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Road Trip!

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  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    I remember many years ago back in high school my friend lived down the street from these two skank sisters he named, Cow Cow and Pin Elephant. They'd strut down the street with their greaser boyfriends mouthing off all the time. Well my buddy played football and wasn't easily impressed or intimidated. The one greaser was this slender built blonde kid with a leather coat who might have gotten hit on in certain Chicago bars. Every time they went by my buddy would make loud mooing sounds and the greasers would threaten to kick his a.. The funny part was the little blonde greaser threatening to kick his a.. in a kind of high pitched soprano squeal. After awhile this routine became sort of a ritual and all of us would have to hold back from laughing. I wonder if the guy threatening you with his "car camera and computer" set up was his kid B)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Yep, sounds like the yappy little ankle biter dog type. I suspect today's winner gets honked at a bit, and really gets upset by it. I suspect he's used the same semi-threat, too. I was probably bad for trolling him, but oh well. If I make a boo boo and someone honks, I will wave or mouth "my bad" or similar. Nothing personal. Also, the old car's horn is really loud, and that might have triggered him more. Oh well.

    On a positive note, in a couple weeks I will be on a ~800-1000 mile road trip, away from the rat race, it should be a relaxing drive, as the Bluetec is made for such driving.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Long drive yesterday. Of course it was raining all the way from home until well past Snoqualmie Summit:

    https://youtu.be/sRmI3Z5LfKg

    Then we entered the dust bowl:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy_Q0TZrSqI

    Then it cleared out nicely:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEpDQWZGm2s
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    Nice transition! The variety of the musical selections is as dramatic as the landscapes!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Music and car road trips will always go together!
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    berri said:

    Music and car road trips will always go together!

    I have 24 Gb of Classical, Country, Jazz & Blues loaded onto USB sticks for the GMC. The Bose sound system is actually better than the VW Touareg system. Easier finding albums, genre and artists also. The Wifi from Onstar works well also. Not sure I will keep SiriusXM when the freebie runs out. I cancelled for the VW as it is an unknown and mostly hiding in the garage until VW gets their act together.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    So gagrice, with the loss of car cd players, do those USB sticks still require something like iTunes or iPods, or can you just launch wav or mp3 files directly off of them? I'm going to have to face this reality soon I'm afraid.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    berri said:

    So gagrice, with the loss of car cd players, do those USB sticks still require something like iTunes or iPods, or can you just launch wav or mp3 files directly off of them? I'm going to have to face this reality soon I'm afraid.

    Just plug the USB stick into the USB port and it detects all the data associated with the MP3 recording. I had to add much of the data to some old CDs I ripped. Most of the ones in the last ten years have all the data. Windows Media Player allows you to modify the info associated with the CD. On my Touareg I had to upload from an SD card to a Hard Drive in the Vehicle. Much slower. Navigation is up to date as well. Much better than any NavTeq system.


  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    In my E, it will play directly off an SD card with no issue, same with reading from a device like a phone or MP3 player (if people still use those).
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Thanks. I have lots of different playlists on cd's.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    A few more videos:

    The nice desolate scenery on I82:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiF3lMqH0i8&feature=youtu.be

    Entering the Kittitas Valley:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbld0FeoGNk&feature=youtu.be

    Mirror-like surface of the Columbia, it had whitecaps on Saturday:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l6_LUvDuLc&feature=youtu.be

    The lack of traffic on 90 nice, passing a truck is as busy as it gets:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kbb-ED7rQ8&feature=youtu.be

    At left, some planes, I assume military, doing exercises along I90:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_7nvyDmaB8&feature=youtu.be

    More to come as I clean out the cards.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    edited October 2017
    Okay, so not a road trip, nor such professional quality footage as fintail. But, SNOW! We had about 8 cm. B)


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0vde1qMQMU
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Leave it up there ;)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    berri said:

    Leave it up there ;)

    Oh, come on, berri! I am a big fan of sharing!!! :p
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Saw the recent aftermath of a multi car crash on 5 today (camera cut over at the start):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGG_jlN-g0A

    Some snow on the higher points around Snoqualmie:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCRZ18GTExQ

