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Road Trip!

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  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    For a flat calm period you want either right now or into the middle of next week. Our nice little hurricane (I'm five miles off the coast) will be keeping us busy.

    They are closing up a bunch of roads here and we're still a day away.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Hey Steve, from looking at the predictions, it looks like the hurricane will pass to the east of us and dump on Labrador. There are still a few trail closures here from Igor, which hit last September. How's the prep work going for you? Nothing like a sterile road trip eh? :sick:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    We're as ready as we are going to be. They've got a tornado watch up to about ten miles short of here. Give us a little time..... :sick:
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    I think you're right - Tornado is probably your biggest concern in NJ. Hurricane isn't as massive as first thought south of you. The cooler waters your way will probably make it more a wind and rain storm event near you. Hope your lot is elevated a bit.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited August 2011
    Never fails.

    With the crank down spare, I can get to the spare easily, and I keep my tools handy, so at least I don't have to unpack everything in order to swap tires.

    The paddling with the growlers morning.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Looks cool up there. Are you picking up nails or are the tires getting beat up on gravel roads? Do you have a lot of miles on that set of tires?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Forgot to ask the guy what caused the flat. Have to get back to you on the miles but my brother was visiting Boise when we purchased them, so they aren't all that old.

    We're in St. John's for the next three days and then going to take the long ferry back to mainline and start heading home through Camden Maine and Port Huron. Not sure of the route yet other than we have friends we can crash with in those two spots.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That's a way nice trip you are having. I'm jealous.

    We'd have at least been away this week but a combination of pressing health issues and the hurricane as the topper canceled all that. Fortunately it's a nice week and just a hop, skip and jump to the ocean....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    The one good thing about a big tropical storm is that it clears the air out. Should be nice at the beach, maybe some shelling?
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    We don't really have a good shelling here - maybe too many people.... but I love being in the ocean so I'm fine.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    We left San Diego yesterday on a road trip. Spent the night in Simi Valley with family. Left this morning for Bakersfield. Took more family out to eat. Had great Wet carne asada Burritos at La Villa in Bakersfield. Left there and stooped for the night in Merced. We are headed early in the AM to Redding, CA then over to the Coast. Looking for cooler weather. High 90s all day today. The current plan is to drive the Coast of Oregon up to Southern Washington. I will keep you posted. Paid $3.79 for gas in Tulare, CA. First tank average 17.1 MPG. Driving mostly 75 MPH on Interstates. I will be glad to get out of the traffic further North.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    a cool place on the Oregon Coast to stop and stay is Lincoln City, a quaint little coastal town. Check it out, Newport is also very cool.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2011
    Reminds me of the exploding whale story over in Florence Oregon years ago. Blowing up dead whales on the beach isn't such a great idea I guess.

    We're in Syracuse tonight; crashed with a friend in Camden Maine last night and had salad and mussels and walked out on the breakwater until high tide threatened our sneakers. Will crash with our Port Huron friend for a couple of days then home Friday night. 'bout time, 'bout decided ten days is a good lenght of time anymore.

    Next up - missed connections at Tim Hortons.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    I think I still have my t shirt somewhere 'End of Earth...2, Port Huron...4' :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    Should be a great time on the Oregon coast this week!

    they're saying low 70's all week!

    :P
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Those are nice towns. Lincoln City has some nice wide beach as well. Gagrice's trip sounds nice. After crossing the bridge from Astoria, OR into Washington, suggest you stop at the Lewis & Clark Interperative Center near Cape Disappointment. Its not that far out of the way really. Some interesting displays and the view of the mouth of the Columbia river going into the Pacific is pretty impressive as well. I think it makes the Mississippi and Missouri rivers look puny. Be prepared though, because its often windy and wet there.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    that rise up on to the bridge at Astoria is semi-breathtaking, too. Really is beautiful, the view of the mouth of the Columbia there. Agreed, this should not be missed, gagrice!

