Over the mountains and through the fields.....

As we began our trip, Emily followed right along behind us as we headed to our first stop of Dickinson College.  I must say I did feel rather like Matt Damon at the end of "Good Will Hunting" as he headed west on the Mass Turnpike.  It was a pretty exciting feeling to realize that finally, this was IT!!

We went as far as Bethlehem, PA, but after dinner, Emily continued on her way, proudly getting to Dickinson College in less than two hours.  We stopped by to see her dorm room and joined her for a brief moment of rest on the famous red chairs of Dickinson.

We went to the most beautiful Mass the first morning.  Mike checked online and we found St. Joseph the Worker church.  When I first walked in, two things struck me:  one, was that the altar was bathed in golden light from the stained glass all around, and two, there was a small tapestry at the pulpit which was the exact replica of Christ the teacher that I had bought in Greece.  It felt like coming home!

We stayed in West Virginia that night. The next day was a beautiful, peaceful ride along Rt. 79 through the hollows of the Appalachian mountains.  At one point, Mike broke out into song: "West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River".  I thought John Denver had suddenly channeled him!  

The fields and fences in Kentucky were absolutely classic!  Unfortunately, driving along at 75 mph doesn't allow for great pictures!  Mike decided to stop at one bourbon distillery.....Buffalo Trace.

After a very long day, we arrived at Joe and Tammy's......where Tammy had a delicious, home-cooked meal waiting!  Thank you, Tammy, for the wonderful meatloaf dinner......my comfort food meal!  Our beds were ready and after a glass of wine, stomachs full, we headed to bed.  Hospitality at it's best!!

The next morning was Zoe's first day of school and she was so excited

And Thomas took it all in!
  --Karen