Big Western Trip – I need feedback and advice.
My big western trip that I wanted to do in 2010 got moved up to May of this year due to reasons out of my control. It has caused me a bit of anxiety because of the short notice. Other than a tune-up and some minor interior modifications the bus will have to go as is. Because I am about to embark on a trip of ~7500 miles the bus will be my biggest worry, but it has always been my dream to take it. I would rather fail trying than to have never tried so I am going. Second worry has been taken care of; I have arranged for a house sitter so the animals will be feed and thieves will be shot. Now I need you all to look at my route to see if there are places that a bus should absolutely not go. Keep in mind that I already live in a very twisty tight part of the country and I am in a 35' low-profile bus. Except for the major destinations I plan on as much free camping as possible (Wal-Mart, Flying J, Camping World, friends, etc.). If you know of any really cool stops or places that just shouldn't be missed I am interested in hearing about them. Likewise, places that you wouldn't stop even if you had a flat I would like to know about. Does anyone know of some camping sites on the Pacific Ocean that would be breathtaking that is along my route? What about camping around San Francisco that would be safe and accessible to the Marta? Approaching San Francisco up highway one in California is a spot I need assistance with as well as my approach up through Utah to Yellowstone. I don't know if the route I have chosen is one that is possible or worth it. I had to divide my trip into "Trip Out" and "Trip Back" because of the limits Google has. Any help on this is greatly appreciated.
1. Trip Out (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Roanoke,+Virginia&daddr=albuquerque+nm+to:NM-14%2FTurquoise+Trail+to:US-285%2FUS-84+to:durango,+co+to:CO-62+to:US-160+to:1+Clinic+Rd,+Grand+Canyon,+AZ+86023+(Grand+Canyon+National+Park)+to:sequoia+national+park+ca+to:CA-180%2FE+Kings+Canyon+Rd+to:CA-1+to:CA-1+to:37.570705,-122.514038+to:San+Francisco,+California&hl=en&geocode=%3B%3BFe4iGgIdCE6r-Q%3BFfoZIQIdDJuv-Q%3B%3BFR5oRQIdmBmR-Q%3BFeLwOQIdjkmJ-Q%3BFW4LJgIdtRZR-SG90mUB0RNGEQ%3B%3BFWQ8MAIdhA7j-A%3BFTj1IAIdvgbF-A%3BFTzWNgId9Cu1-A%3B%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=4&mrsp=12&sz=8&via=2,3,5,6,9,10,11,12&sll=36.791691,-121.810913&sspn=2.40612,3.515625&ie=UTF8&ll=32.175612,-103.007812&spn=36.65164,56.25&z=4)
2. Trip Back (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=San+Francisco,+California&daddr=CA-37+E+to:sacramento+ca+to:I-5+S+to:9001+Village+Drive,+Yosemite,+CA+95389+(Yosemite+National+Park)+to:bodie+ca+to:Virginia+City,+Storey,+Nevada+to:US-50%2FUS-6+to:provo,+ut+to:garden+city,+ut+to:W+Broadway%2FUS-191%2FUS-26%2FUS-89+to:ID-20+to:South+Entrance+Rd,+Albright+Visitor+Center+%26+Museum,+Yellowstone+National+Park,+WY+82190+(Yellowstone+National+Park)+to:Norris+Canyon+Rd+to:44.997825,-110.00885+to:Mount+Rushmore,+Rapid+City,+SD+(Mount+Rushmore)+to:roanoke,+va&hl=en&geocode=%3BFZAeRQId2jSy-A%3B%3BFZasRwIdDN7C-A%3BFWP3PwIdSTHf-CEHR5QXojh8zQ%3B%3B%3BFWomVAIdTsI8-Q%3B%3B%3BFcB0lgId7rxl-Q%3BFaRepQIdNGdc-Q%3BFfyFowId9Otn-SFU-ci04pusGA%3BFe4eqgIdSHRo-Q%3B%3BFSKKnQIdEFTV-SEYPsFkiPD5cA%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=7&mrsp=14&sz=9&via=1,3,7,10,11,13,14&sll=44.692088,-110.220337&sspn=1.068019,1.757813&ie=UTF8&ll=39.909736,-97.822266&spn=33.415519,56.25&z=4)
If you get to California, you must see Yosemite, the Big Trees of Calavaras and the Napa Valley. Of course Tahoe is beautiful as well!
