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Looks like we will now start out trip in early to mid May and finish in late June or early July. Probably start in LA and head to San Diago for a couple of days defore heading to Tuscon, Tombestone and from there who knows. My wife has a list of places so I need to start planning again.Hopefully loop around and end up in San Francisco before Yosemite and over through Death Valley to Las Vegas before heading back to LA and home.
John
John, you know that no matter how long you have, it is never 'enough time'. Good excuse for trip #3.Quote:
Originally Posted by john.waters
Make a note in your planning that Monday 27th May is Memorial Day, usually quite a busy weekend.
Lifey
Lifey I think there could be a trip #4 too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lifemagician
Memorial weekend last year we were in Las Vegas. Room rate at Flamingo on Thursday $55 Friday $ 120. Still a good weekend. Holiday share presentation gave us 2 free flights over the strip, $75 gift vouchure and freee lunch. The presenter was more interested in our trip and didnt try to sell us anything.We said no once and that was it.
The flight over the strip was Friday night and the Pilot pointed out the lights coming from LA,one line of lights for as far as you could see. Definetly going back to Vegas.
John
I can assure you that my experience of Memorial Day is very different. This was on my third visit, and long before I knew about Memorial Day... or RTA.
I turned up at the Grand Canyon South Rim... with nowhere to park, long queues, unable to get on the shuttle and a general nightmare. Since then I have been particularly sensitive about where I am over any public holiday.
Lifey
Lifey, we left Las Vegas on the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend and got as far as Williams. Went to the Grand Canyon on the Sunday morning, as we headed to the Grand Canyon I could see all the cars starting to catch os. It was early morning and by the time we left it was the same.Long waits for the shuttle and place packed.It was windy and left about 3pm and headed towards Page to Antelope Canyon. It was very windy at the Grand Canyon so no helicopters or planes going over.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lifemagician
Im at the moment putting the video together that my wife shot, so reliving a lot of the trip again.All it does is make me want to get back sooner.
Hi All, still around and still planning. Just spent a few weeks in beautiful Tonga on a very small island.
Just happened to be staying there were a couple from Alaska. From their stories and description of the place I seem to have been bitten by the Canada and Alaska bug as well.
Im looking at Alaska and Canada on the next trip as well. Maybe it should be a seperate trip but would I need to add a month or so to cover a trip to Alaska. We like to keep moving and look around with a day or so here and there.
Any ideas.
John
Would you need to add a month to the upcoming trip?
No, definitely not! You will need to add about six to eight weeks, if you are really going to see the place, and experience all the wonders up north.
My first trip in 2004 was in a rental vehicle, which Budget would only let me have for a maximum of 28 days. I drove from Seattle up and a different route back to Seattle. Six and a half thousand miles. No where near enough time. I had to skimp over so many things, but it whet my appetite for future trips.
Of course you could always fly into AK, but half the experience, I think, is the drive from the lower 48. Western Canada is as spectacular as the areas you covered last year.
My second trip was in 2009. Part of a longer trip, it was a little more than 7 weeks - not counting the time in the lower 48.
Still not satisfied, and always wanting to see and experience more, I made another eight week trip earlier this year.
Yeah, make it a separate trip. Plan well. Get The Milepost (why not pick up a copy when you are over next year), it is an essential, both in the planning and during the actual trip.
Lifey
Thanks Lifey.
I have ordered a copy of The Mile Post and a few maps etc. Id love to get to Alaska next year. I can see what time I would really need.
Driving and looking is what I really love so Id have to do the drive. Maybe do my original plan next year and Canada Alaska the following year when I save a few more dollars and accumulate more annual leave.
Ill go back to the planning board and see what I can come up with.
Thanks again
John
Well Im back at the planning table again. Alaska has been put back a year or two as we want to save it for a full 2 months on its own.
I promised my wife we would finish off the from last year and now back to the original plan.
About 8 weeks to do an anti clockwise trip starting in early May and finishing around the mid to end of June. We have cut out a few places where we spent time last year.So places Phoenix and Tucson are off limits this trip.
I have a bit of a list I put together and is here for the picking. I know roughly where we want to go but not sure of the time needed.
this isnt concrete but would like some help with it please. It might seemed to rushed for one trip but we really want to do this as it might be our last chance for some time.
