Day Four - September 11, 2026 - Louisville, KY
Today is an off day, due to someone (me) forgetting that the Gateway Arch was in St Louis. I had planned on two nights in St. Louis, but ended up with two nights in Louisville
After sleeping in, it was time for breakfast. We let Google do the walking and came upon First Watch Restaurant. Just walking in the door we knew we had made a great choice. The staff was welcoming and attentive. The food was better than most other breakfast restaurants that we have been to. With some sporadic rain, not much touring was conducted.
Day Five - September 12, 3026 - Mileage: 27295
Up early and out the door. Breakfast at First Watch, then on the road to Dayton, OH. Our travel took us north on I81 to just south of Cincinnati, where we got on I75 continuing to Dayton. We had rain today. Pretty heavy at some points along the way. The short drive went quickly and we arrived well before check in time at the Hotel.
Since there would be a wait for staff to get a room prepared, we drove over to the National United States Air Force Museum parking lot to wait. After about fifteen minutes, I got antsy and started to walk around the Parking Lot. Adjacent to it I found a Memorial Garden with Monuments to people, quadrants, Air Force Units and historical events in the history of the Air Force.
Later, we met my brother David at a Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant in Dayton. Good food and a good visit.
Day Six - September 13, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, I went to the National US Air Force Museum, which is conveniently located just down the road. The displays were awesome.
Aircraft from the Wright Brothers Era to aircraft still in service today. There is however, no “modern day” aircraft, such as the F18, F14, F16 or F35. There was not even an Osprey. Probably because they are current operational craft and there is not an obsolete one to display. A very impressive museum. I knew that the Air Force was created from the Army Air Corp, but did not know that it did not happen until 1945.
The museum is divided by Era, and all housed in large hangers. A fair number of the aircraft were suspended overhead so that you had to remember to look up. It is a well laid out museum and worth the visit.
A trip to Wal-Mart for a few supplies ended the day.
Day Seven - September 14, 2026 - 27500
On the road again. Today we headed to Erie, PA. This was a short 300 +/- drive on a nice dry day.
Upon arriving at the hotel, and checking in, it was off to find a Laundromat. Google took us to Bubbles and Bleach, a very new and clean facility. Debbie and the on duty attendant instantly became best friends. After completing the laundry, we headed to Applebee's for dinner. Following dinner it was a drive through Presque Isle State Park. The drive took us on a loop around the Peninsula. that juts out into Lake Erie.
