Heading out to Chicago,by the way of Charleston,Dayton,recomendations??

[trailblazer2]

 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

[bubbaqgal]

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

[trailblazer2]

Cat;
We call home ;good ole Siler city!I trust that yall er haven a good time in Tennesee?
Bill

[bubbaqgal]

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.

[paulcjhastings]

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.  

[trailblazer2]

 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

[paulcjhastings]

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.

[Austin]

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

[trailblazer2]

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

[superpickle]

recomendations ??

YES, I'll be standing by my Gate with a Back pack and a gallon of cheep wine. PICK ME UP !!!!!!!

[trailblazer2]

 Superpickle:
Where  do you live? You MUST be under the influence of that thar fishbowl?
Bill

[DrivingMissLazy]

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

[Ncbob]

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

[trailblazer2]

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

[trailblazer2]

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