2013 Lap around the USA

[Mark Sedenquist]

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 interstate to make the distance required.

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!

Mark

[john.waters]

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

[john.waters]

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

[Lifemagician]

We can get a good size car for about $1400 all up for 2 months from Hertz. Thats a lot of difference.

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.

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

[john.waters]

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

[DonnaR57]

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

[glc]

I-8 between Alpine CA and Jacumba, CA is also quite pretty, but in a totally different way.

It can also be very treacherous when it's windy, foggy, and/or icy!

[Lifemagician]

While we're on scenic Interstates.... don't forget I-94 either side of the MT / ND border... around Teddy Roosevelt NP.

Lifey

[john.waters]

Maybe I should have just said Im a slow driver and dont like lots of traffic.

John

[Southwest Dave]

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.