Jefferson and Shady Spring (VA and WV)

Even at 6 AM Washington DC was hot as, I quote "Devil's sweaty armpit". We drove 100 miles to Monticello, Jefferson's mansion. Quite neat actually with wine elevators and imported furniture - he was a big fan of European things. The tour price, 24 dollars, was enough to make me noticeably bitter which in turn made Otter grumpy. Fair enough and shame on me.

From there we continued to Babcock state park and Grist Mill. Wonderful scenery and a very pleasant drive through the winding small roads in the shade of trees. We also saw some of the destruction left by the storm some days ago. At Danese local post office power was out but that didn't stop the clerk from being very friendly and helpful - I do like the surface of American people, haven't had a chance to scratch it.

On our way to the current lodging (which is computer store/motel!) we passed through a place called Shady Spring. Very authentic with its fair share of destruction from the storm.

-Tuoppi

Danese post office

Grist Mill

4th of July

4th of July started very hot so we headed to a nice, air conditioned shopping centre. Pro tip for the Metro system in Washington: if there's even a slight chance that you use it more than 5 times a day, take the daily pass. We used single fares and the joke was on us.

After the air conditioned shopping centre we want to an air conditioned Irish Pub, had a few drinks and continued to an air conditioned Thai restaurant.

In Finland, every kind of outdoors festivity tends to be an excuse to get wasted. I'm not certain if public drinking is banned here but we saw very few beer bottles and not a single teenager crying/vomiting/crawling/all above. Also people don't aim at by passers with the fireworks. In any case, the big fireworks at the mall were great and atmosphere very relaxed and jolly.

-Tuoppi

Washington DC

Ok, we've gotten properly on the road. Jet lag woke us up at 4 AM, we took a refreshing dip in the motel swimming pool and hit the road. We've noticed that American drivers like to speed a bit more than Finns. If the limit is 55, the traffic in general moves at 65 mph and they don't really slow down for work areas where the limit is 45.

In Washington DC we're lodging at Capitol City Hostel. It's not the most modern I've been in but the owner more than makes up for it - thumbs up. City itself hasn't so far impressed me or Otter. We've walked our feet off at the mall, seen the sights and visited Air & Space Museum but meh. Tomorrow should be more lively. Günther on the other hand is still full of energy sipping his drink of Jaloviina and Dr.Pepper.

Vaultboy felt right at home.

-Tuoppi

Oh and good luck trying to find a restaurant, grocery store or anything else at the mall. The only places to get drinks and snacks are the street vendors.

-Otter

It's slightly warm in here.

-Günther

Day 1

Ok, we're here in three pieces. Flight was nice and forgettable as it should be. Some tips/observations so far:

-Road tolls are expensive
-If you have some money to spend, book a suite from Vegas. Luxury don't come this cheap anywhere else. We're not in Vegas yet but already we've been contacted to make sure the limo can pick us up.
-Book your seats in front of the plane, you'll get through the immigration a lot faster

Finally, here's the monster of a car we'll be driving. The damn car is TOO comfortable with the cruise control and shit. I feel almost useless on the driver's seat.

-Tuoppi

You guys got so easily upsold and almost scammed with the titanic - I mean the car.

-Otter

Crew complete

Along with Vault-boy, our crew is complete and raring to go. There are three humans: Me (Tuoppi), Otter and Günther M. Two personified inanimate objects are also tagging along: Goat and Vault-boy.

-Tuoppi

Packing

1. Osprey backpack that is so complicated, fancy and of high quality that it makes me feel kinda dumb.
2. More straightforward, smaller backpack for day trips. Bundeswehr quality with World of Tanks clan emblem.
3. Towel.
4. Light, comfortable and well ventilated shoes for the southern states.
5. Headphones.
6. Some clothing. I plan to buy more from US.
7. Shitloads of dollars.
8. Travelling documents.
9. Aviator sunglasses.
10. Universal adapter.
11. Manly pink Marimekko bag for toothbrush and such.
12. Heavy duty sunscreen.
13. Spoon and a bowl.
14. Satnav.
15. Jenkki-bubblegum.
16. Chargers for cellphone and camera battery.
17. Leatherman. With this baby I've opened cans, fixed electronics, cut my thumb, prepared food and performed surgery. MacGyver ain't got shit on me.

-Tuoppi

From coast to coast

Dear traveler/reader/mother,

We're starting our journey through the USA in three weeks. Expectations are high and we're all starting to get butterflies as the day gets closer. I suspect USA is a very unique travel destination in the sense that we're all so saturated by American culture. We all have a very clear picture of the country and I can't wait to have it permanently changed.

We'll try to find some hidden gems and provide practical tips to those who are planning a similar trip. Above is the map of our route, roughly 5000 miles long. There are two of us to drive the car from coast to coast and one to sleep and ask if we're there yet. Oh, she's not a toddler, she just acts like one when bored.

-Tuoppi

Oi! I'm no toddler. By the way, are we at the candy factory yet?

-Otter