    Rush hour in the Columbia Basin:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1URv-UyAys



  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    Overall, looks like it was a relaxing trip! Welcome back to Crazyville. :)
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I'm out on the coast now, a special kind of crazy :)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I visited my uncle in the Columbia Basin, and he wanted to take a short drive up to Sun Lakes/Dry Falls, as he's an outdoorsman and loves the scenery. I remember I was fascinated with this area when I was a kid, I was into geology, and the basalt formations here can be remarkable. I remember camping in this area over 30 years ago, climbing near some caves, etc. It is a remarkable landscape:




  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    edited October 2017
    Yes; this is a gorgeous area! Really fascinating history of the "Channeled Scablands" area. You took some impressive photos!

    We drove up 17 to 97 on our way home with the 2013 Forester on June 9th, and we passed through there fairly early in the morning (about 9am). The weather was perfect and traffic was light. :)

    You're probably acquainted with this exact location....







    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Cool stuff, I am pretty sure I passed by those spots. Lots of childhood memories for me in that area, it always surrounded me, and the arid somewhat desolate scenery is relaxing for me.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Then put the western portion of Route 66 on your driving list !
  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 262,397
    I-70, I-40, I-15, I-10, I-8 - all of those would put you to sleep!

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  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    xwesx said:

    Okay, so not a road trip, nor such professional quality footage as fintail. But, SNOW! We had about 8 cm. B)


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0vde1qMQMU

    Sitting here in Pahrump NV watching the golf course get watered. Peaked at 79 degrees today, chilly 53 this morning. The nasty smoke from the California fires has pretty much cleared out thankfully. Have to feel for those that have lost their homes in California. Wine prices will likely go up with 16 wineries burnt so far and no end in sight. Not looking forward to snow. They say it is rare in Pahrump. The 11,000 foot peaks around us get plenty.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    That California fire damage is really bad. I think they are going to keep finding people who didn't make it out for a while.
    There are going to be a lot of new pool installations.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Back home after 1200 miles on the road. Weather today was worlds different from Thursday. Started off early enough to avoid the anticipated worst traffic, but 167/405 area and northward was already descending into idiotic pandemonium by the time I arrived.

    A little merge onto I5 with a fun song on the radio:

    https://youtu.be/BtFAi4YAQH0

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,786
    Here are two pictures from a recent road trip. Nice days will be in short supply soon.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Be careful on the roads out there, you never know what might be hiding in plain sight
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    The brake lines were held together with a plastic bag. Sigh.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Unreal. The guy needs time in the slammer for putting everyone at risk like that.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    edited October 2017
    First world problems, or not?
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    Mixed feelings. Sometimes you need to use creativity to temporarily patch things up (and maybe this particular field dressing didn't have anything to do with the crash). But, one also needs to keep the vehicle in control, which means being aware of and accounting for such deficiencies.

    A couple of decades ago, I drove my van for more than 1,200 miles to Alaska with a severe brake system problem. All told, I don't think other users around me were at any more risk than they are at any other time they might be on the road.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Trip back to CA from Nevada first time I topped 30 MPG with the GMC Canyon diesel. Trip computer said 30.6 MPG. Calculated out to 30.49 MPG. Not sure if it is significant. I seem to get better mileage with the diesel I buy in Nevada. I could not be happier with a vehicle this big getting that kind of mileage. The trip is 337 miles with about 250 miles posted 70 MPH. Of course traffic is always going 5-10 MPH faster.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I'd be interested to see the inspection of the crashed truck, and functionality of the brakes. If brake lines are repaired with plastic bags, I bet there was cutting of other corners, too. I can't give much benefit of the doubt in such a case.

    I suspect when you drove with a braking issue, you didn't speed either, not to mention AK traffic density is a bit different than the trucking zoo around Tacoma ;)

    Ages ago when I was a student, the fintail had a brake system fault (small leak), and I drove it home, as I was in a small town that didn't have a place to repair it. I was very careful, and drove at non-peak hours. Made it back in one piece, but I don't think I would do that again.
    xwesx said:

    Mixed feelings. Sometimes you need to use creativity to temporarily patch things up (and maybe this particular field dressing didn't have anything to do with the crash). But, one also needs to keep the vehicle in control, which means being aware of and accounting for such deficiencies.

