Where to go now?

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

I'm a bit confused about your timeline, but on the assumption that you are basically taking the month of July for the trip... The drive should be made in as little as three days of very hard (600 mi/day) driving, so with 10 times that amount of time, you can wander quite a bit. Since this is your first cross-country drive, I would think that you might like to sample a good variety of what America has to offer. Keeping in mind that it might be a bit difficult to see a lot of museums and the like while travelling with your dog, you could nevertheless see a lot of natural beauty. So here, in broad outline, is just one of the many meandering paths that will let you see some of that while getting you (eventually) to Denver.

Start out by going south down the Delmarva Peninsula for one last look at the Atlantic, at Delaware Seashore State Park and Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge, before leaving it behind. Cross over to Norfolk on the Bay Bridge-Tunnel and head west across southern Virginia to hook up with the Blue Ridge Parkway somewhere around Lexington and then follow that route southwest to the Asheville, NC area. Turning northwest would then take you through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky Bluegrass country. Then follow the Ohio River more or less all the way down to the Land Between the Lakes, after which you could follow the Great River Road south into Arkansas. Crossing central Arkansas would bring you to the Ozarks and the Talimena Scenic Drive into Oklahoma. You would then turn west northwest through real Cowboy-and-Indian country and places like Dodge City on the way to Pueblo, CO. You could then head north to Denver with the Rockies on your left by way of introduction to your new home. As I say, that's just one possibility.

On a more general note, here are several links to tips on travelling with pets, and a primer on budgeting that you may find useful as you plan the rip that is just right for you.

AZBuck

[Elphie]

Okay,

I have measured how far my car can go on $25 worth of gas and I can go 150 miles on that much. And according to Mapquest it's 1600 miles from PA to Denver, which would be approximately $300 on gas, provide I don't go veering off the path and that may happen, so I would say $400. Also, I've plotted my hotel stays and with taxes and extra fees that apply, it will cost me no more than $1300. As for food, well, I plan on living on a food budget of $35-$40 a week--oh ya, it will happen! I guess I answered my own question. When it's all said and done I'll come back here and let you all now how it went.

But why I am here now asking for advice? I suppose I need a little extra encouragement, especially when I get the look of doubt from others, or when someone tells me that I am living a pipe dream. Sure that may be when I am telling him my ideal dream of travelling the country for a year, but I am realistic, and I know I am limited on funds. So therefore, I will go as far as my money can take me, and Denver seemed like a good stop.

As soon as I stop at Denver, I plan to have a job within a week I am there. I am confident that I will find a place to stay: sublet apartments, room mate, or short term leases.

This is something I wanted to do since I was a kid. I read John Steinbeck's "Travels With Charlie," and that was exactly what I wanted to do, and to live that life the way he did. Of course he had the resources to do so, but he made a make-shift home out of his vehicle.

Then there is the fear of the unknown. So I seek advice so I am aware of what to be weary about and to to find some information.

Elphie

[Elphie]

Well, I started my trip on Monday from Hershey PA. My first stop was Columbus Ohio. I have to say I was disappointed that I didn't stay longer, but I only stayed for a day. Next, I stopped in Lafayette Indiana for two days. I met some interesting people, I toured Purdue. Then I head to where I am now: Pekin Illinois (near Peoria). After driving through farm land after farm land, I was getting kind of discouraged because I wasn't seeing anything or had any knowledge of stuff to do. And also, I was getting discouraged because of the storms I had encountered, or possible storms I will encounter.

I am here for until Monday. I am going to check out the local Festival going on this weekend and also tour around Lakeview Museum. Plus, whatever else I might find.

Now, I am itching for some action. I think I might change route and go to St. Louis Missouri but I am not sure where it's safe to stay there. Or, I might stick to my original plan and stop at Davenport Iowa. Any suggestions.

Thanks,

Elphie.

[Mark Sedenquist]

And also, I was getting discouraged because of the storms I had encountered, or possible storms I will encounter.

You are going to be in the middle of T-storms for another couple of weeks -- this is prime season. Congrats for actually hitting the road. Since you are looking for the "On the Road" experience --the very best sources of information is going to come from locals. Stop at the local produce booths, read the local papers and the all-time best source ---- get your nails done and/or get a haircut and see what events they can share with you.

Here is a link to the local calendar in Peoria.

Mark

[Kirby]

I don't really have any advise- but just wanted to wish you luck and hope all is going well. I start my roadtrip in 2 weeks.

Take care,
Kirby

[Elphie]

Hello,

I will be heading to the Quad Cities from Peoria Illinois. Then after the Quad Cities I'll be stopping at Iowa City. Does anyone know what to do or see at either of these places.

Thanks,

E

[AZBuck]

Iowa (and the other 49 states, 10 provinces, etc.) have all been dealt with here.

AZBuck

[Elphie]

Hello,

I am traveling Southwest. Right now my plans to for the next couple of weeks are good to go, but I did have plans to stay at an intentional community (commune) at the beginning of March. But I was informed they are not sure if they have room for me at that time. My source of finding these places is the internet. I would like to know if anyone knows of any communes along the south coast heading to the east. I heard of people staying in communes, but I am not sure how to go about finding them on the internet besides intentional community web site. It doesn't necessarily have to be a commune. I want to find a place to stay near the south coast for a couple of weeks and cost is a factor. Camping might be a possibility, but I am not sure if I want to do it for 2 weeks straight.

Thanks,

E.