It was a long but immersive two weeks through French Canada. By the end of our whirlwind weekend in NYC, our feet had logged plenty of miles and our eyes had taken in a feast of sights. Megan had checked off most of her must-sees — and even squeezed in a few unexpected gems. After all the energy and chaos of the city, we were both ready to trade the buzz for a bit of calm and start the journey home.
We spent hours in the car driving across Pennsylvania from New York to Ohio which offers a scenic blend of rolling hills, mountain tunnels and quiet farmland, gradually shifting from East Coast bustle to Midwest calm.
Every now and then, we pulled over to stretch our legs and take a breather. Wawa gas stations are more than just a place to fill up your tank — they’re a beloved East Coast institution, especially in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and surrounding states.
The name Wawa comes from Lenni Lenape (Delaware Native American) word meaning “wild goose.” The company adopted the Canada goose as its logo in honor of the name and the region’s history.
Wawa has a cult following for its coffee bar — lots of options, seasonal flavors, and self-serve ease.
Megan was a rockstar behind the wheel — she handled the driving like a pro and made great time. She also nailed the trip planning, with a well-researched list for every stop and a satisfying checkmark for each one.
One of her big goals was to speak French with the locals, and she definitely made it happen — chatting confidently and connecting with people along the way. Megan definitely passed the ‘Oh Canada! French Road Test’ with flying colors.
I’m not familiar with WaWa gas stations, but I do remember when we used to have 7-Eleven stores in Minneapolis — back in the day.
Now, they seem to be everywhere along the Ohio highways. I’ve never seen such a striking display of Bible-themed merchandise at a rest stop before — it was like a mini Christian gift shop tucked between the Slurpees and snacks.
Just a few more hours on the road before we roll into Cincinnati.
We finally made it to our Cincinnati destination — and what a relief it was to stretch our legs after the long drive. Megan was welcomed with tail wags and kisses from Scout, who clearly missed her.
Meanwhile, I had my own breakthrough — knitting and purling finally clicked! Megan said I was at it for two solid hours in the car, but I was so focused, I barely noticed the miles go by.
We did it — two weeks side by side, around the clock, through all the twists and turns that travel throws your way. We came away wiser, more cultured, thoroughly entertained and with plenty of stories to tell. I’d say that’s a win!
Jane in Spain 