dill,
Yes, you mUST get past Albany first or you will spend 3 hours just going through there. You can drop down anytime after that and hit 20 west. You wil also miss all of the other big towns (Utica, Syracuse) as you will be south of them. It is a nice scenic ride too with nice hills and dales and not a lot of traffic. This would add about an hour or so to the ride.

A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice. Pat