Grant
Barn Owl if time allows you are missing the most beautiful county in the world by not going up the coast into Oregon, Washington and across Idaho the Snake and Columbia rivers are a sight to see.the panhandle of Idaho is a beautiful spot too but I know time prevents seeing all of the beautiful country out west this will be my 3rd trip back this year to see the places I missed on the prior 2 trips
David
Laryn,
You may find some of your route still closed due to snow in May. For example, the sections on the "out" trip north of mark "C" at Durango, and west of mark "E" over the Sierras. Check here before you get there: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/ (http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/)
Note that 198 will be an extreme challenge in your bus even in good weather. Not impossible, but you had best be up to the driving task, and make sure your brakes are in good shape. Same goes for 550 in CO -- see our write-up here: http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/05/winter-spring-wonderland.html (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/05/winter-spring-wonderland.html)
You might want to hunt around on our blog some -- we've done the entirety of your route (but not in that same sequence), and have written up many free overnight stops along the way. It's not organized by route, but you can use the Topic pull-down to browse by state, or the search box at the top for specific destinations.
On your return trip, be advised the entire route through Bodie is dirt, and I believe there is a length restriction lower than 35'. I know that our 39' coach is prohibited. Even unrestricted, I doubt a parlor coach will make it; the road is twisty and rutted. And we're no strangers to going off road.
Also, from Jackson, WY, I recommend proceeding due north through Grand Teton to reach Yellowstone, and stopping at our favorite free camp site in the Rockefeller Parkway: http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/06/free-camping-in-land-of-50-sites.html (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/06/free-camping-in-land-of-50-sites.html)
Don't miss the Badlands, just east of Rapid City, right on your current route. It's a short detour through the park instead of the freeway -- turn right at Wall (home of Wall Drug).
Again, we've done most if not all of your route, and you can find many overnight suggestions on our blog.
I'm sure I could make further recommendations, but I don't have the time tonight to study your Google Maps routes in detail.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
If its a site-seeing trip your planning then your missing the best part of Utah, by taking I15 out of Vegas thru southern Utah to and thru the Grand Circle. Google the Grand Circle for info.>>>Dan
I don't know if this will help, but who knows ?
http://www.freecampgrounds.com/
Don & Sheila
A few further items...
Quote from: Barn Owl on February 01, 2009, 09:42:40 PM
... Does anyone know of some camping sites on the Pacific Ocean that would be breathtaking that is along my route?
Yes, there is a Forest Service campground on the ocean side of 1 called Kirk Creek: http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2006/05/kirk-creek-campground-along-scenic.html (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2006/05/kirk-creek-campground-along-scenic.html)
Quote
What about camping around San Francisco that would be safe and accessible to the Marta?
No "Marta" in SF -- that's Atlanta. In SF there are two unrelated transit systems, the BART, and the Muni. BART doesn't go anyplace useful, but you might find a parking spot outside the city where BART could get you downtown. Emphasis on "might" -- there really is no camping anywhere near SF. The bay area Wal-Marts are all No Overnight Parking, and the one commercial park that was in the city has long since closed. There is a commercial park on 101 in Redwood City, but no easy access to transit there.
If you are an Elk (and I can highly recommend joining, just on the basis of camping options), there are a few lodges in the bay area that have parking. We stay at the San Jose lodge when we visit; pricey, at $18 per night (although that includes 50-amp power and water), but a short walk to the CalTrain and the VTA Light Rail. CalTrain will take you to most of the Peninsula cities, including SF (about an hour), and the Light Rail gets you to most of the south bay.
Most cities in CA allow parking on the street for up to 72 hours. Note I said parking, not "camping." But if you maintain a low profile, you can often get away with parking overnight in a business or industrial district right on the street. We have done so many times. I'm sorry I don't have a specific street recommendation in SF; we lived there so long, we don't ever feel the need to visit.
Quote
Approaching San Francisco up highway one in California is a spot I need assistance with ...
Just stay on 1, which will bring you all the way to SF. Where you go from there depends mostly on where you will end up parking. 1 comes in to the west side of the city; to get to the eastern or northern sections without maneuvering around on city streets, you can cross over to I-280 on 35 in Pacifica.
In further regards to free or low-cost camping, here are the books we use and recommend:
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2007/08/thursday-tips-camping-reference-books.html (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2007/08/thursday-tips-camping-reference-books.html)
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
Dan, we have often thought about taking the "Great Circle" leg from St. George to Green River. Have a couple of questions.
First, will that route handle a 40 foot bus (non-raised Eagle) with a fairly large toad? We have done it a couple of times quite some time ago in a car and recall the "tunnel" with holes in the wall and that seems to be pretty small in my recall.
Secondly, we will be heading home from Yuma and may venture onto I 15 from Las Vegas. That would occur in early March and I wonder if there would be a pretty good chance of hitting snow?
Laryn, sorry for jumping on your thread.
