Head West Not So Young Man 2

[daugen]

thanks guys, writing down suggestions on a big file
Leaving next April, not now. Have the wireless, no lady...

Part of this trip is to "see the world". When I get back from this trip I am likely to be selling my farm and downsizing, so this trip
will help me see if there are possibilities elsewhere.

Just finished reading the original trip log. Took a lot of notes, have all winter to figure out the final route.
My ideal day would be four to five hours of driving a day, plus an hour or two
sightseeing, usually over lunch, and then at the campground by 2pm.

No problem at all adding a couple of days for moving the route line and I am particularly not sure how best to go through Kentucky and West VA.
Sometimes through the mountains only a couple of roads to choose from.
My sister's son and family live in Redding CA, but are moving closer to her just North of San Francisco. If they haven't moved by next Spring, I would definitely go further up and then head East.

Trying to figure out if I can plant anything in the garden, if I'm getting home in May.
Probably not but I have to think about that further.
Potatoes go in March 1 here, and get harvested late June, so timing is ok for that.

But I really need to take a break from farming for a year, and if I'm "good" and rest up for this trip,
it will be physically easier on me. Have real issues with too much neck bending and hand gripping, all due to arthritis and operations,
so that's a primary reason I limit myself to four hours driving a day. Also helps avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
It's very different when you are by yourself and safety comes first.

I expect a trip to the beach this Fall, a trip to Florida this winter, both of which should get the kinks out. And will confirm to me how many hours a day
I can safely drive and still have fun. Need to remind myself I'm retired and not in a rush.

I have a 30 amp rv wall outlet on corner of house near parking lot, easy to hook up while it's parked there being loaded.
Long term storage under tall open shed down by barn, 30 and 50 amp receptacles nearby. Both locations have water too.
I have a bunch of heavy implements that now need to get moved out of that shed, but since I sold two tractors, have some room, just more
moving around. Never have enough covered storage...likely a common issue.
So I have some work to do to make a home for this new addition.

 

[Diggin It]

No problem at all adding a couple of days for moving the route line and I am particularly not sure how best to go through Kentucky and West VA.
Sometimes through the mountains only a couple of roads to choose from.

I stumbled onto one in WV that I personally would NOT want to tackle in anything bigger than a passenger car.

Same for out west. There are roads there over the Rockies that only experienced drivers should use in larger vehicles.

 

[oosik]

WoW!! Nice camper. I'm sure your final route will be more than crowded with things to see - activities to do. From my perspective your total route is VERY southern. On your initial shake down trip - be certain that all the air conditioning works up to snuff. May your journey stretch out before you, level, smooth and trouble free. Enjoy.

 

[daugen]

addresses are for rv campgrounds only.
rig is a Dynamax Isata 24FWM

 

[oosik]

The most exciting drive I've EVER been on is Going to the Sun. It's in far northern Montana. There are length restrictions - max vehicle length - 21'. But there is a shuttle bus service that makes the entire trip. This is NOT a trip for those who fear heights, narrow roads or passing vehicles on narrow roads at great heights.

There is a saying. "Should you be so very unfortunate to drive off this road, and some do, you will be able to recite the full Lord's Prayer, twice, before you and your vehicle hit bottom".

 

[buckeyefarmer]

addresses are for rv campgrounds only.
rig is a Dynamax Isata 24FWM

Looked at that one online, nice rig. Place in florida Says that is the best selling model of that camper.

 

[daugen]

I dont remember the part about dancing in dallas during the previous trip.

now if you go back and read that whole thing you'll find it, but this friend is private and there won't be much reporting.

funny about ways back and forth, Southern, Middle and Northern. First time I planned this trip, it was Southern and Northern because I was trying to see
family in Minneapolis.

This time it's Southern and Middle. I don't have family or close friends on the Northern route. So the software routed me the shortest way back, to some degree.
I have been looking at pictures of Northern route for many years now as close friends did that route four times and took pics and wrote narratives like mad.
So I feel like I know many of the places mentioned in the Northern Route. But seeing it up front and personal is something else. But I bet there's a few places I just
shouldn't miss.

Northern or Middle, interesting choices. Heading East know I have to go through Colorado, first Salida and then North of Denver and then I can take a more scenic route as long as it doesn't add weeks to the trip. No one else at home looking out for the farm, expect I'll get itchy at some point to get home. Glad I have a internet video cam as part of my security system on the front and rear of my home. Can dial in from anywhere and check out what's going on. Neighbor will drive through on golf cart every couple of days and pick up my mail, check inside the house, branches down on the driveway, etc.

So.........should I take the High Road instead on the way back? Gets down to what would I miss in each area.
I can't walk long distances so orienting this to vast wildnerness hiking is not good. I need the ez on ez off route which is limiting but ok.

I'm working on this section by section. First section will be from NC to New Orleans. Did most of this before, broke down at end.
Like driving on Natchez Trace, which I found a little hard to find.

 

[3930dave]

Nice rig d ! Maybe it's just me, but I like the dark interior, looks classy to my eye.

I made it to Mendocino CA once. About 20 years ago, by car, so I don't have relevant RV 411 to add - it's a beautiful area all along that coast, and I plan to make time to return if I'm ever back in San Fran.

I don't want to muddy up your Where Go thread too much....... if you have another Mech Prep thread, link it, and I'll post this question there...... Thoughts on Fuel Additive to use, if any ? Curious to see if MB has any official recommendations, similar to what Cummins did with PowerService.

Fun project for sure, let us know how the test-runs go !

Rgds, D.

 

[Buppies]

Drew I’m glad you found what you wanted and hope this trip is everything you want it to be

 

[Diggin It]

This time it's Southern and Middle.

Like driving on Natchez Trace, which I found a little hard to find.

Natchez Trace is a nice peaceful scenic drive, but there isn't really much to do along the way unless you hop off into some of the nearby towns. That's how I ended up in Vicksburg.

I can't really tell from your map but the southern route westbound looks like I-40? That was a miserable drive for me. One of their hot and very windy days. Hard to drive straight, pedal to the metal just trying to maintain speed against the 50MPH or so headwind. Needed a break, stopped at a rest area. Stepped out and it was like stepping into a blast furnace with those winds at 100+ air temperature.