Driving across New York

[NormMessinger]

I've been playing with several trip planning programs on line and off. All of them route me from Erie to Albany on I-90, a toll road. What is wrong with I-88? Is I-90 faster or shorter?

[ 03-04-2004, 10:19 PM: Message edited by: NormMessinger ]

[Meerkat]

Are you sure that I-90 is a toll road? I live at the other end (almost literally) and it's sure not one at this end. It's a federal Interstate Highway!

[Bruce Hooke]

Ah Meerkat, welcome to the East Coast! This bugs the heck out of a friend of mine who grew up in Oregon and moved to Connecticut, but yes, indeed, I-90 in New York (and Massachusetts) is a toll road. I believe it's also a toll road in Indiana.

From Erie to Albany I would definitely say that I-90 is faster and shorter because you have to go up to near Rochester to pick up I-88 (actually I-390 at that point). However, I-88 is more scenic if that makes a difference.

One trick I've found for dealing with those online mapping programs when they don't give the route you want to take is tell them you want to make a stop along the route you do want to take. So, in this case tell it to get you from Erie to, say, Corning (home of Corning Glass - a neat place to tour) and then Corning to Albany. This should give you a good idea for how much longer I-88 is.

[Dave Forsman]

I live in Erie and occasionally drive to Boston, across 90 through Albany.

90 is 25 miles shorter than the southern route, and you get to drive along (and view) the Erie Canal some in some spots.

I always have thought that 90 was an easier drive, probably because there are fewer hills. 90 is only crowded near Buffalo, and that never bothers me too much, probably because I spent a few years commuting to Buffalo (100 miles one way) when I was taking some class there.

Besides, you want to stay as close to the water, Lakes Erie and Ontario, while you are driving don't you? It is supposed to get near 70F tomorrow, but it is going to take more than one day of that to get rid the ice on the lake. We just took apart the iceboats last weekend.

[Paul Scheuer]

Check the elevations, Norm. The most direct and shortest or most scenic route may not be your best with a trailer. ( I assume. )

[NormMessinger]

Thanks all. That clinches it Dave. We need to stay close to water. smile.gif I would like to pull along side the Erie Canal.

[Todd Bradshaw]

Don't they do that with mules???

[NormMessinger]

Not any more. My wife will be along anyway.

[Bruce Hooke]

If you'll be hauling a trailer then definitely stick to I-90. I-88 winds over hill and dale and has various sections that are not really highway -- very scenic but not so much fun with a trailer behind you. Also, avoid the Pennsylvania Interstates because they go up and down a lot too. I-90 on the other hand is generally a flat, straight run, at least until you start the climb up over the Berkshires. One interesting tidbit...the high point on I-90 as it cross the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts is the highest point on I-90 east of the South Dakota, IIRC.

[NormMessinger]

Thanks again Bruce. I appreciate that you stayed up so late to answer my query. Best wishes.

[Mrleft8]

I-90 between Albany, and Springfeild Ma. is VERY hilly. I think that the highest point east of the rocky's is just east of the NY-MA. line.... Watch for radar traps on the down hill sides.... They're all over that stretch.

[Venchka]

Norm, for the sake of argument look at this route.

I did the Ohio-New Hampshire leg of that trip one day without a boat. Pick up I-80 west of Cleveland. Cross PA on I-80 & I-84 through Wilkes Barre-Scranton. It was April but there was NO! traffic in PA. Crossed the Hudson at Newburgh on the Fishkill Bridge. Steep climb on the east bank of the Hudson. No big deal. Through Hartford about 4pm, don't do that. Intersected I-90, Mass Turnpike, at Sturbridge. Around Boston on I-495, about 5pm during afternoon rush hour. Don't do that with Prairie Islander. 4 am might be a good time to round Boston. I was in New Hampshire before 6pm.

I would use the route above at least one way unless you have lots of reasons to swing north and south and north again through NY and MA.

Cheers!

