Mon June 27, 2011

Well at least the drive from OH to Pittsburgh was a short little jaunt. We were all feeling a little frazzled so NOT spending all day in the van plus a day off was a treat.

Pittsburgh has a really awesome downtown. 2 rivers coverging with many yellow steel bridges spanning them, high cliffs on all sides, and the city planners really went nuts on the architecture. And in a good way. We were able to get the club rate on the Courtyard Marriot downtown for 2 nights. Sweet! And unlike most stupid-expensive hotels, the room internet was free. Awesome.

Spent the day with MJ our superfan and her husband and daughter. They treated us to beer and bbq, a formal sit-down dinner of steaks. Was awesome, wish we could show more appreciation than we already have. Fans like that really help us out, not only for feeding us and working as a street team, but that kind of moral support really goes a long way.

Sun June 26, 2011

Spent Sunday on a white-knuckle ride on 311 thru the Blue Ridge Mountains in VA headed up to Pittsburgh. Was beautiful but harrowing, all hairpin turns and steep grades. Seemed less miles, but in hindsight wouldn't have taken that road in the van had we known what we were in for. Don't get m wrong, it was amazing. But it's also the kind of drive that wears you down as a driver (Eric) and a passenger alike.

Drove all freakin day, only to find there is no Chase Bank in Pittsburgh, or anywhere in PA. Suck, because a hotel deal on Priceline requires a credit or debit card. We had the cash just no means to deposit. And by the time we realized our predicament, it was too late to book anyway. Fuck.

Nearest Chase Bank was an hour away in Steubenville OH. Shit. So we piled back in, deposited some money (me enough to cover already-late phone bill). Found a hotel there and admitted defeat for the night.