Jim
One place you should hit is Antelope Slot Canyon just out side of Page AZ. It is stuning.
http://www.antelopeslotcanyon.com/ (http://www.antelopeslotcanyon.com/)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2Fb%2Fb5%2FUSA_Antelope-Canyon.jpg%2F300px-USA_Antelope-Canyon.jpg&hash=8f8f3e6173045ee2b439f3cc7c5f2e3a37e49998)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wildnatureimages.com%2FA%2520to%2520C3000%2FANTELOPE-SLOT-CANYON-PERSON.jpg&hash=bec19da542f738f5904abee3dd307eccce689993)
Barn Owl,
Sounds like a great trip! I would recommended, visiting Carlsbad Caverns, while you are in New Mexico. But, be for warned, Carlsbad is NOT the place to break down. There is not much out there (they do have auto part stores, but nothing that has much for buses, don't ask me how I know ;D :D ;D).
On your way back, I think that you would really enjoy the Creation Museum. http://www.creationmuseum.org/ (http://www.creationmuseum.org/). We did the whole tour, and were amazed. Make sure that you do the planetarium too. To get the most out of your visit, slot a whole day. There is so much more there, than you will get in a day, but it is incredible. If you don't have a full day, even a couple of hours is worth it.
I may think of other places later...I would agree with VanTare. The Snake river is beautiful. Spend the night in Twin Falls, ID, and see the river. Beautiful.
God bless,
John
Hagerman Id on scenic 30 is beautiful with the water falls from the mountains along the Snake River plenty of places to spend the night for free the best water in world at the rest area there and is full of trout and salmon fish hatechries along hi way 30
David
First thing i would advise you to do is to buy a Mountain Directory West. Tells you a lot about the roads out here and what to expect. Phone # 1800-594-5999 or www.mountaindirectory.com Second thing is a good atlas. Looking at your route to Bodie, i would not go that way.....google may be getting you there the shortest way but some of those roads are rough even in a car, no way i would take the bus. Park in an rv park near Bridgeport and take your toad if you have one, otherwise forget it. We came down 395 from Carson City to Barstow this fall and it is a very pretty drive.....seemed like we were climbing all the ways south, haven't done the trip going north yet. :) By the way Bodie can get over 20 feet of snow so you might want to contact Ca. state parks dept. for a status report. Have a good trip.
Jim, the holes your aludeing to are in Zion National park and have been enlarged, but the rules have changed and you will have to take a shuttle bus thru the park now. My advice would be to take Hwy.89 north from kanab Utah and park the bus at Hwy. 14 intersection and use the toad, then north to Bryce Canyon and on to I70, east to Arches National park and so forth. I'm at Cedar City and we are 5600 fT. so a turbo really pays for itself as you go higher than that. 89 is very good road and plenty of camping along the way, puts you thru the center of the Grand Circle.>>>Dan
I agree that the Colombia Gorge is stunning, and Idaho is worth the price of admission as well. =)
Concerning California, I'd avoid downtown Sacramento, makes me have the heebiejeebies in a car. Unless you really want to see the capitol and a bunch of street people, I'd stick to the highways. =) Downtown traffic is always stiff, may streets are narrow, with an unpredictable one-way scheme. Hwy 16 (16th street) is not always well kept, Lite Rail (train) also shares the roadway. Last time I was there 16th was red-light district as well.
Normally the gazillion trees are well trimmed, but no guarantee on side streets.
Just my two bits.
I need to take a computer class to figure out the neat links. That is really cool how you linke the map with your route to the BB.
Anyway I took route U.S 50 east out of Carson City to Delta UT. No cell coverage for hundreds of miles. It is by far the most desolate stretch of road in the USA. Somewhere on that road I had an Air Force fighter jet come straight at me head on about 50-100' off the ground. It scared the bejeebers out of me, but it sure did look cool. By that time I was ready to see something besides sand.
If you feel like paying, United Campground in Durango is a great place to stay. It is at the north end of town, and since we love bicycling, we stay there and ride all over Durango. They have some fabulous urban bike routes.
David
I lived in the northwest all my life and could send you to all kinds of cool places. I am not sure of your time frame. I see you will be going through Logan canyon in UT. I worked out of Garden City UT 26 yrs ago and have not been back since. I have always wanted to go back and see this stream that comes out of the ground right next to the road. It might not look as impressive today as I am a little older now but thought it was cool then.
John
Barn Owl, you know Big Brown can't do without you, so how did you manage the time off??? I mean, all those conveyor belts will be falling apart by the time you get back. You might even change your mind about ever going back LOL. I'm really excited for you, hope you and your family have a great time! Let us know when you make it back this way and we'll hook up again, only next time, bring your bus to Disney.
Quote from: Utahclaimjumper on February 02, 2009, 02:27:20 PM
Jim, the holes your aludeing to are in Zion National park and have been enlarged, but the rules have changed and you will have to take a shuttle bus thru the park now. ...
Not true, as of the last time we were there and according to current Park information. From the NPS web site:
Drivers of large vehicles approaching Zion National Park from the east on UT-9 need to be aware of large vehicle size restrictions.
