2013 Lap around the USA

Well its only 16 months before we head off on our next trip to the USA.We were planning on a 3 month trip but concerned it may be a bit long to be away from home.So planning now will give us a better Idea on how long we need. We have visited a lot of the west so we will be able to bypass a lot of the National Parks we have already done.

Our plan is to Arrive at San Francisco and spend a few days before heading north to Redwood NP and up to Crater Lake NP and then to maybe Mt Rainer NP and then Olympic NP.From Port Angeles catch a car ferry to Vancouver and have a look around Japer NP and Banff before heading to the 2013 Calgary Stampede. From here we would like to head down to Glacier NP and across to South Dakota.From here head to Buffalo and see Niagra falls from both USA and Canada. Not sure of most scenic route from Sth Dakota to Buffalo yet.

From here to New York for a day or so.

Now this is where it gets interesting.I will have to put the big map on the wall for this one.We would like to see some of Kentucky,Ohio and West Virginia,Tennessee and some of Mississippi and Louisianna.Thought of Florida but that may be stretching it too much.
Back over through Texas and over to Arizona for a while then Las Vegas.From Vegas we will go to Death Valley and then over to Yosemite again and then from there over to the Coast and back down to LA and home.

A lot of ifs and Mayby's but its a plan.Now I need to work out what we want to see in each place.I might even get to take a few photos along the way.I havent even put pen to paper to plan and its all from looking at maps so far.Time might be the killer but we managed 8000 mile in 5weeks last trip.

Any suggestions would be appreciated and I will start a book on ideas and locations.

John & Sandra Waters
Roadtrippers from OZ.

Trying to comment on a plan of this scale from someone with some serious RoadTripping chops is always a problem. There won't be much that I can add that you haven't already thought of and (as with all good plans) it is likely to change considerably between now and its implementation. So let me just throw out the odd recommendation here and there that you might want to consider adding to your plan (if they're not already in there.) Let's start with a drive up the Historic Columbia River Highway, gorgeous in its own right, there are several incredible waterfalls on its south (Oregon) shore within easy walking distance of the road. While on Vancouver Island, besides the obvious stuff like Butchart Gardens and Pacific Rim National Park, there is a great First Nations center in Duncan, a few dozen miles north of Victoria on the Strait of Georgia. And I'd also take the time, on your ferry ride from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen to take in one or more of the islands in the Strait. I found Saltspring Island to be quite relaxing and 'quaint', but there are others.

When you go to leave Banff for Calgary, stop in Canmore and ask about the 'back way' down through the Kananaskis Valley. This is pretty much all graded dirt and as such doesn't show up on many maps, but it is spectacular and your chances of wildlife encounters are exponentially greater than on the Trans-Canada. .Similarly, between Glacier National Park and 'South Dakota', consider using MT-200 for as much as you can. This is almost as desolate a highway as the "World's Loneliest Highway" in Nevada, but traverses a hauntingly beautiful terrain.

As you head down to NYC from Niagara/Buffalo a couple of easy to miss scenic wonders are Watkins Glen and the Delaware Water Gap. Try not to (miss them, that is.) Another great RoadTrip Road in the central Appalachians is the Tail of the Dragon. Just keep one eye on your rearview mirror for motorcyclists.

In the south a few years ago, I had pretty good times at these locations which usually don't make the Top Ten lists: Old Cahawba outside Selma AL, the Mississippi Petrified Forest, and the site of Bonnie and Clyde's ambush in Gibsland LA. All low key, all unique. For cultural and scenic purposes, I would suggest that you bend your route south a bit through Texas and take in the music scene in Austin, the Alamo in San Antonio, and Big Bend National Park.

I call the Tucson area home and just a few of the local attractions include Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie, Tombstone, Kartchner Caverns, Saguaro National Park, Pima Air and Space Museum (and the nearby 'boneyard' at Davis-Monthan AFB), and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Well. I think that's enough for now.