These distances are in Kilometers
Day km
1 Arrive LA
2 LA Sedona 790 Route 66
3 LA Sedona
4 sedona Albuquerque 600
5 Albuquerque Sand Springs 1065 Visiting friends
6 Sand Springs
7 Sand Springs
8 Sand Springs Dallas 440
9 Dallas Houston New Orleans 1000
10 Dallas Houston New Orleans
11 New Oleans
12 New Oleans
13 New Oleans Memphis 636
14 Memphis
15 Memphis Lynchburg Nashville 518 Jack Daniels
16 Nashville
17 Nashville Louisville 282 Bourbon Trail
18 Louisville Lexington Cherokee 518
19 Cherokee Blue Ridge Parkway
20 Blue Ridge Parkway Allowed 4-5 days for the Blue Ridge Parkway
21 Blue Ridge Parkway
22 Blue Ridge Parkway
23 Blue Ridge Parkway Skyline Drive Front Royal Allow 2 days for a look around.
24 Front Royal Niagara Falls 603
25 Front Royal Niagara Falls
26 Niagara Falls
27 Niagara Falls Rapid City 2300 Not sure of best route.
28 Niagara Falls Rapid City
29 Niagara Falls Rapid City
30 Badlands
31 Badlands
32 Badlands Glacier NP 1200
33 Glacier NP
34 Glacier NP
35 Glacier NP
36 Glacier NP Calgary 300
37 Calgary Lake Louise Jasper 423
38 Calgary Lake Louise Jasper
39 Calgary Lake Louise Jasper
40 Jasper Port Angeles 1000
41 Port Angeles Olympic NP
42 Olympic NP Portland 500
43 Portland The Dalles Portland 300
44 Portland Mount Hood Union Creek 542
45 Union Creek Mount Shasta Avenue of the giants 650
46 Avenue of the giants San Francisco 450
47 San Francisco
48 San Francisco
49 San Francisco Yosemite NP 350
50 Yosemite NP
51 Yosemite NP Tehacapi 542
52 Tehachapi Los Angeles 169
53 Los Angeles
54 Los Angeles
55 Los Angeles
56 Los Angeles Home
57
I have a few spare days at the ned but really wanted to go from Yosemite to Vegas via Death Valley but not sure of road closures in June.
We had Denver in there as well on the way to Rapid city and Mount Rainer on the way to Porland. But we can leave that for the Alaska trip from Seattle.
Any guidance would be appreciated. Positive or negative , all taken in
Cheers
John
Alaska will still be there.... might just go back myself then, too. lol
You're becoming a real pro at this.
Lifey
John, not likely to see any road closures between Yosemite and Las Vegas via Death Valley in June. It will be easily 112 degrees F in Death Valley!Quote:
Originally Posted by john.waters
Oh, wait, why are you going around the Sierras from Yosemite? US-395 should not be missed for the photographer in you! Too many good opportunities for perfect light!
Mark
If Tioga Pass (120) is open, that would be the "best" way to get from Yosemite to LV via DV. The chances are pretty good that it will be open in June, depending on the time of month. There are other options to get from Yosemite to 395 if it isn't. Sonora Pass (108) may be open, as may be Ebbetts Pass (4). If not, Carson Pass (88) is maintained year-round and Monitor Pass (89) is usually the first pass to open. If you go south, rather than going through Tehachapi on 58, you can take 178 through Lake Isabella.
Thanks for the replies. I put the idea of Tehachapi in there in case we are running behind time and need to get to LA quicker. Otherwise it will be back to Vegas for a day or two. I really want to explore it a bit more as it could be some time before we get back.
We like Tehachapi as it was a friendly town and me be ex railway the loop had me interested last time.
What are peoples thoughts on the intenerary.
Are we planning too much.
Do we have enought time.
Places like the Blue ridge mountains etc, I didnt know how much time to allow.There is a lot of driving and a lot of planning to do in this trip.
Getting to places like New Oleans will be time consuming and do we really need to go to Dallas or Houston or rather go down to San Antonio and visit the Alimo instead, or jusr avoid the interstates all together and hit the back roads in Texas.
We even wanted to chuck in a couple of days in New York City and through Colorado and Denver on the way to South Dakota.
What do we leave out and what do we see. We could leave Canada out alltogether until our Alaska trip but being so close we feel the need to visit. We could extend our trip a bit longer but every day adds extra vehicle hire, fuel etc so it all adds up.
Im still leaning towards hiring an escape Camper again as it gives us a good bed and able to cook if we want to,also the opportunity to go the long miles and not have to be tied down to a motel check in. The camper cost us about $90 US a day for unlimited miles and full insurance. Im sure we could have done a better deal on insurance. My wilf loved the little camper so if she is happy then so am I.
I have swapped ad change this trip a bit since starting this tread but Im certain this is the trip we are going to do,just need to fine tune it a bit. "HELP"
John
Back to the maps and study a bit more. Googling photos of places seems to be my undoing. Anything for a photo session.
