Sunday, December 20, 2009

From Carson, KY to Streetsboro, OH - 323 Miles

Woke up this morning at the Love's Travel Center in Carson, KY around 6AM under a thin layer of snow. Fortunately I was inside the truck where it was warm! Outside it was 29 degrees.

Anyway, after getting dressed with a shirt, sweater, AND jacket, I ventured out into the cold to go inside to the McDonald's. I sat down with a sausage egg and cheese McMuffin and sweet tea at a table. They had Fox News on the large flat screen TV, so I took my time eating.

I got underway at 8 AM, driving north on I-71 through Cincinnati and Columbus. I stopped once at a rest area near Congress, Ohio for a quick walk in the snow for a Geocache. Hey, I was getting bored. By then it was up to 35 degrees, but I wanted a break. Found the Geocache quickly and back to the truck to thaw out!

About 30 miles south of Cleveland, the truck started making a loud squealing sound like a belt noise. Checking the gauges, I knew the belt was still intact. Also the noise seemed to only be above 1100 RPM. So I kept it around 55 MPH or if going down hill, I let it coast faster in neutral so that the RPM's stay low.

I turned east on I-270 and then north on I-77. When I reached the I-80 Turnpike, I was supposed to turn east again. But because I was half focused on the truck problems, I went west instead. I hate when that happens! Especially on a toll road because there are even fewer exits and opportunities for a u-turn. I had to go about 8 miles down, take the exit, go through the toll plaza, make a u-turn, back through a toll plaza again, and then head east now!

Finally I reach the Streetsboro, OH exit. Just a few miles later I reach my destination around 2:30 PM. The place is closed today, but they have overnight parking. So I'll hang out here until morning.

Microwave oriental noodles followed by popcorn for dinner. At least I have some leftover sweet tea. Hmmm, I think it's time to re-stock my groceries!

OH, I checked the engine out and couldn't find any loose pulleys or anything. Couldn't get the noise to re-occur either. Hopefully, it won't hinder me from getting home in time for Christmas!

Stay tuned...