane blacktop all the way but alas some of it now is quad,
sanitised and well....... If they haven't totally screwed up the route,
the descent to Trout Run is still glorious. The road has been twinned but
you descend on what was the old road. At speed is reminds me of
Rouen-les-Essarts, not that I preach excessive speed. Sadly, you get on
the new road earlier and earlier each year, but it will get you to
Williamsport quicker (Lycoming county - for those with an aeronautical
bent). Stay on 15, which means exiting the highway and crossing the river
and going up over the hill to the south.
Keep an eye out for Clive Pelling's Reptile Land for no good reason other
than its their. This road will eventually get you along the west side of
the Susquehanna River - enjoy! Not long after Liverpool (sorry, no Cavern
Club) you should turn unto route 34 (This is again a trust me). It will
wind and weave its way to Carlisle. Two points of importance. First is
that there is a beer store just before you get to Carlisle so you can stock
up - not that American beer is worth drinking - but that it is a pain in
the rear to get in the town. The second is only of interest if you like
History. On the left side - well before Carlisle - is a stone cairn
marking the northern most point of General Lee's army before it turned
south to meet the North (coming from the south ) at Gettysburg.
As you come under the railway bridge the fairground
(fleamarket-autojumble-swapmeet) will be on you left. For the hotel, I
think you go straight into town and follow Walnut Bottom road out.
I should point out that if there is any action - or even a place to get
beer, food and watch the hockey game it has defeated us. I've copied the
Spridget list in hopes that somebody out there knows. Its got the bee the
second (only to Wilmington, Dullaware) dullest place I ever been.
There are other ways, take 219 south out of Buffalo and trek through
'Deerhunter' country. Very pretty, but not very time efficient, or you can
take the 'lardette buggy' route to Erie, down to Pitsburg and back on the
interstate (if you like that, you would Love Wilmington!)
PS: Richard says you should go to Altoona and Strasbourg, but that is for
railway men not British Car drivers.
As you friend drives a Triumph, remind him that soft tops are best stowed.
Travel time is 6 to 8 hours depending on stops etc.
The Journey, not the destination, becomes a source of wonder.
(Loreena McKennitt - liner notes - 'The Book of Secrets')
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