Day 43, Reunion with my brother instead of Denis's

We made our way through New York and into Massachusetts today. One of the things that really struck me are the differences in rest stops in the various states. In most of the states we've traveled, the rest stops have had restrooms, often picnic benches, and sometimes tourist information. In most states, we didn't need to worry about toll roads. Getting on and off the interstate for gas had been pretty easy.

Once we got to Pennsylvania and in New York and Massachusetts, the thruways involved tolls. Tolls make it less convenient to get on and off the highways, but when you're going long distances, you still need services. To help with that, the rest stops become more service stops complete with gas stations, fast food restaurants, and bathrooms. Since we got to Pennsylvania we haven't seen any rest stops that have picnic tables making it convenient for people (like us) who have packed their own lunch. They really want you to support the fast food restaurants.

One of the other remarkable things were found while driving on secondary roads and through small towns is the number of Dollar General stores. It seems that every other town has an of brand gas station and a Dollar General. Bigger towns have Walmart.

We were to be spending the weekend with Denis's high school "brothers." The plan was a Cape Cod reunion marking the year they all turn 70. That was the impetus for this trip. However, Covid concerns cancelled the reunion after we'd left San Jose. Luckily, my brother lives outside of Boston and is happy to let us visit for a few extra days than were planned.

After we arrived, we got our daily exercise by walking 1.5 miles into the center of Marlborough
to Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company. I think it should be the Roasting and Brewing Company 'cause don't most people drink coffee and then beer during the day? My sister commented that we've been drinking a lot of beer.  I figure it goes along with our trying to be locovores since we've only been drinking from local microbreweries. As my mom would say, "That's my story and I'm sticking to it."
Location: Marlborough, MA, USA

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