AZBuck

Thanks Azbuck, that has put a few more locations on my to do list.Id like to see a bit more of Oregon so finding a new route there from Redwood NP instead of going to Cresent City and Grants Pass. Mabe coming in from Redding or Klamath Falls and the staying on the Country roads away from the coast to Mt Rainier NP then to Olympic National Park.
I think the big challenge will be to fit everything in once we leave New York.So much to see on the way back to Arizona and on to Yosemite before heading home.

We have family who live near Calgary and each work as volunteers at the Stampede. Perhaps I can "introduce" you to them during that time. One thing that is very cool, and little known, is that during Stampede week, just about every neighborhood in the city has a pancake breakfast on Saturday. It's free and all are welcome -- Visitors and Locals.

Mark

May as well add some of my favourites to the list. You'll find most of these in your atlas (if you brought one home),

There is Route 6 through PA. As the brochure states, 'not so much a route as a destination in itself'. Two hilights (and there are many) which come to mind are The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and the Kinzua Bridge, or should I say, the remnants of it. I saw this magnificent tressle bridge in 2001, and on my next visit saw it lying on the valley floor, far below, destroyed by a tornado. Still a great historic site - still worth visiting.

There are the many magnificent historic railway viaducts across eastern PA, one of which can be seen as you drive into NJ on I-80. Just north of Portland PA (south of the Delaware Water Gap) there is a spot where you can get a great picture of it. Another is the railway viaduct at the junction of highway 11 and 92 in Nicholson PA. I can imagine you taking great pictures of these.

The many historic covered bridges of Bedford County PA.

And the lovely hamlet of Jim Thorpe tucked away in the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania. And nearby Hickory Park with the Boulder Field, among other attractions.

There is so much to see in PA, you could spend a month there, and still not see it all. Very different from the great NPs in the west, but just as interesting.

Lifey

Things are looking good here and a lot of good suggestions so far thankyou. Because it is going to be a big trip I have decided to break the planning up into five stages and that way I will get a better idea on how long each stage will take before combining it into one trip.

I can see it being just as much fun planning as it will be doing the actual trip. With google I can see all photos of the area we will be going and be prepared.

The five stages will be.

Stage 1- San Francisco - Redwood NP - Klamath Falls - Crater Lake NP - Bend - Columbia River Highway - Portland -Mount Rainer - Olympic NP -(Ferry to Canada) Vancouver - Jasper NP -Banff -Calgary Stampede - Glacier NP Montana.


Stage 2 - Glacier NP - South Dakota - Buffalo - Niagara Falls ( a lot of planning to do here)


Stage 3 - Niagara Falls - New York City - Pennsyvania - West Virgina Area - Tennessee - Kentucky - Mississippi -New Orleans. Lots and lots of planning here).


Stage 4 New Orleans - Texas - New Mexico - Arizona


Stage 5 -Arizona -Nevada - Las Vegas - Death Valley - Yosemite NP and back to LA.


What do you think so far. If someone has some better ideas Id like to hear. But for now Im looking at getting stage one sorted and finding the best route sorted.

So what I am liiking for is suggestions from Redwod NP to Klamath Falls and on to Crater Lake. I have been up through Cresent City and Grants Pass so thought Klamath Falls would be nice.

Thanks again

John & Sandra Waters.

John

PS. Lifey I have The Ultimate HEMA United States Road Atlas which I got this time last year to plan our last trip. Its a great book.I didnt bring anymore back as we were overloaded at checkin at LAX.

If your route takes you that way, I'd highly recommend the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tenn/North Carolina. The Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge area is over the top touristy and trafficky, but the National Park is just beautiful.

In Kentucky, I'd recommend the Red River Gorge/Natural Bridge State Parks area in Eastern Ky. Beautiful scenery & good hiking if you like to hike. Central Kentucky (Lexington area) is a great driving area. Think rolling green hills dotted with horse farms, but you have to get off the interstate to really see the area. There's the Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington, which is a fun place to visit. There are also tons of bourbon distilleries in this area (Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, etc.). Bardstown is a great old small town to visit (eat at the Old Talbott Tavern if you get there). Louisville is good for the big city feel - lots of museums (including Louisville Slugger and the Derby Museum), historic homes, big parks, neat little shops. Mammoth Cave NP is also neat to see. It's the longest cave system in the world. That's my plug for my home state. :)

If you like history, you can create an entire route south from NY just visiting Civil War battlefields.