Vehicles sized 7'10'' wide or wider or 11'4'' in height, or higher, are required to have an ''escort'' (traffic control) through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Vehicles this size are too large to stay in their lane while traveling through the tunnel. Nearly all RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, daulie pick up trucks, and some camper shells will require an escort.
...
Visitors requiring an escort must pay a $15 fee per vehicle in addition to the entrance fee. Pay this fee at a park entrance before proceeding to the tunnel. The fee is good for 2-trips through the tunnel for the same vehicle during a 7-day period.
In the high season, they run the escorts several times a day; you have to wait for one of the normal trips. In the low season, it is "on demand" and the rangers come out for you when you arrive.
Note the following are prohibited:
Vehicles over 13'1" tall
Semi Trucks
Commercial vehicles
Vehicles carrying hazardous materials
Vehicles weighing more than 50,000 lbs.
Single vehicles over 40' long
Combined vehicles over 50' long
What you may be thinking of is the Scenic Drive:
From April through October, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (a park road off Rt. 9) is accessible by shuttle bus only. Rt. 9, which traverses the park from east to west, is open year-round to private vehicles.Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on February 02, 2009, 12:53:10 PM
First thing i would advise you to do is to buy a Mountain Directory West. .... Looking at your route to Bodie, i would not go that way.....google may be getting you there the shortest way but some of those roads are rough even in a car, ...
Is there an echo in here? :)
Quote from: David Anderson on February 02, 2009, 05:20:50 PM
... Anyway I took route U.S 50 east out of Carson City to Delta UT. No cell coverage for hundreds of miles. It is by far the most desolate stretch of road in the USA. ...
Or so the Nevada Commission on Tourism would have you believe, with their "Loneliest Road in America" marketing campaign (based on the 1986 Life Magazine article which coined the term). With all due respect, this is a heavily traveled highway by many measures, including many semis, and is far from the most desolate. We've been on roads, by contrast, where you could break down across all travel lanes and not have anyone stop for hours. Many of the Nevada highways which run north/south and intersect US-50 are, in fact, much lonelier than 50 itself.
BTW, there is a free Forest Service campground at Bob Scott Summit, just outside of Austin. May still be under snow in May, but worth a try.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
A few thoughts from our recent experience with california
- rt 1 is beautiful, but san simeon to carmel would be white knuckle for me....the tour bus drivers do it all the time, but the 1000 foot drops and driving above the clouds would freak me out in a bus....one of them told me they also like to do it north to south so they don't need to worry about hitting the cliff face on tight turns, which happens...in a bus i like rt 1 north of carmel and south of san simeon
- if you want to stop along the ocean, it is also nicer driving south because there are many more easily accessible places to stop and just step out onto the beach, though the sun is in your windshield
- don't miss vegas, santa monica/malibu, santa barbara and napa
- not much in sacrmento
- california will just blow you away, it is stunning, we have been driving all over since we moved here
I sent you a PM on your route on I-80. I have traveled from Reno to ELY NV on highway 50. My wife and I lived in Ely NV in the early eighties. We lived a nomadic way of live while working in the seismic industry. We broke down in Eureka NV and were helped by some of the most generous people we have ever meet. After many years in Montana, our home state we now live in Wells NV and have traveled from Ely NV to Delta UT. As SEAN has posted this is a long stretch of road, but is well traveled.
John
Quote from: MattC on February 02, 2009, 03:24:32 PM
Concerning California, I'd avoid downtown Sacramento, makes me have the heebiejeebies in a car. Unless you really want to see the capitol and a bunch of street people, I'd stick to the highways. =) Downtown traffic is always stiff, may streets are narrow, with an unpredictable one-way scheme. Hwy 16 (16th street) is not always well kept, Lite Rail (train) also shares the roadway. Last time I was there 16th was red-light district as well, Normally the gazillion trees are well trimmed, but no guarantee on side streets.
Aw, Matt -The transit system runs all over downtown Sacramento. . . what's there to worry about?? ;D ??? ;D
;)
I am lurking right now, reading every post, studying every option, and taking notes. The problem with maps is that every thing is just lines and that makes it difficult to see exactly what I would be getting into. My plans are to leave around May 16th and from there I have four weeks with the option of using a fifth. I don't have, and am trying to avoid, a set schedule. My most enjoyable trips have been the ones in which we just stayed and moved on as we liked. I used to live in Albuquerque so I want to stop in there and see a friend, one full day, and I have a brother that lives in Provo, so I plan on staying a few days there. My wife has an old friend that owns Beaver Creek Lodge in northern UT and is going to let us stay there for a couple of nights. The rest of the trip is mostly to let the children see the major landmarks that one always sees or hears about. In between I want to travel on several scenic routes. I am going to Durango because I want to ride the Silverton RR and the Sacramento stop is to see the railroad museum there (If you think it is worth it; I love trains). After some feedback I am already working on a different route that would move my trip more north, possibly up into Oregon, and less of southern California. Right now I am in the learning/ listening mode. I want to address each post but it is so late I need to go for now. Please understand how appreciative I am of each and every one of you and your efforts to help me with this. If time allows I might get to see a few of you along the trip and we can all get a good laugh looking at my ugly bus. I will post some modified routes soon to see what you think.