[sseay]

There is always route 20, slow and scenic. Also there is the highest point on "90" in Mass, but there are a few actual mountains east of the Misssissippi that are considerably higher smile.gif

[ 03-05-2004, 10:54 AM: Message edited by: sseay ]

[Ken Hutchins]

I agree with staying on 90, another reason is the tolls help to maintain that road so it is generally in better condition than the other roads. You don't want rough roads beating the crap out of your boat, trailer and tow vehicle. For the same bumpy reason don't take 290 through Worcester Ma. stay on the Mass pike (90) until 495. 495 is in good condition except for a couple of construction areas, and has less traffic than going closer to Boston. Also just before you leave look up the speed trap website for the latest list along your route I think it is speedtrap.com.

[Alan D. Hyde]

I-90, generally called "The New York Thruway," is a better maintained road, it's more direct, and the tolls aren't all that bad. Besides, it's fair to pay for what you use.

Several Thruway service areas have Sbarro Pizza places, which are not bad, and Friendly's Ice Cream shops are located near quite a few exits. Just as you go into Western Massachusetts, the one in Lee isn't a bad place, and it's near three motels. You can walk around between them and bid your room rate down... :D

Stop and enjoy the scenery, the old stone Erie Canal locks, etc. It's a pretty and pleasant drive, that I've made at least 100 times; may you and yours enjoy it, Norm.

Alan

[Noah]

I agree that 90 is a pretty easy drive. Still when I'm going to Chicago I actually go up through Canada. It's more interesting, the roads are nicer and there aren't any tolls.

While you are doing it why not stop by Lake Champlain...There are 5-10 Forum members here on the lake and we could have a pretty good get together.

Noah

[Mark T]

A minor correction to Mrleft8. The point on I90 in Mass is the highest Interstate point east of the Rockies.

[Mrleft8]

It's true that several of the rest stop areas have Sbarros pizza depots at them. What is more important is that there are no rest stops 20 minutes past the Sbarros pizza depots. Think about that seriously. And indeed I seem to recall that the sign does say "highest elevation on I-90" or something like that.... I believe it's somewhere near Stockbridge... I think I saw officer Oppie giving out summonses for littering there once....

[Venchka]

Originally posted by Mark T:
A minor correction to Mrleft8. The point on I90 in Mass is the highest Interstate point east of the Rockies.That would be the highest point on that highway east of the Mississippi. I saw a similar sign on I-80 in Pennsylvania and chuckled. Didn't look high at all.

Don't let them scare you, Norm. After Fremont Lake, going east is a piece of cake.

[Thomas Garber]

Norm,

If you have the time, a stop along the New York State Erie Canal is well worth the visit. Many local small towns grew up around the locks and canals, and have a real sense of pride and history. I took a trip from NYC to Syracuse via the canal and rivers, and liked the section between Troy and Utica the best. This is a very historic route that opened the the mid-west to immigrants and the transportation of goods. New York State Canals (http://www.canals.state.ny.us/exvac/index.html) Also, if you want to do a bit of lake sailing, I90 passes by Sylvan Beach at Oneida Lake where they have a public launching ramp. Bring your fishing pole!

Tom

[John Gearing]

Norm,
Depending on when you're coming and what our plans are I may be able to offer you and yours a place to stay overnight and a personally guided tour of parts of the current and original Erie Canal here at the Eastern end. Despite what the tagline below says about my whereabouts, I am currently living just outside of Albany, NY. I've made the trip from here to Springfield (on my way to Hartford) about 200 times. The "hill" everyone has been talking about is the Berkshire Grade, which was a major problem for early railroad builders. The high point is about 1700 feet above sea level IIRC. I don't think you'll have a problem trailering it. What's your ultimate destination? Maine?

John

[NormMessinger]

Oh, Man!! This is why I can't ween myself from The Forum. The good advice given so freely is enough but the offers of friendship and hospitality is simply wonderful. Gotta be careful here and not get maudlin....

The objective is to arrive at Brooklin Maine Mid afternoon, July 11 for the Elements of Seamanship course, then spend a week, maybe if we don't chicke out, sailing on our own in Prairie Islander somewhere along the Maine Coast. If we can stand to be away from home so long and not go broke, we could take in The WoodenBoat Show as well. That will really be pushing us old coots but, we'll see.

