Hello all! I'm looking for advice and input on the road trip that I'm planning to begin on June 1st, 2009.
I currently live in Chicago and am originally from Michigan (that will play in to this later). I am moving from Chicago to San Diego next year and since I am self-employed (can work from the road) I have decided to make a road trip out of the move.
You may think that Chicago through Maine to San Diego is a bit off...not really - I have to travel through Michigan to see family before I go so I figured what the heck! Let's make this a coast-to-coast trip! So, that being given, I've worked out a roughly 20 day itinerary taking me from Chicago through Wisconsin to Michigan's UP to... Maine...to San Diego. Here are the highlights, questions to follow.
Chicago to Michigan - nothing much, just seeing the sights and decided to go through the UP rather than the normal Chicago to Michigan route (family lives in middle of state). I would never take this route in winter but in June, it seems safe.
Michigan to Maine - Using Microsoft Streets, the route is through Canada to Upstate New York...cool, Niagara Falls on the way through and camp in upper NY between Rochester and Syracuse. Next day, to Gloucester, MA to see the city of "The Perfect Storm" fame along with some whale watching and tourist things...yes, I'm going to the Crow's Nest! From Gloucester I tool up to Portland and camp there for the night before I begin the Journey...
I'm going to speed this up big time with fewer details because I am looking for input on this part of the trip.
Portland to Cooperstown, NY - Baseball Hall of Fame
Cooperstown to Canton, OH - Pro Football HOF
Canton to South Bend - College Football HOF
South Bend to Des Moines - it's a family thing to stop in Des Moines
Des Moines to Deadwood, SD - going to see Mt Rushmore and Deadwood
Deadwood to Yellowstone - Yellowstone says enough
Yellowstone to Fort Collins, CO - Random stop 1 day drive
Fort Collins to Albuquerque - Random stop 1 day drive
Albuquerque to Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon to San Diego - Yay...I'm done and get to stop typing.
My questions and thoughts:
I'm looking for input here - just to make sure that I'm not driving right by something spectacular...like I almost did w/ Yellowstone - I was going to go from Mt. Rushmore to Colorado,,,
I will be driving a SUV by myself with a 8-10 month old Weimaraner who will be house broken and leash and command trained. I plan to stop approximately every 2-3 hours to let the dog out and stretch the legs.
I plan to tent camp at every stop, although, if necessary, I can spring for a hotel and clean/dry up.
I plan to cook 2 meals a day at the camp site and grab lunch in interesting places as I pass through - I've looked on chow hound but would love foodie suggestions on great places not to miss....please do not recommend anything in Chicago...been there, ate that!
Lastly, I am sure I am missing something so please, please, please give my any input - even if it seems minor like buying a locking gas cap before I leave....it will all be appreciated!
Oh, by the way, I am skipping the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas and California on purpose...those are day trips from where I will be and I had to narrow it down to the GC among the 4 to save time.
Thanks in advance!