Thanks,
Barn Owl
Laryn,
The railroad museum there is great. It's in Old Town; oversize vehicle parking is across the freeway, adjacent to the Amtrak station. Follow the signs. You'll then need to walk under the freeway to access Old Town. Spend a full day -- lots of history here besides the museum itself.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
One suggestion-when you rejoin I-40 on your way out, when you get to Kingman, AZ, swinging north to go over the Hoover Dam and onto Las Vegas, then back down I-15 to I-40 at Barstow, Ca is only about 50 miles out of the way. Since there isn't much except desert to see between Kingman and Barstow, that would be another way to go. Good Luck, TomC
Quote from: Sean on February 02, 2009, 10:47:31 PM
The railroad museum there is great. It's in Old Town; oversize vehicle parking is across the freeway, adjacent to the Amtrak station. Follow the signs. You'll then need to walk under the freeway to access Old Town. Spend a full day -- lots of history here besides the museum itself.
I'll echo Sean's comments about the Railroad Museum, well worth a visit. Wait 'til you see the cab-forward Mallot! :o
Barn Owl,
You might think about the 4 corners, and the Great Salt lake , Bonnieville salt flats.
Have fun and hope the bus gets good fuel mileage!
Steve 5B.....
Yup, an echo Sean. :) i have found that sometimes if a person hears the same thing from 2 different people they will pay more attention to what is being said. ;D
Barnowl, There is another narrow gauge railroad that runs from Antonito Co. to Chama NM. Call to make sure it is still running. They donnot advertise like the other one and are always having money proplems. It is a very beautiful ride and not as crowded. Call ahead for the Durango to Silverton ride to reserve a ticket. Not sure of your route but if you take in both trains Wolf Creek pass is in between very pretty scenery but you have to go over the pass.
Enjoy Colorado Wayne
Barnowl, I bet these guys are having fun planning your trip and spending your money. Sounds like to me you better plan for a much longer trip! ;D
I'll throw in my two cents. If you are going down the Columbia Gorge, you have to see Multnomah Falls just off I 84, between Hood River and Portland.
I used to live in Salem and you could spend a lifetime visiting the North West and not see it all. You may not want to go back home!
Have fun,
Paul
Based on your return route as published, as you travel northward from Utah thru Idaho, it looks like you might be passing near Pocatello, ID which isn't far from Arco, ID. Between those two places is EBR-1 --- Experimental Breeder Reactor 1 -- the world's first nuclear power plant. Now decommissioned and open for free tours, plenty of room for bus parking, check out this description: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/GettingOutThere/EBR-1.htm
We didn't even know about it till we were on our way to Craters of the Moon and opened the AAA tour book. If you belong to AAA, the tour books and free maps alone are worth the membership. Members get free maps for as many states as you like, and the tour books show lots of places to visit.
You will have a great trip; it's impossible to visit ALL the neat places, so plan on future westward journeys!
Linda
Almost 5 years ago we stopped at Grand Coulee Dam and watched the laser show that they do on the face of the dam at night. That was kinda neat.
Lots of advise for you to go over for sure. North of Durango CO is one of the most beautiful rides I have ever been on..... with my motorcycle. I have done it several times. Just remember that it may be somewhat tougher with a bus and has some pretty sharp hairpins, climbs and such. You can basically spend the day riding the train from Durango to Silverton and back. They offer one way and two way trips. If you so choose to go the train ride route then you can bypass the bus trip that direction and afterwards head west to Cortez, Mesa Verde, and Four Corners ( not much at Four Corners) and continue as you planned out of Durango. May is pretty early for tourist season so I doubt you will have any problems getting tickets to ride the train up and back. Just try to get tics the day before. Sure hope you keep us posted during your trip!! Later
I had a friend who is very, very well traveled log onto this forum and read the ideas you all are posting because I am not familiar with everyplace being discussed, and he says you all are giving some great advice. Everything is on the table and my plans and route seem to change almost every hour. This is a lot of stuff to work through. I am starting to worry that I am planning to get out there to early in the year because it seems many of the places I would like to go may, or may not, be open yet depending on the snow fall.
One of the reasons I chose middle May to leave Virginia is that I thought the heat wouldn't be so unbearable. My OTR air is not working and will be removed before I leave and that leaves two roof top units that probably won't keep it comfortable if it gets too hot while traveling. I also didn't want to run the gas genset the entire way just to have the ACs running. That would just add to the fuel expense. My front unit sits to far back for the driver and copilot to get much benefit if we are getting baked while moving. I also thought that traveling before it gets terribly hot might be easier on the bus and its cooling system.
