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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: trailblazer2 on August 07, 2007, 10:36:14 AM

Title: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 07, 2007, 10:36:14 AM
 Well,after owning this ole steel tent a couple years,we're finally gonna put her through the test. We have been on several small trips,and made some memories! Leaving from Central North Carolina,we plan on taking the WVA Turnpike to Charleston WVA,and picking up hwy 35 into Dayton. From there we will take I-70 to Indianapolis,then catching I -65 Into Chicago.On the return part; we are going to drop in on Cincinnati ,for  a day or so. I am wondering if there are any specific campgrounds,sites, members,or any tips (that would enhance this Journey)? As always ,your expert advise and opinions are appreciated!
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: bubbaqgal on August 07, 2007, 10:39:47 AM
Bill, I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip.  Gotta be nosy though, where is central NC are you from?  I'm an NC native myself, fairly much central NC also.  Cat
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 07, 2007, 11:09:35 AM
Cat;
We call home ;good ole Siler city!I trust that yall er haven a good time in Tennesee?
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: bubbaqgal on August 07, 2007, 11:46:08 AM
It would be fun if it wasn't so hot.  It is supposed to be right at 100 all week.  I'm from a small town south of you called Pinebluff, near Southern Pines.
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: paulcjhastings on August 07, 2007, 11:50:00 AM
My family just returned from a trip to Oshkosh,WI then on to Chicago, unfortunately not in our bus. As soon as I find my digital camera I'll start a thread that shows a partially disassembled Setra 215. Two things that helped us a great deal, buy a CTA bus pass (you can buy unlimited ride passes to cover the days that you are there) and secondly if you are visiting the museums buy the City Pass book ,it includes admission into Adler Planetarium, Shed Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Hancock building observation deck.

There are a number of free trolleys that will take you different places, but they were an exercise in futility. Looong waits and standing room only. We tried the first day and after that we didn't bother.  
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 07, 2007, 02:27:29 PM
 Paul;
Thanks for the info! I am handicapped(ar'ent we all to some degree??)and it's hard to get around sometimes. So every bit of info is helpful! We'll be looking for those Setra pix!
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: paulcjhastings on August 07, 2007, 03:29:31 PM
Most of the busses I saw had lifts or the drop down steps, so if you are in a wheelchair they have you covered as well.
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: Austin on August 07, 2007, 06:14:08 PM
I would take 75 to exit 135 rt 30 and across much quicker and get off the big road a little there is a little campground in Sidney,oh off exit 93 turn left about 1/2 mile
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 08, 2007, 05:04:35 AM
Austin;
Thanks for the info! Do you think this campground can accomodate my 42 ft rig with a toad?I personally like to go off the beaten paths,it sure makes traveling a special challenge ,and adventure!
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: superpickle on August 08, 2007, 10:49:08 AM
recomendations ??

YES, I'll be standing by my Gate with a Back pack and a gallon of cheep wine. PICK ME UP !!!!!!!
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 08, 2007, 02:02:27 PM
 Superpickle:
Where  do you live? You MUST be under the influence of that thar fishbowl?
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: DrivingMissLazy on August 08, 2007, 03:56:52 PM
When you breeze past exit 138 on I-77, north of Charleston, stick your arm out the window and wave. I'm only 20 miles east of you there. And you will probably be thankful that you have completed the WV Turnpike portion of I-77!
Richard
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: Ncbob on August 08, 2007, 04:06:12 PM
Bill, guess it's depends on where you're going in the CHI area.  If your goal is the western suburbs (anything west of Downtown) I have some suggestions that will not only make your life easier but save you some tolls, too.

We bought our bus up there and believe me...for a mountain boy...that town can be SCARY!

I-65 to I-80 moves along pretty well, although there's always a bit of construction on I-80 South of CHI.

59N will take you west of town and up through the western 'burbs. Don't panic when you find that it's only two lane for a bit north if the Interstate but it becomes a pleasant 4 lane divided highway all the way to the Wheaton area.  Plenty of traffic lights, true, but nothing you can't handle with a bus and a toad.
Best to not try it at drive time in the morning of afternoon. and NO TOLLS!

FWIW, hope this helps...drove my bus through this route for the first time ever driving a bus and the blood pressure didn't get C above high C.

Whichever route you take...please do it safely, keep a good interval and enjoy.

Bob
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 09, 2007, 04:57:43 AM
Bob;
Tanks a lot, this is good to know for a first time,mountain feller as well! I have driven in a few big places,but it's been a while. I might drop the coach south of town ,and let the toad sniff the way!
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 09, 2007, 05:03:46 AM
Richard;
I will be coming up your way about Monday(if I can get the ole coach roadworthy by then). We are supposed to stay at the Fox fire in Milton,Unless I get the landing gear up on this ole 9-b and land in Dayton instead. Only the wuffersniffer on this tired dog KNOWS for sure! Thanks-
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: Busted Knuckle on August 09, 2007, 10:08:57 AM
Might wanna take time to swing by and say HI to Chaz, and check out his awesome "celeberity home" he's between Indy and Cinnci! I personally think it'd be the bomb! FWIW!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 10, 2007, 11:00:46 AM
 Bk;
Sounds like a goood Idea! REcon I could learn anything? Rite now we are making last minute checks and repairs. Hope to roll out Monday Morning( Good Lords Willing)
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: Austin on August 11, 2007, 09:19:43 PM
your unit would fit in there no problem
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 12, 2007, 06:08:55 PM
 Austin;
I appreciate that info! We are making some last minute checks,and hope to leave out early Monday.
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: Kristinsgrandpa on August 12, 2007, 06:26:32 PM
What route are you taking between Charleston and Dayton?

I live about half way between them on US 52.

Ed
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 13, 2007, 04:12:03 AM
ED;
We are going up Hwy 35. Maybe we can wonder over that way though!This is one of them ,sight seeall excurions!
Bill
Title: Re: Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??
Post by: trailblazer2 on August 16, 2007, 11:26:44 AM
ED;
We are gonna be coming very close to you ! Give us a reference point/number(etc),and we   will  try to stop in. We have made it to Indy,and will be coming baack that way Sunday,or Monday.
Keep tha porch lite on!
Bill