Thanks Morgail.

Looks like I might need a bit more time in this area.All good planning information,thankyou. As for getting off the interstates,that is main focus on planning this trip.

We like to enjoy the journey and not just the destination.I love the back roads and the country towns.

Thanks
John

Thanks everyone for the help so far.
I need a litle help with the map making and getting the distances right so I can calculate my stops each day.

The last trip we don I used maps on us to measure the distances and draw my route.It has since gone.Im not real confident with the mapping on here so maybe Im doing something wrong. I might be asking too much too do the whole trip in 4 routes so maybe have to break it down a bit.Anyone got any ideas on whats the best mapping to use on this RTA Site.

John

Back again. I had to stop and take a step back and see what I was planning.
We started planning our first trip in January 2011 and spent 5 months planning.

Then six weeks in the USA and 8500 photos.Got home and spent most of my spare time editing photos and video etc.
Finished of field trip report and posted photos recently.

Then straight away into planning this trip around the USA. I havent givn myself any time to sit back and have a breather.

I want the next trip to be even better than the last. Im not going to start planning anymore for a few months and catch up on a lot of other things I need to do.

Ill get back into it in a few months time.Thanks for everyone who has helped with our previous planning and this trip so far.

Its too easy to get wrapped up in things we enjoy the most. Once I catch up on my other stuff Ill be back in full swing

Thanks
John

Hi all, its back on my mind again and want to start planning a little bit.
Just a looking for some views on the trip we are planning.

Last yeat we had 42 days campervan hire that worked out at about $100 per day for the camper + fuel + RV parks or campgrounds. We also spent about 10 nights in motels and a few days with friends where the camper wasnt being used. So all up it was expensive per day.

Just wondering would it be cheaper to hire a car big enough for my 6'6'' body plus our gear and stay in motels or guesthouses. Last trip we done 16 national Parks and many state parks. Not looking to do as may next trip.

Any advice would be welcomed.
John

Yes, a car and motels would probably wind up cheaper, especially if you rent a relatively fuel-efficient sedan.

Thanks glc. i thought if I saved on a car we could stay longer. We had a Chevvy van with a V6 engine last time so a smaller car or van would be more economical.
I looked at quotes on line but not sure if they include insurances.

Look into Groom TX if you'll be on 40 easy, can be quick and definately something to see

Well Being the 4th of July here in OZ i think its time to rekindle this trip plan.Its just over a year since we got back and hopefully in one years time we will be in Calgary for the Stampede.Just depending on our plans on places to visit. We would like to visit a few of the national parks in Canada before coming back into Glacier National Park.
We would like to avoind the crowds like last year so we might have to be flexible with dated.
Putting our viseo as together from last year has got me planning again.

One question I would like to ask is, is it possible to come back int the USA from Canada via Going to the Sun road and into Glacier NP. Just not sure as to what time of year the roads are open.


John

It is possible to cross the border within the NP. Not sure if this road links direct to the GTTS road. Be aware, that crossing is restricted hours - not sure exactly, but probably 8am to 11pm (like some others I have used.).

You should be at the stampede this year, their great anniversary! It is all I heard when I was there last month. The statue honouring the occasion sounds spectacular. It was unveiled a day after I left.

It's hard to avoid crowds in the great NPs of the north, which all have such a short season.

Lifey

The GTTSR can open any time from early June and is totally weather dependant. [It sometimes needs re-plowing after the opening date] I think the latest it has opened in recorded history was on July 13th in 2011. I would say the odds are in your favour if you arriving after July 4th, but not a certainty by any means.