For those who are well traveled or live out west, what do you think about being there the latter part of May? At the most I might could push things back a week, possibly two, if I want to destroy my children's summer activities (Scout camp, Girls camp, and other activities they are looking forward to).
Because of the feedback I am getting I might cut out southern California and opt to do highway one above San Francisco and turn west to Crater Lake. Even if the rim is closed can you still drive up to it and see it? What is the weather like on that part of the coast during May/June? If it is nothing but fog and rain I don't think I would enjoy it.
It looks like I am doing a lot, and at this stage in planning I am planning as if I have plenty of time. In reality as we travel I want to be flexible and as we progress there might be parts that will end up getting modified, removed, or even added. It all depends on how we are doing. Reading the problems Doug has had with his bus does raise my anxiety level some. Let's face it, I am traveling in an antique and going through some challenging terrain. Even some of the newer buses you all are driving have had problems. So far, even though I have had minor problems while on the road, I haven't been left stranded yet. I have to laugh at myself, if I knew about this board before I bought my bus, I probably wouldn't have one. I read about so many problems and huge expenses that I would be scared into bus paralysis. I bought my bus on the internet sight unseen. It was located in southern California (Santa Paula) and it hadn't been out of the PO's driveway for ten years. I bought my father and mother a one way plane ticket and had them pick it up. They drove it up to Monterey, back down to LasVegas, up to SLC and then home; an uneventful trip of almost 3000 miles. I often tell my friends that God looks out after fools and children, and I'm not a child anymore.
I am looking at everything you all are posting. I should have alternate and modified routes to put up soon, and with everyone's help I will have a trip that will be great. I already know that I will have to do another trip one day to catch everything I will miss on this one.
It will take several days to work through the suggestions and I hope there will be even more. So if I am not posting regularly it is because I am using my computer time to follow up on your leads.
Barn Owl
Hard to say what the weather will be like that time of year. Sometimes lots of sun and other times lots of rain. Since they have had a lot of rain and snow this winter i would guess that they might have a nice spring and/or summer......but i wouldn't put any money on it either way. :) With that said, I think that May, June, and July are the prettiest months in the Pacific NW.
As far as Crater Lake, we were there in early Oct. and it was raining, windy,and foggy. No cost to get in at that time, saw only a few cars, view was not the best at times but it was still a neat place to go. However this is once again a place i would rather not take my bus. Long climb up, the road around the crater is narrow and a little uneven in places, and in some of those narrow places it is a loooong way down. ;D Good place to go in a toad if you have one.
I do not have plans to take a toad because I need a toad that will take everyone. I could pull a jeep Cherokee but I am trying to avoid it.
BN;
I will be watching the post on this thread closely;as I too am planning a trip westward this year too .It is going to be a challenge,but like you said;we will never know,unless we give it a shot. You definetly have one of the very best coaches for manuevering in these tight places!If I was going to build another convesrion,the 4106 would be one of my first choices.
Bill
If you rplanning on running the Needles highway in the Black hills you might want to check into it. Not sure if they'll let it through. Have my doubts. The Needlesare quite nice but if your coming from the west coast you may be tired of the hilly senery.
Grant
Here is something else to consider. If it were me I would rather park somewhere and hike. Just a hike in the mountains would be great. Maybe park somewhere in Needles and then hike, instead of doing the drive. Also, I would make sure that you have plenty of time for hikes and such (I am not sure if you have little kids or not, but they can do quite a bit), but I always enjoy getting out and seeing things with my legs ;D.
Food for thought.
God bless,
John
A bus through Needles........... Not happening. In fact some of the tunnels are single lane and would probably take the a/c's off the roof. Hairpin turns galore. You may want to check on that to confirm my weak memory!! :D Actually a trip south of Spearfish into Spearfish Canyon and on to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Museum and such would be more in order.
From Wikopedia The Needles Highway, near Custer, SD, is a scenic highway running through Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is signed as part of South Dakota State Highway 87. The highway was completed in 1922.[1]
Along its 14 miles (23 km), the road winds its way through high granite "needles". It also has two tunnels blasted through sheer granite walls. These tunnels are less than 13 feet (4.0 m) high and 11 feet (3.4 m) wide. Owing to the narrow roadway, sharp turns, and low tunnels, the road has very little traffic. The vehicles that do travel this road are almost exclusively sightseers. Travelers on the Needles Highway are required to pay the admission fee to Custer State Park
Quote from: Sean on February 02, 2009, 07:28:44 AM
What about camping around San Francisco that would be safe and accessible to the Marta?
