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British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)
-   The Trailer Park (https://britishexpats.com/forum/trailer-park-96/)
-   -   On the road again ... (https://britishexpats.com/forum/trailer-park-96/road-again-793041/)

Jan Alaska Apr 5th 2013 6:31 am
On the road again ...
 
1 Attachment(s)
back to Michigan we go ... Alaska is beautiful but getting more expensive by the day and the summers well they just don't happen. Add to that 3 growing grandee's in Michigan and we have enough restlessness for us to make the 3,500 mile drive.

36 days and counting ... time to get packing !

Mummy in the foothills Apr 5th 2013 7:14 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Exciting. Hope the move goes smoothly.

SultanOfSwing Apr 5th 2013 7:31 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10642399)
back to Michigan we go ... Alaska is beautiful but getting more expensive by the day and the summers well they just don't happen. Add to that 3 growing grandee's in Michigan and we have enough restlessness for us to make the 3,500 mile drive.

36 days and counting ... time to get packing !
Wow, that's a trek!

Bet it's a nice drive though.

Michael Apr 5th 2013 7:39 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by SultanOfSwing (Post 10642488)
Wow, that's a trek!

Bet it's a nice drive though.
I have a Navy buddy that lives in New Jersey and makes that drive every few years in both directions to visit his daughter and he loves it. If I drive more than 200 miles, I'm ready to turn back.

Jerseygirl Apr 5th 2013 7:45 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10642399)
back to Michigan we go ... Alaska is beautiful but getting more expensive by the day and the summers well they just don't happen. Add to that 3 growing grandee's in Michigan and we have enough restlessness for us to make the 3,500 mile drive.

36 days and counting ... time to get packing !
I feel a username reversal coming on. :lol:

Good luck with the move Jan in errrr.....

SultanOfSwing Apr 5th 2013 7:51 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Michael (Post 10642498)
I have a Navy buddy that lives in New Jersey and makes that drive every few years in both directions to visit his daughter and he loves it. If I drive more than 200 miles, I'm ready to turn back.
I've not driven further than 150 miles by myself, but one day I'd like to give a long drive a go.

We're driving down to Mammoth Caves in KY in the summer, but I am married to a very bad passenger, so I don't know how much of the driving I'll actually get to do :(

Jan Alaska Apr 5th 2013 8:00 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl (Post 10642513)
I feel a username reversal coming on. :lol:

Good luck with the move Jan in errrr.....
This time I think the username will stay as it is. Either that or i'll change it to Jan in confusion !

Looking forward to the drive down we have decided to take our time and do it over 10 days so we can stop off and see some of the scenery through Canada. Once we get into the states we have one stop in N Minnesota before getting to Michigan. Right now I'm trying to work out where we might be day by day so I can prebook motels.

Michael Apr 5th 2013 8:01 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by SultanOfSwing (Post 10642522)
I've not driven further than 150 miles by myself, but one day I'd like to give a long drive a go.

We're driving down to Mammoth Caves in KY in the summer, but I am married to a very bad passenger, so I don't know how much of the driving I'll actually get to do :(
When I was younger, I round tripped northern Minnesota to California and California to Toronto. I was never able to complete each way in less than 5 days. I suppose that if two people were trading off driving, not staying in motels, and not stopping, it can probably be done in 48-72 hours.

scrubbedexpat097 Apr 5th 2013 8:02 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl (Post 10642513)
I feel a username reversal coming on. :lol:

Good luck with the move Jan in errrr.....
Jan in Michigan: Part 2. :thumbsup:

SultanOfSwing Apr 5th 2013 8:05 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Michael (Post 10642542)
When I was younger, I round tripped northern Minnesota to California and California to Toronto. I was never able to complete each way in less than 5 days. I suppose that if two people were trading off driving, not staying in motels, and not stopping, it can probably be done in 48-72 hours.
This drive for us will be way shorter, it's only 450 miles, so can be done in less than 8 hours (especially since we plan to leave very early morning).

EDIT - There's another thing to tell you you've been in the US too long. You use the expression "it's only 450 miles" :D

Michael Apr 5th 2013 8:07 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10642540)
This time I think the username will stay as it is. Either that or i'll change it to Jan in confusion !