Thanks Dave and Lifey. I would love to have been ther now but I havent finished editing the last trip.
We are off to tonga next month for 2 weeks in the sun.
Our trip next year is still in the planning stage.Im thinking od going into Canada fro Port Angeles on the ferry then spending a few weeks there before coming down into Glacier NP and and remaining in the USA from then on. I have a list of places to visit in South Dakota etc. I wont go into the list just yet, just wanted to make sure we can get bact to Glacier OK.

We look like hiring a little van again, my wife loved it and enjoyed the freedom we had stoppind where we wanted too. So Im all for having a happy wife on the trip. We are country people and love the bush and camping so we will be looking at that type of a trip.

Once I get someting else together Ill post a bit of a mud map and get a few ideas on what else to look at.
John

Motels can be cheaper than tent camping. It depends on the quality of the motel. I've always thought about driving a loop around the USA, but have never gotten around to it.

One option is the Alaskan Highway. You can catch it near Baniff Park. From Chicago, it's an 84 hour drive straight through. Or, a week at 12 hours of driving per day.

Just a thought.

Have fun!

For the trip we done in 2011 I had it planned down to the day.We stuck to until Utah where we had to be on my wifes birthday for a booked balloon flight.After that we gained and lost a day as we pleased.
I think with 2013 we will have a starting and finishing point and a few places we must see and hit the road.If we make it to all then good, if not we will go back and finish it another day.
We will save Canada for another trip as well.

I had a look for the Alaskan Highway but could only find one that was built during the war but was only 1200 mile long I think. Where would you be driving for 12 hrs a day for a week. I might have been looking at a direct link to Chicago.
John

Hi all.

Just doing a bit of mental planning as I think of nothing else but getting back to the USA.I thought some waws a bit of a rush last time so going to take it easy and do some of the tourist stuff first before hitting the road.

Working out flights etc and the cost of flights in and out of different cities seems costly compared to a return flight from LA. So what I was planning was to fly into LA and spend a few days with a small hire car before driving to Las Vegas and spending a few days there before dropping the hire car off and picking up the camper. I found last time we were paying around $100 a day camper hire while we were in a motel as well. It seemed a waste of money paying for both.
Im not sure about rental charges one way to Las Vegas but I dont think it would be as high as camper hire. The other option would be to stay in a campground or RV PArk in Vegas, but I really liked staying in the Flamingo. Any advice on this would be appreciated.

Back to the Trip. (around Early/Mid June)
From Vegas we are thinking of

Vegas to Death Valley to Yosemite NP

Yosemite NP to San Francisco

San francisco - Avenue of the Giants - Redding

Redding to Mount Shasta - Klammath Falls to Crater Lake.

Crater Lake - Diamond Lake - Bend then across to Mount Hood National Forest .

From Mount Hood maybe to The Dalles then a overnight trip to Portland along the Columbia River Highway.
This is the spot where I need a bit of direction.Is it worth going along the Columbia River Highway one direction and back along Lewis and Clark Highway.
This area I would love to explore so any advice here would be helpful as I probably have myself going in the wrong direction.lol.

I have seen some spectacular photos of the Columbia River Gorge and want to capture a few myself.
Gettting from The Dalles to Mount Rainer It looks like trip up along 97 to Toppenfish and yakima and Snoqualmie National Forest. It all looks so beautiful and I want to travel ans many country back roads as possible. I dont like interstates.

From Mount Rainer before going across to Olmpic National Park and the ferry from Port Angeles to Canada.

My plan is to arrive at Calgary for the Stampede in 2013. If you think there should be other stops ets in this plan please add to list.

Thanks in advance,

John

You want to be sure and do the section designated as the Historic Columbia River Highway from I-84 Exit 22 to Exit 35. When we did it, we went to The Dalles on the Oregon side and then returned by kind of bouncing back and forth between the Washington side and the Oregon side.

