Travel did not go as planned as we had to nix the scenic route in favor of faster highway driving. Our packing is still not olympic speed, though it is getting better. The biggest thing though was the rain that came down like it owned the place… right after we’d locked ourselves outside the apartment! A little damp and sweaty, we waited it out under a tree and headed off. After a stop to get some air in my tires, fuel in the tank and my rain gear off, we were on our way out of NYC. About 40 miles outside of Philly, we pulled over to do some navigation and I heard some engine noise that I wasn’t liking so we took it as easy as possible the rest of the way. I’ll have to get it looked at before we leave Philly. I think it’s fluid related and maybe oil as shifting is rougher and the engine noise sounds like pistons that need oil. I really hope it’s not worse than that. After arriving at my cousin Todd’s place, we headed out with him to have dinner with his mom and dad outside the city at a place called Victory Brew Pub. The food was outrageously good and the beer….plentiful and delicious. I really got excited to see Terry and Eilene and it was even better than I had anticipated. Dinner was great and it was really wonderful to get to see two people I enjoy so much. Thanks to Todd for setting that up. So far, Terry, Eilene and Todd are all Champions of the road trip and Todd still has two days….we may need a new category as it sounds like he’s going to outdo himself. Tonight is more beer tasting downtown with some of Todd’s friends. Hopefully the Italy trip crew will make an appearance.