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    It got up to about 68 yesterday with sunny skies. We stopped about every other view point. We wandered around Brookings and are spending the night in Florence. Went down to Old Town Florence and had dinner at ICM, local favorite. It was good food decent price. It is supposed to be warmer today. Heading up to my wife's brother's home in Ocean Park, WA. Probably get there tomorrow. Not in a big hurry. This is nice and cool compared to Redding, CA. Driving mostly under 65 MPH, on the winding highway 299 across from Redding. Sequoia averaged 18.37 MPG, on Union 76 gas.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    The plan now is to drive up to Lincoln City and explore there today and tonight. So we should cross the bridge after noon tomorrow. Foggy this morning. Waiting for that to lift and head up the coast. No big rush.

    How are things over in your neck of the country? Didn't you end up in Kellogg Idaho?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Was guessing around 5,000 before we left.

    Back home, gas prices are $3.99 a gallon for regular. May as well move to Canada. :shades:
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    yeah, my wife and I and our Pomeranian, Chow Chow and two rescue kittens are in Kellogg, ID. Beautiful sunny Saturday today here in Kellogg. Just got back from playing basketball at the school and now I'm catching up on some Edmunds. The UW Huskies are on TV beating up on the U. of Hawaii Warriors as I type this post out.

    Your trip sounds really fun. You'll dig Lincoln City, OR. Have a ball!

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I have spent the day in Ocean Park, WA with family. There are literally 100s of hotrods and classic cars everywhere. People in camp chairs all along the roadside. Like a giant tailgate party. With the old cars cruising by. It is a gorgeous day here. In the 70s and clear. Perfect for the car show. Pretty place. I am sure this is a rare day. We leave for central Oregon tomorrow.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Be prepared, Portland is actually in the 90's!
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I'm headed to Silverton in the morning. Going to Oregon garden, then down to Ashland on Monday.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    I wonder if it's play season in Ashland. I would think one could catch a Shakespeare round about now.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    We left Medford Oregon early this morning. Took the scenic route via Reno to avoid taking Interstate 5 through LA. When we got to Reno my wife informed me she had never been to Lake Tahoe. So we filled at Costco Carson City@ $3.59 and headed up 50 to the lake. At mile 13 a truck had jack knifed and crashed. That blocked 3 of the 4 lanes. Took over hour to get passed the mess. Found a room on the beach at a decent price and are getting ready for a glass of wine and watch the sunset. Kind of stormy looking at the far end of the lake.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    My wife's mom (the one here in the UP) lived in Carson City for ten years and we always enjoyed visiting there. Always much preferred Reno to Vegas and you can't beat Tahoe for scenery. Did you happen to scope out the whitewater park in downtown Reno?
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    We did not get off the freeway until we were way past Reno. You know me and big cities. I could live in the Carson City area. More toward Gardnerville and Minden. We will take the Kingsbury grade going down the hill tomorrow. I always liked that route.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Only ~220,000. Of course Carson City is only ~55,000. But yeah, was a bit bummed when the mother-in-law moved while we were still living in Boise. Easy day's drive down there. Nice country.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Carson City is just about the right size. Has all the shopping we need including Costco. And their gas is 10 cents cheaper than Costco Reno. We may look at a couple little farms in Gardnerville on the way home. If I here from our friends in Markleeville we will take the long winding Hwy 89 South out of Tahoe. I think we travel much the same without much agenda. A few friends and family to visit along the way. Except I prefer camping at Best Western.
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    Great idea, avoiding I-5.

    Possibly the most BORING drive I've ever had.

    We drive to Northern Cal 3 times a year from the Eugene area, and I really don't look forward to that drive.

    Enjoy! ;)
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Great idea, avoiding I-5.

    Possibly the most BORING drive I've ever had.

    I drove from SoCal to Arcata, CA to visit a friend some years back. Took 101 / Hwy 1 on the drive up - 11 hours door to door, which included a bit of navigation through SF. Took I-5 on the way home .. yes, it's boring as all get out, but you can make much better time.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Great idea, avoiding I-5. Possibly the most BORING drive I've ever had.