John
I think the answer to the first question is "Possibly."Quote:
Originally Posted by john.waters
To the second, "Yes, but..."
And the third, "It depends."
Let me elaborate. Using the Blue Ridge mountains as an example - you could spend weeks there exploring the different towns and historical sites, etc. I've been to the areas near Skyline Drive in Virginia multiple times over the years and I certainly haven't experienced all there is to offer. As you move into or out of an area, there will probably be times that you see something that piques your interest and alters your plans. So for that you're going to want some slack in your planning.
One of the best trips I ever had was where I planned only the first couple of days and the last couple of days. It was a much shorter trip than yours, but I think extending that philosophy of leaving some of the days on a longer trip unplanned would be rewarding. Had I not done that, I wouldn't have found a neat road house in Pennsylvania or an old arched covered bridge in Virginia.
This looks like a fantastic trip. Am jealous! :)
Re your time in Kentucky - the distilleries are rather spread out across the middle of the state. You'll pass Jim Beam in the Clermont area on your way up from Nashville. The drive from Nashville to Louisville is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours on the interstate. Maker's Mark is south of Bardstown (also on your way from Nashville) near Loretto (this area south of Bardstown is home to an abbey and a monastery - look for the bathtub Virgin Mary in people's yards). While others - Woodford and Four Roses come to mind - are located between Louisville and Lexington. Gorgeous scenic back road drives in this area between Frankfort & Lexington. It's about 5-6 hours straight through from Louisville to Cherokee on I-64/75/40, depending on traffic.
Thanks Mass Tim and morgail.
I know its easy to put too much into one trip so careful planning is the key here.
Last year we covered 8500 mile in 6 weeks and were on the move most days.
I like the idea of seeing a little of a lot rather than a lot of a little. I dont think I will ever get a chance to get back to these places for a long time if ever so would like to make the most of it.
We are planning on Alaska in a couple of years so the Canada and Washington area could be left until then.
The blue ridge Mountains are something I want to experience so at leat a week could be spent here.
As for Kentucky maybe one or two distilleries might be enough and more time drivng the country roads and enjoying the scenery.
New Orleans is another but a lot of miles between stops,We really want to go there as well,
Getting from Niagara Falls to South Dakota is a long way as well. Do you think adding Denver would be a big mistake.
John
Hey John.
I wouldn't say adding Denver was a "big mistake" but it probably won't be the best use of your time seeing as you will have little of it to spare there anyway. [I personally prefer RMNP and Manitou Springs areas near Denver]. If you have a little time spare you could visit some of the places in the Badlands to Glacier area, choosing from Rushmore, Custer State park, Wind Cave NP, Devils Tower, Bighorn Rec area and so on. Without extra time available you might be able to split your journey up on the way to Glacier and spend just one full day in Badlands and visit a couple.
Thanks Southwest Dave you have covered that in one hit. I didnt fill in the gaps between days as not to make the itninerary to long.
Denver was just a point on my road trip plan. Just wasnt sure if it would be the best way to get to Badlands.But felt it was a good area as well.
Rocky Mountains NP, Custer Sate Park,Rushmore, Crazy Horse and all that you mentioned are on the list.
Im not a fan of interstates and make me feel uneasy driving them and a waste of time. I prefer country roads where you have to slow down and drive through the towns.I realise that some days I will need to hit the interstae to make the distance required.
My wife and I talked this morning and quiet happy to leave Canada and a Olympic NP out if we have to as we plan on visiting Alaska in 2015 and could start from there.
I have set te trip limit to 8 weeks as thats as much as we can squeeze in.
Driving long hours doesnt worry me and being in a new Country with different scenery makes it so much easier. Last year I drove from Dayville OR to West Yellowstone. It was a fun drive and had plenty of time for photos and rests and managed to avoid the busy roads. I cant wait to get there again.My camera shutter finger is itching.
Thanks for the feed back and ideas.
Back to the maps.
John
Well here we go again.Started playing with google maps and managed to cover the whole of route 66 in as well. Cut a bit out put a bit in. Just a matter of putting all the bits together and see if it works.Still maybe not enough time.
Wel... two of my favorite roads in the USA are Interstate Highways -- Cove Fort to Green River on I-70 in Utah and I-15 between Devore, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Two lane roads are fine too, but I'm happy road tripping, no matter what the road designation is!Quote:
Originally Posted by john.waters
Mark
Not so much dont like the interstates Mark, but being in a new country driving I feel Im rushed and concentrating on driving than enjoying the trip. I must admit some of the Interstates were enjoyable.
I came from Evenstong to Price and Green River on the way to Moad and was enjoyable.