Looking forward to the drive down we have decided to take our time and do it over 10 days so we can stop off and see some of the scenery through Canada. Once we get into the states we have one stop in N Minnesota before getting to Michigan. Right now I'm trying to work out where we might be day by day so I can prebook motels.
At one time you used to get a better rate by booking in advance but now it doesn't seem to matter. I'd just take a laptop and book the next night from the motel/hotel in your current hotel room allowing for more flexibility.

Michael Apr 5th 2013 8:12 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by SultanOfSwing (Post 10642547)
This drive for us will be way shorter, it's only 450 miles, so can be done in less than 8 hours (especially since we plan to leave very early morning).

EDIT - There's another thing to tell you you've been in the US too long. You use the expression "it's only 450 miles" :D
You are right. I have relatives in Minnesota in their 70s and they often make trips of over 600 miles each way and enjoy it.

Jerseygirl Apr 5th 2013 8:53 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Sugarmooma (Post 10642544)
Jan in Michigan: Part 2. :thumbsup:
Jan in Michigan: The Sequel. :D

Nutek Apr 5th 2013 9:00 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10642540)
This time I think the username will stay as it is. Either that or i'll change it to Jan in confusion !

Looking forward to the drive down we have decided to take our time and do it over 10 days so we can stop off and see some of the scenery through Canada. Once we get into the states we have one stop in N Minnesota before getting to Michigan. Right now I'm trying to work out where we might be day by day so I can prebook motels.
You will need one of these...

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....ckster_opt.jpg

jeffreyhy Apr 5th 2013 9:11 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
A Griswold-mobile?

Regards, JEff


Originally Posted by Nutek (Post 10642608)
You will need one of these...

Nutek Apr 5th 2013 9:15 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by jeffreyhy (Post 10642620)
A Griswold-mobile?

Regards, JEff
:nod: Family Truckster. :)

Jan Alaska Apr 5th 2013 10:46 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Nutek (Post 10642608)
Worse one of us will be driving the 20 or 26ft uhaul with car trailer the other will be driving the Merc with the dogs and a motorcycle trailer (we might be able to get by without this if we can get the motorcycles in the truck) Its going to be err .. interesting.

I like Jan Michigan: the sequel :thumbsup:

N1cky Apr 5th 2013 11:32 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10642739)
Worse one of us will be driving the 20 or 26ft uhaul with car trailer the other will be driving the Merc with the dogs and a motorcycle trailer (we might be able to get by without this if we can get the motorcycles in the truck) Its going to be err .. interesting.

I like Jan Michigan: the sequel :thumbsup:
Urgh! That's crap. Driving together can feel like an adventure, seperately just feels like a chore. When we moved from So Cal to No Cal and drove seperately was bad enough.

Anyhoo. Good luck with the move, I'm sure it will be lovely to be back near your family:)

Scouse Express Apr 5th 2013 12:12 pm
Re: On the road again ...
 
Just did a 2,100 mile round trip, from Eastern Iowa to Columbia, SC and back. Left here on Wednesday Evening at 6pm and got back home at 4:30pm, today.

Utterly shagged-out now, though.

Work just gets in the way of my BE time.


Jim.

paddingtongreen Apr 5th 2013 12:27 pm
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by N1cky (Post 10642779)
Urgh! That's crap. Driving together can feel like an adventure, seperately just feels like a chore. When we moved from So Cal to No Cal and drove seperately was bad enough.

Anyhoo. Good luck with the move, I'm sure it will be lovely to be back near your family:)
A pair of phones plugged in for continuous use with bluetooth headsets should do it.

I drove from west of Philadelphia to Denver back in 1968 in my 6 month old Camaro RS with a small Uhaul trailer. I think that if I had driven more slowly I would have arrived sooner, running at 90MPH with all four barrels open meant frequent stops for gas. The main things I remember were being given a box of peanut brittle (I hated peanut brittle but they insisted) every time I stopped for gas at Stuckey's; and the immense thrill when I went around a bend and over a rise in Kansas and saw the Rockies in the distance.

Bob Apr 5th 2013 12:33 pm
Re: On the road again ...
 
Have a fun and safe trip back!