    A couple of decades ago, I drove my van for more than 1,200 miles to Alaska with a severe brake system problem. All told, I don't think other users around me were at any more risk than they are at any other time they might be on the road.

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    gagrice said:

    Trip back to CA from Nevada first time I topped 30 MPG with the GMC Canyon diesel. Trip computer said 30.6 MPG. Calculated out to 30.49 MPG. Not sure if it is significant. I seem to get better mileage with the diesel I buy in Nevada. I could not be happier with a vehicle this big getting that kind of mileage. The trip is 337 miles with about 250 miles posted 70 MPH. Of course traffic is always going 5-10 MPH faster.

    I think it has to do with the elevation. When I'm driving at or above 5000 feet my gas mileage improves noticeably. Less air = less air resistance. The golfers tell me they can drive the ball a lot farther in the Rockies.

    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    fintail said:

    I Made it back in one piece, but I don't think I would do that again.

    Yep, I'm right there with ya! At the time, though, I had precious few options (or so I perceived) available to me.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    That's some fine mileage, Gary! I can't recall what my best tank was on the Q7 precisely, but it might have been a hair lower than 30.5. What is the curb weight on that shiny gem of yours?
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    GMC has 6200 lbs on the title, which pushed me into the heavy truck license for Nevada. Towing is rated at 7600 lbs. Load capacity is 1470 lbs. So empty curb weight is 4698. I know packing it full does not seem to make any difference in performance or handling.

    http://media.gmc.com/media/us/en/gmc/vehicles/canyon/2016.tab1.html

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    gagrice said:

    GMC has 6200 lbs on the title, which pushed me into the heavy truck license for Nevada. Towing is rated at 7600 lbs. Load capacity is 1470 lbs. So empty curb weight is 4698. I know packing it full does not seem to make any difference in performance or handling.

    http://media.gmc.com/media/us/en/gmc/vehicles/canyon/2016.tab1.html

    4700# sounds like a livable weight, though shockingly heavy compared to my 3200# C20 from 1969! :D

    The Q7 is 5500# unladen; as with yours, onboard cargo or passengers has no appreciable impact on the economy.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I've been on the road a bit the past few days, that is, the railroad. Won't have a car for more than a week still, but it is sometimes enjoyable to not have to drive, especially in cities lacking parking. Real cities have centers that work without cars.

    A couple scenes from today - a view on the Binnenalster, and the architectural landmark Chilehaus:






  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    edited November 2017
    On the (rail) road again, now in Prague, view from my terrace:





  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,688
    Ah, to keep these feelings of jealousy at bay.... !

    Is that a storm brewing, or just night closing in on an overcast sky?
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Just low clouds and drizzle, makes it feel like home. The difference is, it should be gone by tomorrow.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Pretty city
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I've been on pedestrian roads for 8 hours today, nice to take a break, these dogs are barking.

    Castle and Charles Bridge:



    And the castle at sunset:




  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    On the road today in a bus, heard/saw this, but not sure exactly what happened:



    Baby van struck the rear quarter of the MB. MB had light damage and was likely able to be driven, van front fender exploded. Cop was on the scene in maybe 20 seconds - big police presence in Vienna today, always makes me wonder if some bad chatter is in the air.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,813
    @fintail They were probably part of the team watching you...

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I am just a little sketchy B)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    I've been looking out for unusual or distant plates the past couple days. I have seen the usual suspects and a few oddities - Germany, Czech and Slovakia of course, Hungary, Croatia, Sweden, Italy, Lithuania, and the distance winner, Russia. I even snapped a pic, as it was a good one:



    Debadged MB C216 (prior S-class coupe, this is a 2011-13 model) with a very nice number sequence, you don't get something like that by accident. Maybe a nice car for comfortable trips, while being old enough to keep just under the radar B)
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,423
    Was on the (rail) road today, view over the Danube in Bratislava - it was cold with a bitter wind, and the passing rain showers didn't help:


  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Just getting you ready for a job transfer to the Midwest B)
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