John
Just a question about car / van hire. I just looked here on the car hire and could find any limits on miles when renting a car.I looked a a couple from Hertz.
Just trying to work out the best way to go. For 56 mights we are looking at about $90-100 a day US for the escape camper with insurance and no milage limit.A round $5600 all up. Then there will be RV and Campground fees and fuel.
We can get a good size car for about $1400 all up for 2 months from Hertz. Thats a lot of difference.
The main reason I like the van is becauses we can travel and have our bed and food with us. But Im not so sure its the right way to go now.
Just got a quote from the camper hire at $7000. Juicy campers look good so gong to seee what they can do. Juicy around the $5300 for 2 months.
Any ideas.
John
John, that is the classic lifestyle vs budget debate, which I am sure you have read about on these forums. But remember, when you are on the road from point A to B with the camper you have to option to stop at truck stops where they are nearby.Quote:
Originally Posted by john.waters
Were the Escape vans wired for power? If not, you'd not need hook-ups, would you? You could get away with paying for a tent spot.
[A really good way to light up the van at night is to get a few solar garden lights. Keep them on the dash during the day, light up at night. I had three in my van, only small ones which gave me enough light to do most things, but not to read by.]
Lifey
Thats the big difference Lifey. Looking at the Juicy Van option seem pretty reasonable. We talked last night and the van gives us the freedom to stop when we want and not living out of motels and able to prepare our own meals.
We didnt see many truck stops last year as we were mainly on the back roads but next year will de a lot more busier roads if we want to bet to our destinations on time.
Thinking cap back on.
John
We discovered over the past two summers that truck stops are most easily found along interstate highways...perhaps this has been your experience, too. Hubby and I found that to be a distinct disadvantage to the US and state highways...plus the lack of rest areas! Wal-Mart and Target started to take the place of truck stops as we traveled, for restrooms. (Some of those, as you may know, allow RV's or camper vans to stay overnight for a certain period of time. Some don't, like our local Wal-Mart, because of local ordinances. They made an exception during the fires of 2003 and 2007.)
I'll second Mark's vote for I-70 between Cove Fort and Green River, UT, being especially scenic. We also love I-70 between Grand Junction and Denver, CO, for spectacular scenery. It's one interstate that we never get tired of! I-8 between Alpine CA and Jacumba, CA is also quite pretty, but in a totally different way. Others may laugh at me, but I found I-40 in Arkansas and Tennessee to be beautiful -- love the forests!
Donna
Donna
It can also be very treacherous when it's windy, foggy, and/or icy!Quote:
I-8 between Alpine CA and Jacumba, CA is also quite pretty, but in a totally different way.
While we're on scenic Interstates.... don't forget I-94 either side of the MT / ND border... around Teddy Roosevelt NP.
Lifey
Maybe I should have just said Im a slow driver and dont like lots of traffic.
John
Don't worry John I think I know exactly where you are coming from, having spent less than 10% of my miles in the US on Interstate ! Even though Interstates can be scenic, they don't put you in the heart of things the same. When I think of the small towns, buildings, little attractions and people I would not have got to see had I taken the Interstate, it just reinforces my personal belief, that I'm mostly better off without them when on Holiday. Same goes for the Motorways here in England, both are handy for getting from A to B, or to pick up time when needed, but I feel more alive on the switchbacks and twistys than aiming straight down the road with the masses.
An RTA logo once said, 'Lifes a Journey take the scenic route' and that fits perfect for me.
Dave.
Well this road trip has gone from a dream to now a reality. I booked the flights last night to LA
Arrive LA Friday 10th May
Depart LA Thursday 4th July.
Hopefully this will give us enought time to complete the trip.Now its a matter of getting the route sorted out. We have a route planned, just need to plot the days and stops.
Still undecided on a van or a car.The van was last year was great as we spent a lot of time in National Parks and RV Parks. I looked at Jucy Vans but all booked out aound out time and a bit small for me to sleep in.
We still spent a few nights in Motels so the overal van / motel mix was getting expensive.
The real positive with a van was being able to put the long hours in without the worry of getting to a motel on time.
We want to get good value for our dollar on a long trip like this.
THe insurance part got us last year and we were put on the spot as out travel insurance was a bit confusing. Ended up paying an extra $18 per day for 42 days so added anothe $750 on to the hire.
The rental people wouldnt help too much, just said do you feel OK if you dont take out the insurance.
Still need to work on this one.
John
Well the means of travel have been sorted.Escape Campers now have a Dodge Caravan Camper for Hire.It has more room for me to sleep, better fuel economy but the best seller was a compressor fridge, 2nd battery and invertor to run our electrics/chargers and too boot they are only 3 years old.
