Whee! Two weeks from today, I will be on the road. Freak out time! 
Ginger, thanks. I know I’m not the first person to move across states for someone, but knowing that people on here have done it and made it work just fine makes me less apprehensive about it all.
I’m still nervous as all get-out, though. But at least the guys are all excited that I’m coming up there. (I think they think that once I move in, it means maid service. They better think again…:D)
The directions take you around DC to the west; mine took you around the east side. In mileage terms, it’s about even. There’s one drawback each way: east has the Wilson Bridge, which I’ve given you some guidance about; the west way has that stretch along the north side of the Beltway (the part that includes the Mormon temple - “surrender Dorothy!”) that winds around like crazy, at least by the standards of 8-lane interstates. But you’ve driven that, and if you’re OK with it, then by all means go that way.
More than happy to.
And just plain bumper-to-bumper time.
Nothing wrong with getting an early start, but if you’re on track to hit the DC area anytime between 3 and 7 p.m. as you approach Fredericksburg, I’d urge you to stop in the Fredericksburg area for a nice leisurely meal and a nap, then wait until after 6pm, at the very least, to resume your trip.
For a moment I thought of suggesting US 301 as an alternative, but I know the thought of tackling the Nice Bridge (that’s the actual name of the bridge that carries US 301 over the Potomac) in a big truck, towing a car, would give me the willies. So forget that.
Good luck!
301 is way outta the way, IMHO. It’s nearly 35 miles east of 95 from Fredericksburg to the Nice Bridge, then there’s the stop-and-go thru La Plata and Waldorf before getting on Rt 5 and heading back towards 495, or to Bowie then I-97 to Baltimore. Stopping in Fred’burg for a snack is a much wiser idea. Getting an earlier start is even wiser, but then I’m a chronic early riser… 
Muwah ha ha ha! The first time I saw that thing, I was kind of wigged out about it. I couldn’t figure out why someone had built a castle in Baltimore!
I do want to leave extra early, and I want to get to Baltimore before too late, but the traffic thing is worrisome. So if I leave Fredericksburg around 6, what time will that put me in Baltimore?
8-ish, barring an accident along your route
As a current Glen Burnian and pickup truck[sup][/sup] driver I offer myself for any services that may be required.
[sup] But I’m really not a redneck, I swear! :)[/sup]
Gracias!
I think we may have it covered, actually, since I’ll be moving in with 4 guys. (I might actually not have to do heavy lifting for once!)
The truck has to be returned in Dundalk, which has had me singing “Blue Skies Over Dundalk” since I made the reservations. Hee hee!
Oh, and for the record, my boyfriend is having his annual “BIG Ben’s Birthday Bash” at Paloma’s again this year. It’s April 25. If you’re in the area, please come by and find me. I’ll be the crazy girl with the star of the evening. Oh, and I think that this will be the last night that Paloma’s is open, as they are moving to a new location. (The grand re-opening is July 10, and ABBA is the grand opening show. Hee hee! And my boyfriend may be opening for them!)
Paloma’s
15 West Eager Street (for now)
410-783-9004
Dundalk?? Dang, that’s a bit of a trek from Catonsville. Oh well, you’ve got to learn your way around the city sometime!
Inquiring minds want to know! Are you here yet? Any problems with the drive up?
Did I ever mention that I find women who drive like grandmothers sexy?
(he he he, let your boyfriend read that post right after you move in)