From Maryland we crossed over into Pennsylvania and took the interstate around Pittsburgh to get to Coraopolis, where we would be staying for the next 3 nights.We were staying with Jen, a work friend of my brothers, whom he thought we would get on well with, and he was right.

In the morning we prepared for our next American experience: a tailgate party and a country music concert!Seven of us loaded up Bill's huge truck (a Ford F350 - see photos) which made our Dodge Charger look tiny.We loaded in enough food and drink for a small army, as well as a gazebo, chairs, a table, a BBQ and some wooden painted boards which we were a little confused about.Then the 7 of us got in and drove to the First Niagara Amphitheatre parking lot.There were already hundreds of people there, nearly all in huge trucks, with American and Confederate flags, and we set up in line, next to one of Jen and Bill's friends.We then spent the next few hours eating and drinking, along with everyone else.We had BBQ pork sandwiches, pasta salad, pierogie (like pasta filled with mashed potato and cheese) and a great desert made with grapes, cream cheese and brown sugar.Many people had brought along couches and a couple of cars down from us they had brought some huge speakers and their own DJ, so we were kept entertained and I got the chance to dance.

As well as eating and drinking, most people were playing Cornhole.This, we found out, is what the painted boards were for, as you set the up on the floor opposite each other and then throw beanbags with the aim of getting them on to the board, or even better, through the small hole at the top of the board, until one team gets 21 points.I was not very good at this game, and only really grasped the rules after I'd finished playing!We're wondering though if we might be able to start a new trend in England and New Zealand..... anyone for Cornhole?As well as the music and the games, we were also kept entertained by the various fights that broke out - to be expected really when you get lots of big men together, drinking beer all day in the sun!

After several hours we went in to the concert.We had missed the first 2 acts, but it was the main one we were there for (to be honest we had no idea, as we had not heard of any of them until we got to the States).Now those of you Brits reading this, I know what you will be thinking: Country Music?!Whereas most of the Americans we have spoken to can't believe that Country music is not big in the UK.So, let me explain - it's more like Country Rock, not the old country stuff we tend to know in the UK.Anyway, 55,000 people were there to see Toby Keith, and of all age groups and this was just one gig in a tour of many.We had fantastic seats, only about 6 rows from the front on stage right, and this is the side he came over to the most.He put on a fantastic show and the crowd loved him.He is very patriotic, with most songs having lyrics about being American and supporting the army.He also sang a lot about beer, with one song having the main line of 'Let's get drunk and be somebody'!Anyway, we had a great time, and in his encore, Trace Atkins came on stage to duet with him.After the concert, we tailgated again whilst the majority of cars queued to exit, and then all fell asleep on the drive home (except Bill, who was driving!)

The next day, we had planned to go out on Jen's boat, but we all got up very late, and then the rain came down, so Graham and I went for a walk instead on the Montour Run.Jen and Billy then took us out for dinner to a sports bar to try some traditional Pittsburgh sandwiches (Primanti Bros) which are huge and come with everything in them, including the fries!On our way to the bar, Graham got to drive Bill's truck - he was so excited.I think that is has been one of the highlights of Graham's travels!

In the morning we set off north to Erie.We had arranged to meet up with Ali, whom we met in Cambodia several months ago, as it was her birthday.We went with her and her brother Kevin to Presque Isle State Park, to the beach on Lake Erie.As we drove there the sun came out, so we went , did some sunbathing, and had a picnic - it was great.It's so beautiful down there, and so few people.After leaving Erie, we continued north east and into the state of New York, and eventually across the border into Canada.

Maggie x