No "Marta" in SF -- that's Atlanta. In SF there are two unrelated transit systems, the BART, and the Muni. BART doesn't go anyplace useful, but you might find a parking spot outside the city where BART could get you downtown. Emphasis on "might" -- there really is no camping anywhere near SF. The bay area Wal-Marts are all No Overnight Parking, and the one commercial park that was in the city has long since closed.
Not quite. There are two decent RV parks just south of SF. One is Treasure Island (which is actually 10 miles from Treasure Island, but who's counting?) and the other is SF RV Resort. I've stayed at both. SFRVR is a little more expensive and worth it -- it is on the bluff overlooking the ocean, and you can hear the breakers at night. Either is good, and when I'm in the area, if SFRVR is full, I'm happy to go into TI.
Virginia City? We did that one by mistake, and from the Carson City side. Narrow, winding, up and up and up, slow, maybe 30mph. Don let me know what he thought of my six mile short cut every mile. Didn't matter I was too busy holding my breath. Then we came down the other side into Reno. What a view, too bad I couldn't look. I was too busy watching the air gauge. But they say Grey Hound trains their mountain drivers there. Since he pulled sixty foot mobile homes in another life, I thought I might have reason for concern.
The northern California coast can't be beat. We stayed in a park in Crescent City and got a rental car. You could spend a week in that area alone.
Driving through Sacramento isn't bad, just stay off the surface streets. You drop off the freeway into Old Sac and the railroad museum. There's a big truck stop on West El Camino road if you want to stay at a truck stop.
You really need that Mountain pass book. We got ours right after the Virginia City trip.
If you are going through Paso Robles, you will want to stop at Hearst Castle.
Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340
Quote from: Barn Owl on February 01, 2009, 09:42:40 PM
Big Western Trip – I need feedback and advice.
First advice is to buy the Rand McNally map book for commercial vehicles. It will tell you where the no-go roads, low bridges, tunnels, etc are located.
Next advice is to keep in mind that, unless you have ever driven in the West, you have never driven real mountains. Make sure you have your cooling system checked out! Also, brake early and brake often. I remember being told how terrible Monteagle (Tennessee) was, and my first time over -- at night -- I kept wondering when the bad part was going to start . . .until I realized that Monteagle was behind me.
Since I don't know what interests you, I don't know what to suggest. For history, you will pass by several sites where the Japanese Americans were imprisoned during WWII. Don't miss the Temple Square tours in Salt Lake City. I think the Donner Party "Interpretive Center" is now open on I-80 just west of Elko, NV. Wendover, Utah (where I-80 crosses into NV) hosts the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Wendover Army Air Field restoration project (this is where they trained for the first atomic bomb drops). If you have a couple of days to burn, park the coach in Sacramento, take Amtrak to Reno, RON there then take the train back the next day. This is the most scenic main line railway in the country, on the same railbed over the Sierra Nevada mountains that was build for the Transcontinental Railway (which I-80 runs beside most of the way). The Golden Spike Monument is north of Salt Lake City.
In Idaho, if it's still cold when you go through, Lava Hot Springs is a good place to stop, but not very coach-friendly the last time I was there (3 years ago).
Quote from: BG6 on February 04, 2009, 07:22:49 PM
Not quite. [emphasis mine - SW] There are two decent RV parks just south of SF. One is Treasure Island (which is actually 10 miles from Treasure Island, but who's counting?) and the other is SF RV Resort. I've stayed at both. SFRVR is a little more expensive and worth it -- it is on the bluff overlooking the ocean, and you can hear the breakers at night. Either is good, and when I'm in the area, if SFRVR is full, I'm happy to go into TI.
OK, let me repeat what I said: There are
no RV parks in
San Francisco.
The "San Francisco RV Resort" is in
Pacifica -- a far, far cry from SF. It's not like you're going to hop over to dinner in North Beach, or even at the Cliff House from here. No real transit options here, either.
"Treasure Island" is in
South San Francisco. That's not part of SF -- it's a completely different city. Although you can at least get a city bus from here. But, again, hardly convenient. BART is fairly close by, but not walking distance.
So I stand by my statement -- remember, Laryn is not going to have a car with him. He'll need to rely on public transit, walking, or else driving his coach around. Note also that he has written that he is trying to keep to a fairly low budget -- these parks are upwards of $45 per night.
I did live in this area for 20+ years before we hit the road, and we are back at least once or twice each year, FWIW.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
This got to be a very interesting trip for you & family via bus. Go for it!
I am too a railroad enthusiasm or nut since 2 ½ years old. By all mean Durango & Silverton RR (http://www.durangotrain.com/) is one trip you not to want miss. I have not been to it yet but have been studying about their history that was then Denver & Rio Grande Railway.
The other narrow gauge railroad that was part of D&RGR Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/)
I assume that your bus brakes are in "A one condition" because some of your routes have very steep down hill braking...especially North of Durango and to Sedona if you added this in your trip.
