Annapolis, Maryland to Seattle, Washington

[Mike02081984]

I am planning a road trip to see friends in Seattle. I will be coming from Annapolis/D.C. Does anyone have any adivce for me. Like what to pack. What roads to take or not to take. Places to see. How much money I would need for gas. Any help would be nice.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Mike,

When are going? What are you traveling in? What kinds of things interest you?

[Mike02081984]

I will be driving a 2003/2004 Toyota Matrix. I plan on doing this trip in the spring some time. Just about anything will catch my attion. I plan on doing this trip alone as of now.

[PNW Judy]

I don't know where you've been yet but I would start out by stopping at Gettysburg, then head onto Mt. Rushmore. While in the Mt. Rushmore area, I would also check out the impressive Geronimo Memorial and Wall Drug. I'd then head across Wyoming with stops at Cody for the Buffalo Bill museum, then into the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Then I'd veer up into Montana with a stop at Glacier National Park and then onto Seattle via I-90. You will be going through some amazing coulees in Washington. If you have time, I'd venture up to Grand Coulee Dam and that area before continuing west.

This is about 3200 miles and would probably cost you about $180 or so in gas if your car averages 30mpg. I would bet it gets a little more so your cost may be lower.

If you're interested in anything further about Washington, let me know and I can give you more info.

[imported_abi]

Iam also planning a trip to Vancouver,canada from baltimore at the end of May 04. I am new in these parts of the world. Are these summer days?. How long will the trip take. and what route will you recommed.I just want to get to Vancouver as fast as possible . Thanks.

You shouldn't have any trouble doing what you need to in late May -- go direct to Chicago via interstate from your location and pick up I-90 on west from there. Once to Seattle, head north on I-5. Vancouver is the large, beautiful city once you pass the US/Canada border! Bob

[PNW Judy]

The spring is tyically rainy in the PNW but it should be clearing up by end of May. Temps in the 50-70 range most days. I don't know about Vancouver but if you carry an umbrella in the rain in most parts of Washington, they'll immediately spot you as an outsider. :-) A waterproof jacket with a hood is a good investment for that time of year.

[Mike02081984]

Does anyone know of a beach in or around Seattle.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Even in summer, the water temperature is way below the comfort level. There are alot of waterfront parks -- Lake Washington Park comes to mind -- but they aren't really beaches. What kind of beach are you looking for?

M.

I agree -- city beaches on the Sound or Lake Washington to my recollection are also quite a bit calmer than I prefer, at least (I don't mind the cold so much). My choice would be to go out through Aberdeen and SR109 to around the Pacific Beach area, or better yet, one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in my opinion is down in the area of Cannon Beach, Oregon -- only a few hours away (try Ecola State Park).

Now, where's Judy today? She'll know the BEST answer to this question! :)