Hubby and I took our first road trip in over a month last week. We check the weather for thunderstorms and we saw sunny, and of course, hot weather ahead. We brought food/snacks and hand sanitizer and masks. The Governor had lifted the 100-mile limitation of driving from home. I had not been to the historic Ellicott City in Maryland since their last two devasting floods. It is a small town of over 70,000 and sits just outside Baltimore. It was a mill town in Central Maryland and built along the Patapsco River.
"The town was founded in 1772 by three brothers, who took advantage of the location’s proximity to the Patapsco River to create a thriving milling industry. It later became a hub for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, with a train station (which stands to this day) built at the bottom of Main Street in 1831."
The now-abandoned flour mill.
The museum was closed due to the virus as were some of the shops. Unfortunately, the devastating flood has forced many of the tourist shops to either close or semi-close as they work on remodeling. The river came down Mainstreet and you can go to this link for a complete documentary of the tragedy.
"In 2019, Ellicott City was still reeling from the disastrous downpour of May 27, 2018, when a severe rainstorm walloped the town, leading to flash floods that ravaged roads and buildings and killed one person. It was the second torrential, 1,000-year storm to pummel the town in as many years. On July 30, 2016, heavy rain soaked Ellicott City in a span of just a few hours, causing flash floods that inundated Main Street, wiped out storefronts and vehicles, and killed two people."
Even today the danger is still there, although they are continually working on re-directing the river.
There were people on the streets, but only a few tourists. Most were working or getting lunch. Main street is an uphill downhill walk!
While there were places to eat lunch, we opted to eat our own food. It did not help the retailers, but we are over 60 and must be very careful.
If you look closely at the photo of the shop window above, you can see the reflection of hubby and I playing at tourist.
We managed to fritter away the entire day by including a 3-mile walk along the river and got home just before dinner time. A good break before we hunker down in the week ahead.
I saw that in the news when the flooding happened! Terrible. Looks nice from your photos now, though! Andrea
ReplyDeleteI'm always curious about people who take these trips--where did you go to the restroom? Was it clean? I'm not going far from home for that reason as well as wondering what would happen if the car broke down or there was an accident.
ReplyDeleteWe stoppped by the river park which had public restrooms. They were really clean considering the number of people using floaties down the river. We wore masks inside and washed out hands thoroughly. We were in the restrooms less than 5 minutes as well.
DeleteYes, what about bathrooms. I have to come home for 10 minutes even while sitting in the park with friends.
Deletewhen my sister and I made a day trip we wore masks and gloves in the restroom of a service station discarding the gloves as we left. disposable cheap food service gloves do the trick.
DeleteDear Anvilcloud, yep, even in my younger days would ask myself, is travel to densely populated areas really worth the hassle?
DeleteWonderful day trip. A hat shop is a rare treat to see, in addition to your reflection photos.
ReplyDeleteSad about the floods. I hope the are able to engineer barriers or at least erect rushing flood water safety towers like the old forest fire lookouts.
I believe the restroom issue is a problem around here as some main pit stops folks use, truckers especially, are closed. Not a good demonstration of thank you to essential workers on the move. I cannot express in polite words how utterly stupid I believe it is to close restrooms.
I bet it felt good to get out. I feel a certain amount of conflict about not supporting local business but at the same time I am much more aware of exactly what it is that is essential to me -- and it's not all that much right now.
ReplyDeleteNice entry. I will check out the links.
ReplyDeleteLittle seems essential now but love. Friends and health are the core of things, and I note health is a little lacking.
I'm glad y'all got out. I think day trips in our space pod cars, wearing masks and keeping distance outside is safe and doable.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been such a nice break away from home. Take care you two!
ReplyDeleteI used to love road trips! I say 'used to' because it's been so long since I've taken one. A good friend and I used to take them fairly often... and occasionally still says that perhaps we have at least one left in us. If we all survive this pandemic, I can't wait to take off to New Orleans or the hill country... or 'anywhere' actually. Glad you had a nice break. Do continue to be cautious though. We are a long way from being out of the woods.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a lovely outing. I’m nervous about venturing too far away because of needing to use the bathroom. Actually, we’ve been around our small island so many times that it doesn’t really excite us to travel around here too much.
ReplyDeleteLove the masks on the hat shop models. Very up with the times! Sad that you also have to wear them but it pays to be careful. It must be horrible having so many cases in your country.
ReplyDeleteGreat road trip. I sure could use one but the fire has also hindered ours. Maybe soon as the fire has moved on. Not that it's gone but just destroying elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful way to spend the day.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to support local economy by eating there, find out if any of the places take an online order and payment and then come set the food in front of your car when you arrive and call them. Something to think about.