The offers of hospitality are very much appreciated. Our policy is not to cause anyone to have to wash sheets. We'll have to see how things might work out when the time is nearer. When I first conceived this trip I thought if I could get Phyllis to sit still for it (she starts to get crabby around 18:00 if we are still rolling) we could make the trip with two nights on the road. Now it looks like three and we could easily spend the whole summer. Wouldn't that be something!

We shall see, we shall see. Thanks everyone.

[Mrleft8]

Well, don't forget that Lawn tractor polo is on July 24.... You could meet all the good people then... :D

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Say it aint so... When Lisa told me you scheduled the Lawn Tractor Polo event on the same day as the WoodenBoat Show I thought she must be wrong, Doug wouldn't do a thing like that. :( Man, what a bummer. How is a person supposed to be in two places at once?

Steven

[Mrleft8]

Cloning?

[Venchka]

Norm,

As photograph's go, this one is awful. Think of it as a preview of this summer's cruising in Maine. Taken from Owl's Head light looking SE. I know, the rig is all wrong, but the boat is about the same size.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid113/p4b0bde540208cfdb1f4ae083e7be9246/f8f5074f.jpg

Have fun!

[NormMessinger]

We shall we shall. The Ford willing.

I really appreciate all the help folks here have given. I hope some of our paths will cross.

[Ken Hutchins]

Norm I will email my phone number, and directions to my place. When I travel any distance I always carry phone numbers of friends anywhere near my intended route, the purpose of this is primarily to have possible contacts in the event of any kind of problems, and of course directions to visit, chat, rest, elbow bend, etc.

[imported_Steven Bauer]

OK, Norm must be there now. How can I reach him, does anyone know? I'm dying to see Prairie Islander. And meet Norm and Phyllis, too, of course. :D I know he was in Mass. yesterday.
If anyone sees him ask what a good time would be to drive up and visit. It's only a couple of hours up to Brooklin.

Steven

[Mrleft8]

I think he's at Ed Harrow's house now....

[Bruce Hooke]

Originally posted by Mrleft8:
I think he's at Ed Harrow's house now....Actually, they should be in Brooklin by now. I believe the class started this evening...

[Ian McColgin]

They are in class now. A number of us met the Messingers at the Harrows. Sure can see why Norm's plane flys. PI is a wonderfully made boat with neatly served molly hogans on the standing rigging, four locust great cleats, nice leathering and any number of marvelous touches.

Both the boat and her people are every bit as fine, maybe finer, than one might glean from these pages. They think through their seamanship and they learn. I am sure they will have a finastkind sailing tour of New England.

(Ed for sp error - In last PP meant learning, not neatening . . .)

[ 07-12-2004, 06:50 PM: Message edited by: Ian McColgin ]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Thanks, Ian.

Bon voyage, Norm and Phyllis.

Matinicus! :D

Alan

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

Is Norm passing through Ohio on the way home?
How goes the trip?
Anyone know?
Photo's? :D

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Well, I just had to see Prarie Islander and meet Norm and Phyllis so I called the WBSchool and left Norm a message. We arranged to meet Saturday afternoon but due to some interference by a certain 'Murphy' we arrived at WoodenBoat after 6 PM! :( There was a wedding going on at the WB waterfront and we could see Prarie Islander at her mooring but we had no way to get out there or let them know we were there. Fortunately Mary says, 'they'll hear us' and starts shouting, 'Norm! - Phyllis!' at the top of her lungs and a few minutes later we see some action in the cockpit and a few minutes later they are headed our way in Humble Bee. They were about to retire aboard but graciously unmoored Prarie Islander and brought her over to the dock to pick up my family for a short cruise around the WoodenBoat waterfront. I got to ask all my questions and see Norm's beautiful craftsmanship up close. I've got to agree with Ian - they certainly are fine folks! They will be sailing around up there for a few more days, then if Norm can convince Phyllis they may come to Newport for the first day of the Show before heading home.
Now here's the bad news, Kevin, we left the camera in the car! :eek:
When you do get back home Norm and Phyllis, thanks so much!

Steven, Mary, Gavin, Holly and Cecilia

[Domesticated_Mr. Know It All]

Thanks for the update Steven. smile.gif
I forgive you for forgeting the camera. :D
Peace---> Kevin in Ohio