Interstate 80 is one of the roadways that cross the continental United States. I’ve been to both ends. In the East it starts/ends south of the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey. In the West, you can find its start/end near San Francisco, California. We’ve actually only traveled about one third of it. Not sure if I would want to cross the country on I-80. Down South, I-10 looks more interesting.

EAST COAST

Our recent adventure in Pennsylvania while going to Chicago covers some of what I would say about I-80. Other things to note? It’s a way to the Poconos in Pennsylvania. In Ohio, there’s a nice bridge over I-80. (see the sunset shot I took of it).

Highest Elevation Point along I-80 East of the Mississippi. While traveling Westbound in Pennsylvania, we did pass the highest elevation along I-80 east of the Mississippi. It’s located near mile post 111, and it’s at an elevation of 2250 feet above sea level. What did we do to mark the occasion? We threw our arms up to “feel” the height. LOL, we hadn’t even traveled halfway, and about an hour later that’s when Marius called to say he was in Chicago already. *more cussing at the State of PA*

Conversation with Brod Jess. You drove all the way here? What’s with you guys? Are you training to be truck drivers? No map? You used GPS? (Nope, our SUV is pre-GPS era) I guess you really like driving. (Yes, we do)

WEST COAST

My adventure on the Western part of I-80 was unintended. During the summer of 2005, I took my youngest to California to meet relatives and to let him see the state where I grew up.

I rented a car. Initially, the rental company was going to give me a convertible. I said no, I have two kids with me (my son and a cousin) What if they decide to jump out? Yes, paranoid Mom was back in full force. They gave me an SUV instead. Actually, I thought it was a car. The Pontiac Vibe is considered an SUV. Whatever.

We drove here and there in the Los Angeles area. A few days and amusement parks later, I said let’s go to San Francisco! I take my son, my cousin, and an aunt along. About a couple hours later, my aunt asks for the map. Map? What map? I don’t need a map. I‘ll just drive north on I-5.

Well, we ended up in Sacramento. At least we had the chance to look for Arnold Schwarzenegger while we drove around the city.

When we did get back on I-80, my aunt wanted to know if we were heading in the right direction. My answer? If we aren’t, we’ll be in New York in a couple of days.