Englishtart Apr 6th 2013 2:04 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Sounds like a fun trip, apart from the separate vehicles, I hate driving but i'm a great passenger/navigator;)


It's going to be great you being closer to the Grandkids:thumbsup:

Nutek Apr 6th 2013 4:34 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10642739)
Worse one of us will be driving the 20 or 26ft uhaul with car trailer the other will be driving the Merc with the dogs and a motorcycle trailer (we might be able to get by without this if we can get the motorcycles in the truck) Its going to be err .. interesting.

I like Jan Michigan: the sequel :thumbsup:
Maybe you can find some stuff here...

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

:)

Worlds largest ball of string etc. :)

Cardienscarf Apr 7th 2013 2:33 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Hope it all goes well! That's quite the drive.

Steerpike Apr 7th 2013 5:32 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Michael (Post 10642550)
At one time you used to get a better rate by booking in advance but now it doesn't seem to matter. I'd just take a laptop and book the next night from the motel/hotel in your current hotel room allowing for more flexibility.
That's all well and good but you have to be careful about popular areas and weekends ... you may find yourself without a room at all if not careful. I took that approach last month when driving from Scottsdale to SF via LA; I booked a room the same day and found myself having to stay in a less favorable area / motel due to everything being booked up Saturday night. I ended up getting the last available room at a place that was only so-so. Go to a tourist destination and you can end up having to stay miles away. I did the same on the return journey, but this time went through the sierras, down 395 and stayed at my favorite Lone Pine motel.

Originally Posted by paddingtongreen (Post 10642819)
A pair of phones plugged in for continuous use with bluetooth headsets should do it.
...
That seems to be a fabulous idea - you should be able to get a pair of cheap 'walkie talkies' that would work at the distances involved, rather than relying on any kind of cell coverage. The route shown doesn't inspire me with confidence for continuous cell coverage!

Driving two cars does sound yukky, although at least it solves the problem of who gets to drive! I hate being a passenger, love being a driver. Also makes the music selection less contentious!

My biggest problem these days is getting suddenly drowsy when driving. I have learned to deal with it - just pull over and nap for 10 minutes seems to do the trick - but I wish I could avoid it with caffeine or something. Only seems to happen during the afternoon ... seems related to motion, warmth, sun, etc ... very strange.

I'm planning a 5-day road trip from Scottsdale to SF later this month, possibly via Utah ... looking forward to that!

Michael Apr 7th 2013 5:51 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Steerpike (Post 10645033)
That's all well and good but you have to be careful about popular areas and weekends ... you may find yourself without a room at all if not careful. I took that approach last month when driving from Scottsdale to SF via LA; I booked a room the same day and found myself having to stay in a less favorable area / motel due to everything being booked up Saturday night. I ended up getting the last available room at a place that was only so-so. Go to a tourist destination and you can end up having to stay miles away. I did the same on the return journey, but this time went through the sierras, down 395 and stayed at my favorite Lone Pine motel.


That seems to be a fabulous idea - you should be able to get a pair of cheap 'walkie talkies' that would work at the distances involved, rather than relying on any kind of cell coverage. The route shown doesn't inspire me with confidence for continuous cell coverage!

Driving two cars does sound yukky, although at least it solves the problem of who gets to drive! I hate being a passenger, love being a driver. Also makes the music selection less contentious!

My biggest problem these days is getting suddenly drowsy when driving. I have learned to deal with it - just pull over and nap for 10 minutes seems to do the trick - but I wish I could avoid it with caffeine or something. Only seems to happen during the afternoon ... seems related to motion, warmth, sun, etc ... very strange.

I'm planning a 5-day road trip from Scottsdale to SF later this month, possibly via Utah ... looking forward to that!
That used to happen to me when I regularly skied north Lake Tahoe on the way back after the weekend. Prior to leaving I was wide awake but as soon as I started climbing the summit, I'd get drowsy but as soon as I hit the peak 20 minutes later, I was wide awake. Initially I thought it had to do with the sun setting so I waited unit it got dark but the same thing happened.

Jan Alaska Apr 7th 2013 7:27 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
We really need to book motels as we have dogs and I'm going to guess there are a limited amount of hotels that will allow a 100lb ball of fur into their rooms.
We have the communications thing worked out, cell phones won't work as there are large parts of the AlCan that have no service so we are going with 2 way radio/walkie talkies. Hubby is into ham radio so he will probably have his stuff with him too.

