Dan and Sandy – Pennsylvania, Here we Come!

In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, Sandy and I talk about our trip across the country to Pennsylvania to see our family. I completed my book signing in Cheyenne, Wyoming and we started our trip across the country to Pennsylvania! We had a couple of stops along the way, though.  Our first stop was an unplanned stop at the Archway in Kearney, Nebraska. The Archway is a unique museum that literally extends over Interstate 80 to pay homage to all those who have traveled across its path throughout history. Since ancient times, the route along the Platte River in Nebraska, once called the Great Platte River Road, has served as a migratory pathway across the continent. From the era of the Oregon Trail to the present day, the Archway brings the history of the Great Platte River Road to life. Central to the Archway experience is its historical exhibit, which honors the American spirit of exploration. Utilizing life-sized figures and personal audio guides, the Archway recounts the tale of America’s development. Visitors can walk alongside pioneers on the Oregon Trail, observe a Pony Express Station horse exchange, listen to Mark Twain’s story of a cross-country stagecoach journey, witness the driving of the “Golden Spike” connecting the nation’s railways, and learn about life on the Lincoln Highway at a traveler’s campground. Located at Exit 275 on I-80, a key coast-to-coast travel route today, the Archway commemorates the journeys of all adventurers who have traveled the river’s route – from those who contributed to our nation’s development in the past to those who are shaping our future today. It was an awesome experience, and we’re glad that we did it. After The Archway, we made our way to visit our friends, Jason and Sara Brelsfoard in Maroa, Illinois.  We met Jason and Sara back in February when we stayed at the Galveston Island KOA.  We immediately connected and became friends.  We spent two nights with them, and even got to ride in a combine. After our visit with Jason and Sara, we were off to my final book signing and to visit with more friends that we had met in Galveston, Jeff and Jackie Powell, in Centerville, Ohio. We had told our family that we’d be getting back into Pennsylvania on October 8th, but we knew all along that September 26th would be our arrival date.  We spent our first two days back popping in on our family and surprising them.  It was quite fun, but also a little exhausting.