Here's an excerpt from our journal of the trip which may give you some ideas:

Saturday, September 17, The Dalles – Had the comp breakfast at the Comfort Inn and headed for The Dalles via Oregon 18 and 22, I-5, I-205, Old US 30, I-84 and Old US 30 in to The Dalles. Oregon 22 pretty much follows the Willamette River through the Willamette Valley. First stop of the day was at a I-205 overlook at Oregon City. Here you get a good view of the Willamette Falls. Continued on to Troutdale where we stopped to eat at a McDonalds. In Troutdale, we picked up the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway which is also US 30. Stopped at the Crown Point Vista House where they have a nice visitor center. Views were good but spoiled somewhat by the rain that started almost the minute we left Troutdale. Continued on the Columbia Gorge Highway and stopped at several waterfall viewpoints including Latourell, Waukeena, Multnomah and Horsetail. Multnomah was especially nice with a very nice visitor center. Especially scenic was the stretch of road through Oneta Gorge. After the stretch of falls and the Oneta Gorge, you get back on I-84 for a while until again picking up the Gorge Highway again at Mosier. Between the two sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway, we got off I-84 at the Mitchell Point Viewpoint that affords some wonderful views of the river and the gorge. It was here that the original road had a series of tunnels with “windows” similar to the tunnels going in to Zion National Park. Sadly, they destroyed these tunnels when I-84 was built. It’s a shame because these tunnels were considered to be an example of engineering genius. From Mosier, you go over Rowena Crest, the most spectacular section of the Gorge Highway. The road climbs to the top of Rowena Crest and then descends through a series of switchbacks called “The Loops.” Continued on in to The Dalles, got checked in to Cousin’s Country Inn, relaxed for a bit and then had dinner at the hotel restaurant. Although the day was somewhat spoiled by rainy conditions, we saw some marvelous scenery and it was a pretty good day.

Sunday, September 18, The Dalles – Went to 9:00 Mass at St. Peter’s and then returned to Cousin’s Restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, we headed east on US 30 and crossed the Columbia on the US 197 bridge. Headed east on Washington 14 and found Stonehenge, a memorial to county residents killed in World War I. The monument is supposed to be a replica of England’s Stonehenge. Along the way, we stopped at the Celilo Falls Overlook. Before the construction of the Bonneville Dam, there were falls on the Columbia that were a valued salmon fishing site used by Indians. Here, you really get a feeling for the dryness of Washington and Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains. The mountains prevent the coastal rains from moving eastward and east of the mountains, it is dry as a bone and everything is shades of brown and yellow with the exception of a few fields and peach orchards which must be irrigated. In Washington, this dryness seems to stretch all the way across the eastern portion of the state. Leaving Stonehenge, we crossed back over the Columbia on the US 97 bridge and took I-84 to Cascade Locks. Here you can see the remains of the locks which allowed ships to pass the falls at Cascade Locks. Again, the Bonneville Dam eliminated the need for the locks and they are no longer in use. By the time we reached here, it was raining so we decided against any trip to Mount Hood. Drove on to the Corps Of Engineers’ Bonneville Dam Visitor Center. Looked around at the exhibits and watched salmon climbing the “fish ladder” which allows the salmon returning from the ocean to get upstream past the dam to their spawning sites. Took I-84 back to the Mitchell Point Overlook and stopped again because the weather was a little clearer than it was during our stop yesterday. Took I-84 to Mosier where we got off and stopped for some very good ice cream at Route 30 Roadside Refreshments and then repeated yesterday’s ride on the Historic Columbia River Highway over Rowena Crest. Arriving back in The Dalles, we kicked back for a while and then finished the day with dinner at Cousin’s Restaurant. This was another day where the weather left a little to be desired but didn’t really spoil the day.