    Kind of like 95 from Richmond, VA to Savannah, GA I would guess - dull but quicker.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Is there a way to get from Richmond to Savannah that isn't dull? (Well, I suppose all teh South of the Border billboards...)
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I could live with 5 other than going through Los Angeles. We are up by China Lake for the night. Just a short 200 miles home in the morning. Ready to get back to our little paradise.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Is there a way to get from Richmond to Savannah that isn't dull? (Well, I suppose all teh South of the Border billboards...)

    One could fly...
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    We finished our 11 day road trip this morning. We put 2829 miles on the Sequoia. Overall average 18 MPG. Total cost of gas $590.53, for an average $3.76 per gallon. Highest priced gas we saw on the trip was in the high Sierras. Lee Vining stations were all selling RUG for $4.79 per gallon. We saw some very pretty country. We still like our place better than anything we looked at. I think we will keep the Sequoia a while longer. The room, comfort, and safety make up for the high use of gas. The two of us could not fly to Washington and rent a car for the cost of gas.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Welcome home. I'm about ready to go again. Someplace south this time, lol. Had a cold spell the last couple of days.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Geeze, the happy feet are really at it there.

    So where South do you have in mind?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2011
    Well, visiting Mom in Chattanooga is always in the picture. Really want to hit Mexico City though. And I could help a friend drive a car down from Anchorage either to MI or to Texas in a couple of weeks. Finances are a bit slim at the moment however, thanks to that $4 plus gas. :sick:

    But if I hang around here, I'll have to mow the grass, repaint the kitchen floor, paint the bathroom and fix the sink.
  • slorenzenslorenzen Member Posts: 694
    "But if I hang around here, I'll have to mow the grass, repaint the kitchen floor, paint the bathroom and fix the sink."

    hmmmm.... DEFINITELY time for a road trip! :P
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Well, i can se that. As long as you as far south as Chattanooga you might as well go to Mexico City.... :D
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2011
    There you go again. :D

    Well, two more hours gets me to Hartsville and then it's 5 hours (and $530) to MEX. But I dumped my airline affinity credit card a while back and don't have enough miles for any free tickets.

    The only time I tried to drive down there, I almost got the rental car stuck on a sand "road" alongside a dry lake bed (I was supposed to be driving on the lake bed but got lost as usual). Way easy to get around by bus anywhere in Mexico though.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    You don't have to go all the way to Mexico City. You can go to LA and not be able to tell that you are not in Mexico. Over 50% Latino with a taco stand on every corner. And the air is cleaner from what I hear.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited September 2011
    Yeah, that works too, but I want to see the newest pyramid they've uncovered near the Zocola.

    I'm holding out for Edmunds to give me another free trip to LA one of these years for a company meeting. Last trip I had some wonderful shrimp Diablo. Took a week for my mouth to heal. :shades:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Tell those Edmunds folks I need a nice hosting gig. I could use the trip...

    Just have to wait until I'm back on my feet....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Great fall colors all over Michigan right now. Had to run the AC once we got over the Mackinac Bridge on our way to Port Huron. Heading for TN in a couple of days but may beat the colors there.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Sounds great. I may have to pop up to NW Jersey and into NY state later in the week to catch the colors.

    Nest weekend I want to try the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge. There's like 15 stops over two days. You can, but aren't required to, climb the lighthouses. I hope to add one or two to my list of climbed lighthouses (which right now is a short list!).
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    'Next weekend I want to try the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge. There's like 15 stops over two days. You can, but aren't required to, climb the lighthouses. I hope to add one or two to my list of climbed lighthouses (which right now is a short list!). '

    That could be interesting, we did something similar on Cape Cod , Ma a few years ago.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    Outer Banks must have something like that. I think there are 12 lighthouses?
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
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