Sedona, AZ is south of Flagstaff, AZ is one of my favorite visiting stops. It's like walking or driving thorough the bottom of Grand Canyon only better. I have been there 3 times, one with my MCI-8 bus. Sedona (http://www.sedona.net/)
For a usual beautiful pink sky and sunset...drive a mile to a 500 feet high flat plateau with is the Sedona Airport (http://sedonaairport.org/)
Many tourist & local wait at the curve before this spot (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=airport+rd,+shrine+road&jsv=143c&sll=34.85259,-111.787705&sspn=0.011921,0.019226&ie=UTF8&latlng=34852354,-111788153,1143686806234092360&ei=InKKSdWAD4q2Nv7k8ZQE&cd=1) (enlarge map and click "Satellite" and zoom in letter A) for that magic moment of breath taking view that happen in 5 of 7 days a week.
Call the Sedona Chamber Commerce (http://www.sedonachamber.com/) if motorhome parking available at sunset spot at the airport.
About going on to any trips with a tow car is a cheap insurance for emergency and have capability to get around at night or tight tour trip.
I never go on bus trip without my car.
FWIW
Sojourn for Christ, Gerald
BTW...try to avoid pulling into small parking lot or Dead End Street that will be very hard turn around. In other words go slow to watch for sign under a tree (bus driver sit higher than car) that says "Dead End" and overhead clearance before you begin to make the turn in.
Barn Owl,
You've gotten enough advice to consider. After Highway 1 ends, you'll be on highway 101. We live in Klamath, CA, about 140 miles north. If you're going to be in the area you're welcome to spend a couple days at our place. We only have 30 amps outside, but do have water and sewer. We're on the road working much of the summer, but if you let us know in advance we can have the people who watch our place let you in. Dependent on when, we may even be home. Enjoy your trip either way.
TomNPat
pathcode at yahoo.com
A couple of good places we found (westward bound )are The Air Force Museum ,in Dayton,Ohio. There is a lot to see(allow at least one complete day)& there is no admission charge!A good place make camp,is the KOA ,There in Dayton,on the west side of town. Another place is the Creation Museum ,just west of Cincinati,Ohio.It will also justify a complete day. We stumbled accross a good campground about 15 minutes away, in North Bend, Ohio by the name of Indian Springs. Both of these campground were exceptions,and a pleasure to deal with.Please keep us informed on your findings,as we are gonna be heading west as well.
Bill
Trlbl
I agree with both of your points. I posted a link in this thread a little earlier to the Creation museum, which was awesome!!!
God bless,
John
Laryn much good advice!
My dad took us on a trip similar to what you are planning in 1980 in a brand new class A S & S (which we still have parked here! LOL)! It was an awesome trip! I will always remember it!
Then over the yrs while I was a paid gypsy (trucker) I revisited as many of these places as I could over the yrs. But many time I was not able to enjoy it as much as the trip dad took us on due to deadlines and being in a semi truck!
I took the liberty to "adjust" your maps and added in a must stop location for you! It has free 30 Amp service and dump station & water! Not to mention good company! Enjoy your trip no matter where it takes you! ;D BK ;D
Barn Owl
If you end up on the southern route near Tucson look me up. azairframe.com. If you have a mechanical I will be glad to help. That goes for anyone that might need it.
Rick
Rick,
We just missed you -- passed through Tucson yesterday. Would have looked you up if your post was a day sooner...
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
Rick,
I wish I could get down to that area and visit. If I live long enough and God willing, I would like to see that part of AZ. I think the weakest link on my trip will be the bus, so I thank you for the offer of help. I can only pray that I will not have to take anyone up on it.
Laryn
BK,
If only you weren't so far off of my route I would stop in and have a good time. Blow your horn if you see me.
Laryn
Sean,
I have read some of your blogs in the past and have enjoyed them. But they have now taken on a totally different meaning as I go through them. Where you parked and why, plus your thought process behind what you did has become very valuable. And the challanges and how you overcame them are becoming ever more important. You are unquestionably my number one "Road Pro".
Thanks for the time and effort that the two of you put into your blog.
Sean's blog (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Laryn,
Thanks. That's about the nicest thing anyone has ever said about our blog.
Now for the dirty little secret: I write as much detail as I do about these places almost as much for our own benefit as for that of anyone reading. Truth is that we are constantly going back to the blog to answer our own questions. ("Where was that place we stayed near Fort Worth, where we could swim in the lake right from our camp site?" or "The guide says this place is lousy -- didn't we stay there once and have a great time?") It helps, when we go back to those posts, to read about any problems we had on the way in, best corner to park, etc.
They say the memory is the second thing to go... I can't remember the first. Or, as we say around Odyssey: we drink to forget; we blog to remember.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com