Monday, September 19, Newport – Had breakfast at Cousin’s Restaurant and got checked out ending a very enjoyable stay at this motel/restaurant. Took I-84 west to Hood River and then took Oregon 35 to Panorama Point Park. Here we had a wonderful view of Mount Hood. Had a nice visit with some folks from the Chicago area who said the Oregon Coast drive would get a lot better from Newport south. We later found they were right. Decided against the drive to Mount Hood after we heard there was some construction in the area. Instead, we crossed over the Hood River Toll Bridge to Washington, headed west on Washington 14 and took the Cook-Underwood scenic loop drive. Along the way, there was an overlook that afforded nice views of the river, the Hood River Bridge and Mount Hood. We were glad we decided against the drive to Mount Hood because in just the short time between Panorama Point and Cook-Underwood, it had started to cloud in. Continued west on Washington 14 with a stop at Spring Creek Hatchery where we had fun watching some wind surfers on the Columbia River. At Cascade Locks, we crossed back over the Columbia by way of the Bridge Of The Gods. Arriving in Cascade Locks, we were just in time to take a two-hour boat trip on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. The trip goes west to the Bonneville Dam and then goes back upstream a few miles past Cascade Locks and then returns to Cascade Locks. It was an enjoyable trip but about twice as long as it needed to be. We would have been content to go to Bonneville and straight back to port. Along the way, we got a kick out of the Indian fishing camps along the river which were nothing more than a few boards nailed together and looking like they could fall in the river at any moment. Also enjoyed some views where you could see both I-84 and the old US 30 which is now called The Historic Columbia River Highway. Leaving Cascade Locks, we again took I-84 west to the Crown Point Vista House exit and revisited the House because it had been so rainy on our earlier stop. From Crown Point, we got back on I-84 and drove pretty much non-stop to Newport via I-84, I-205, I-5 and US 20 through Corvallis. Arrived in Newport about 7:15, found the Shiloh Inn, got checked in and then had a great dinner at a neat little restaurant, the Newport Café.

I just checked car rental rates using RTA's booking facility, and a one week rental from LAX in June 2013 (1-7) returning the car to LAS is about $180, not including fees and taxes. The drop fee is $105, and after all the rest of the fees and taxes the bottom line is $360. This would be a Chevy Aveo or similar from Enterprise. You may be able to find a better deal from an off-airport location.

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Originally Posted by john.waters

My plan is to arrive at Calgary for the Stampede in 2013. If you think there should be other stops etc. in this plan please add to list.

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John, when you arrive in Canada, how long will you have to get to Calgary? If time permits, I would highly recommend taking the Sea to Sky Hwy through Squamish and Whistler to Lillooet and onto Hwy 97 at Cache Creek. Along the way you have, among others, the Garibaldi Prov. Park, where a not too long hike takes you to the waterfalls. Near Lillooet (a lovely little place with great camping) there are some glacial lakes with a hike to the upper lake and the glacier which feeds them.

Then make your way onto Hwy 1, continuing through Kamloops, Revelstoke and Golden, as well as Lake Louise, to Calgary. Spectcular country. Get out a detailed map of British Columbia, and you will see what I mean. More lakes, parks and attractions than you could check out in a month.

Lifey

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lifemagician

John, when you arrive in Canada, how long will you have to get to Calgary? If time permits, I would highly recommend taking the Sea to Sky Hwy through Squamish and Whistler to Lillooet and onto Hwy 97 at Cache Creek. Along the way you have, among others, the Garibaldi Prov. Park, where a not too long hike takes you to the waterfalls. Near Lillooet (a lovely little place with great camping) there are some glacial lakes with a hike to the upper lake and the glacier which feeds them.

Then make your way onto Hwy 1, continuing through Kamloops, Revelstoke and Golden, as well as Lake Louise, to Calgary. Spectcular country. Get out a detailed map of British Columbia, and you will see what I mean. More lakes, parks and attractions than you could check out in a month.

Lifey

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Thanks Lifey. This is the sort of thing Im wanting to do. We have at least 2 weeks for Canada and Hoping to go to Whistler as well.
I havent even looked into what we need to be able to cross the border to Canada. Do we need a visa or any special application.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by john.waters

Do we need a visa or any special application.

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John, over the last three months, I have crossed the border into (and out of) Canada six times and all I have ever shown is my passport. I have never been asked for anything else.

You will however have to make sure that you can take the vehicle you rent, across the border. Not all companies allow that.