Escape Campes have a depot in New York so we may be able to drop the camper off there while we visit the City for a few days.
Plan looking good.
John
John, sounds fantastic. Having the fridge, rather than a cooler, makes all the difference. Just make sure you drive enough each day to top up those batteries. Check up to see if the extra battery feeds off the car battery. In my Ford it is installed so that it can go flat, but cannot drain the car battery. Otherwise you may find that the fridge and any item you power through the inverter could flatten both batteries.
In 2009 my friends loaned me a Dodge Caravan, which we converted to a 'camper'. Mattress on the floor, 12v mini cooler - didn't even have a second battery, but did not often run it overnight - and a campstove. Served me well for almost 6 months. Took me to Alaska and back. Averaged around 26mpg.
No doubt the bed will be on a frame, with storage underneath. When the seats are removed, the floor is pretty well flat. It also has great headroom. You will be very comfortable.
Lifey
Hi Lifey.
Starting to get the plan together.
The Dodge is set up so the main battery cant be flattened by the second battery. Looks like the pick of the vans and just 2 years old.
Still working on the route and forever changing things. We have put the whole of route 66 in the trip and looking forward to that part.
Getting from Albuquerque to New Oleans seems to be a challenge on what would be the most scenic without being too slow. I thought via San Antonio and Houston would be the best.
New Oleans is a long way out of our plan but something I dont want to miss.Anyone have any ideas on this part of the trip.
Another one that I am having difficulty in working out is the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline drive. What sort of time framw should I allow here.
I realise it could be done by just driving and not stopping or the whole time we have in the USA. Would 5-7 days be too short from Cherokee to Front Royal.
Cheers
John
Hi all, well its 2013 here in Australia and now its onle about 17 weeks before we arrive for Road Trip number 2.
I now have an arrive and departure date set.Campervan booked and a plan set.Not in concrete but the direction we want to go and what we would like to achieve,If we run short of time we we leave a few places and pick up from there next time.I have a itinerary but still working on it as Im still trying to source some information.
Attachment 3563
The Plan is to follow the red line along Route 66 and then down to New Oleans,up to Tennessee and Kentucky,down to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Dr then Washington DC and North to Niagera Falls.
To Chicago and pick up Route 66 and complete it at Albuquerque and then the black line up to Montana via Denver and Rocky Mountain NP.Glacier NP and a little taste of Canada before heading back down to Columbia River Gorge,Crater Lake,San Francisco,Yosemite and back to LA.
A plan anyway
John.
John, this is going to make for a great field report. Can't wait to read it and see all your fantastic photography.
Did you manage to pick up some of the cheap fares going at the moment? (I am tempted by $1100 return MEL - LAX with Virgin. Travel before 16th June.)
Lifey
Thanks Lifey. Booked a few months ago but still around $ $1200 each. We leave on July 4. I tried to change to an extra day but too costly.
Just putting the bits together on the trip.Im still lost to finding out what sort of time I should allow to travel from Cherokee to Front Royal along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. I was thinking at 30mph average I should allow about 4 days at a steady pace.Anyone have any ideas.We have a lot to cover so any help would be appreciated.
John
Yeah! John, the BRP is slow going, which I know you don't mind, but it will take a while. Not to mention the numerous view points, which on a clear day allow for spectacular views. You'll love it for photos. Hope you don't strike fog. There are also many short hikes to be had.
I have never done the whole lot at once. I have been on various sections of it, and always underestimated the time it would take. Or maybe I just stop too often. Four days should see you fine. The good part is, if you find yourself way behind schedule, there is a faster road, not all that far away.
On another note, here is a website which was brought to my attention not all that long ago. A lot of great information and hints making the most of living in a vehicle. They also have a very active forum. The whole site, and forum is oriented to country roads and free camping. You might find some of it interesting/useful.
Lifey
Thanks Lifey
I think Im going to have to put in a few long days. New Oleans look like it will chew into our time fairly well.Just getting there from Albuquerque is one long drive.Then back again. I found another drive on the way to Memphis called NAtchez Parkway.Looks like a nice drive as far as Tupelo if time permits.
I think we can afford 4 days on Blue Ridge Park Way. We not really decided on going to New York City so could bypass and save another couple of days,
Thanks for the link.
John
John, You will love the Natchez Parkway. 50mph speed limit. No trucks. Very little traffic (when I was on it). And ever so much to see and explore along the way. I only drove the northern section, from west of Florence AL to Nashville TN. Took me nearly all day. Didn't allow anywhere near enough time for it. I particularly like the boards it had up along the way, explaining the history and significance of each particular spot.
There is no reason to think that the southern section won't be much the same. Yeah! a great drive.
Lifey