Scouse Express Apr 7th 2013 7:28 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10645189)
We really need to book motels as we have dogs and I'm going to guess there are a limited amount of hotels that will allow a 100lb ball of fur into their rooms.
We have the communications thing worked out, cell phones won't work as there are large parts of the AlCan that have no service so we are going with 2 way radio/walkie talkies. Hubby is into ham radio so he will probably have his stuff with him too.
Book Hotels in advance. Some that allow Pets have size restrictions.

joto Apr 7th 2013 4:17 pm
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10645189)
We really need to book motels as we have dogs and I'm going to guess there are a limited amount of hotels that will allow a 100lb ball of fur into their rooms.
We have the communications thing worked out, cell phones won't work as there are large parts of the AlCan that have no service so we are going with 2 way radio/walkie talkies. Hubby is into ham radio so he will probably have his stuff with him too.
We used AAA to book hotel/motel rooms that allowed dogs, for our moving home journey, as our dogs are large as well and there are 3 of them. Sometimes there is an extra charge for them.

Steerpike Apr 7th 2013 7:22 pm
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10642399)
back to Michigan we go ... Alaska is beautiful but getting more expensive by the day and the summers well they just don't happen. Add to that 3 growing grandee's in Michigan and we have enough restlessness for us to make the 3,500 mile drive.

36 days and counting ... time to get packing !
Are you lucky enough to have jobs that allow you to move back and forth like this? Or are you retired? Sorry, I guess there are threads on this that I never read in the past! :)

Jan Alaska Apr 8th 2013 3:56 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
joto, I have a new copy of The Milepost which gives detailed information on the roads, stops, restaurants and motels/hotels along the highway. It really is the best resource out there.
Steerpike, we are heading towards retirement so although hubby has a new job lined up it will hopefully be only part time so we can stop a while and smell the roses and spend some time relaxing.
34 days and counting !

Jerseygirl Apr 8th 2013 4:00 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Steerpike (Post 10645814)
Are you lucky enough to have jobs that allow you to move back and forth like this? Or are you retired? Sorry, I guess there are threads on this that I never read in the past! :)
Who would choose Alaska as a retirement destination? :D

Jan Alaska Apr 8th 2013 5:42 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl (Post 10646863)
Who would choose Alaska as a retirement destination? :D
You would be surprised ... no state tax, those who are 65 or older get a tax break on the first $150,000 of their property taxes, subsidised heating, PFD. We see quite a few folks who choose to live out their days here however I'm not one of them, mother nature decided to surprise us with an April snowfall, 12 inches since Saturday and another 12-18 before tomorrow morning :\

Michael Apr 8th 2013 5:46 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10647130)
You would be surprised ... no state tax, those who are 65 or older get a tax break on the first $150,000 of their property taxes, subsidised heating, PFD. We see quite a few folks who choose to live out their days here however I'm not one of them, mother nature decided to surprise us with an April snowfall, 12 inches since Saturday and another 12-18 before tomorrow morning :\
Plus they get a tax refund at the end of each year from oil royalties.

Jerseygirl Apr 8th 2013 6:19 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jan Alaska (Post 10647130)
You would be surprised ... no state tax, those who are 65 or older get a tax break on the first $150,000 of their property taxes, subsidised heating, PFD. We see quite a few folks who choose to live out their days here however I'm not one of them, mother nature decided to surprise us with an April snowfall, 12 inches since Saturday and another 12-18 before tomorrow morning :\
I am surprised...lots of snow, ice, sub zero temps and long, long dark days...not usually what retired folk choose.

Michael Apr 8th 2013 7:04 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl (Post 10647195)
I am surprised...lots of snow, ice, sub zero temps and long, long dark days...not usually what retired folk choose.
Like cats, they sleep a lot.:lol:

Jerseygirl Apr 8th 2013 7:53 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Michael (Post 10647301)
Like cats, they sleep a lot.:lol:
:lol:

Michael Apr 8th 2013 2:47 pm
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl (Post 10647416)
:lol:
They also look out windows.

Nutek Apr 8th 2013 10:45 pm
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Michael (Post 10648101)
They also look out windows.
:nod: The Staring Window.

SultanOfSwing Apr 9th 2013 1:36 am
Re: On the road again ...
 
Originally Posted by Nutek (Post 10648617)
:nod: The Staring Window.
Quite a few people around here have a licking window as well ...


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