Lifey

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lifemagician

John, over the last three months, I have crossed the border into (and out of) Canada six times and all I have ever shown is my passport. I have never been asked for anything else.

You will however have to make sure that you can take the vehicle you rent, across the border. Not all companies allow that.

Lifey

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Thanks again Lifey. Another thing to take of my list. I had better check with Escape Campers as its getting a long way from their depots.
I think 2 weeks should be enough time in Canada as we might get back in at Niagra Falls if we get that far this time.

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by glc

I just checked car rental rates using RTA's booking facility, and a one week rental from LAX in June 2013 (1-7) returning the car to LAS is about $180, not including fees and taxes. The drop fee is $105, and after all the rest of the fees and taxes the bottom line is $360. This would be a Chevy Aveo or similar from Enterprise. You may be able to find a better deal from an off-airport location.

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Thanks for that,It certainly looks a better option than paying for both the camper and a motel. Id like to start the trio off with a bit of relaxation and touristy stuff.Then hit the road.

How many of you are there? I think something like an Aveo is going to be too cramped for more than 2 of you due to limited luggage space and rear seat legroom.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by glc

How many of you are there? I think something like an Aveo is going to be too cramped for more than 2 of you due to limited luggage space and rear seat legroom.

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Just my wife and I.We had a chevvy van from Escape Campers and just enough room, we had a luggage capsuel on the roof.By the time we left we had collected a bit more stuff.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...1-Day38-20.jpg

Hmm - I think you might have a problem fitting that much luggage into an Aveo.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by glc

Hmm - I think you might have a problem fitting that much luggage into an Aveo.

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I can assure you ther wont be that much next time. We were over our luggage limits on the way home and to do some reorganising and sweet talking to get this lot home without surcharges.
Next time travel light and buy as we need.

Looks like I have ventured too far off the planning a summer road trip section.

John

John, historically we move any trip longer than 30 days to this section of the forum -- Doesn't matter what time of year it's planned for. That way, it doesn't get lost in the shuffle as much and long-term road trip enthusiasts members can keep track of the longer trip planning threads easier.

Mark

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist

John, historically we move any trip longer than 30 days to this section of the forum -- Doesn't matter what time of year it's planned for. That way, it doesn't get lost in the shuffle as much and long-term road trip enthusiasts members can keep track of the longer trip planning threads easier.

Mark

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Thanks Mark, I thought I must have gone off track a bit. It could end up a big thread by the time I finish.
Thanks
John

Yes, you'll always be able to find your thread here -- It's a sticky and we can all look at it as we have time to comment.

Forums are going to sleep in 8 minutes....

Mark

Just a thought if someone would like to comment.

We have started planning our trip starting in mid June and finishing around mid to late August. Just been watching the temperature in the USA at the moment and getting pretty hot in some places.

Our intention was to start at LA and head up into Canada for the Calgary Stampede then Montana, South Dakota and across through the the centre to New Orleans etc and back through Arizona etc and back to LA. A lot of desert dry country.

Would it work to start say in early to mid May and do the trp in reverse and end up at Glacier NP late June and then go to Calgary / Canada and work our way back down through Washington, Oregon and California to Yosemite and back to LA.

Just a thought.

John

It's certainly something I would consider. [Well, do actually.]

Basically, we try and avoid travelling in July and August as much as possible. The heat is a big consideration, but for us it's more about missing the busiest of the summer crowds and we usually plan to have travelled before the beginning of July or anytime from mid September. Of course it's not so easy to plan when on an extended break with other weather issues to cater for, such as arriving to Glacier too early, but I think it could work well for this trip..

Thankyou for confirming my thoughts. Last year we arrived in early May and left mid June and never got too busy. A lot of the places were just opening and Yellowstone was partially closed.Still it was beautiful.
Calary Stampede isnt a neccessity so if I miss it well so be.I dont want to be rushing to get there on a set date but will allow plenty of time. Ill continue with the planning going the opposite direction. Im hoping 8 weeks will be enough time.We can always have trip #3.
John