If you could take a sightseeing trip cross country ~ would you?

[In_The_Wind]

I'm seriously giving it some thought.
I'll have the time for a Trike trip this summer.





What do you think DU ~ should I go for it?

Discuss:

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Hell yes I would - I've been wanting to do that my whole life

But whenever I have the money, I don't have the time.

And whenever I've had the time, I've not had the money.

[In_The_Wind]

2. I don't know anyone along the way.

I'll be traveling alone unless someone I already know (like my DU friends ... even if I haven't met them yet) wants to hitch a ride for a few days, then take a bus back home.

I'm thinking about heading west through the northern part of the country but I haven't picked a route for my return trip yet. There are so many towns that have such romantic names like Amarillo - I think I'd like to pass through some of them.

I know I want to avoid riding through the desert, I'm sure the summer heat would be too much for me.

:hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. I think doing it alone would be exciting, and that's how I envision

me doing it. Stopping and seeing friends, or hooking up with DUers...

And as for the desert - take a convertible!

[In_The_Wind]

11. My ride is already waiting ~

I got sun poisoning last summer by riding while wearing shorts.
I'm planning to wear cargo pants and long sleeve shirts.
The desert is out for this trip.

I'm looking forward to meeting more DUers!

[Thtwudbeme]

3. I've done it 5 times

ask me anything.

BTW--I think you know I am female---I have done it alone.

[In_The_Wind]

8. Great!

I'm getting butterflies about it but I already spoke with my mechanic about adding touring-pegs.

I just want to avoid needing to stop for the night in a place where I'll worry about my trike parked outside the door of my hotel rooms.

[Thtwudbeme]

10. I can understand that! My last cross country trip was last summer

Michael and I drove my mom and dad to the Grand Canyon via San Antonio from North Carolina. (no, I am not kidding)

There is a small town in Texas, and I will haul out the old mapbook because I for the life of me cannot think of the name of it---that I know for a fact is scary as hell. I mean the whole town scares the life out of me---so, I got them up early in San Antonio---and drove 450 miles in one day to be in safe places---by dark.

I am not all that familiar with the Northern Route, but I know the hotel strip in Amarillo ("Amarillo by morning....up from San Antone...." what a great song!) like the back of my hand.

Shoot me a PM when you are thinking of going, and we'll either do email, or I will PM you our phone number!

Stephanie

[Lavender Brown]

4. I would if I had the time and money, absolutely

There are so many places I would like to see.

[In_The_Wind]

19. I have the time. I'll travel on a budget.

This trip is about the sights you see from the road. I don't plan to stay more than one night in most places. The trike will need maintenance along the way and that's not exactly a jiffy-lube job. I'll have a list of Honda dealers names with me before I leave home but I expect that will be my only delay.

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear Joani.......

I sure as heck would, but I don't think I'd do it on an open trike. I would go by car. Safer, more storage, shelter against the wind and sun and rain....

But heck yes, I would go!

Live your life!

:hi:

Of course, you'd want to plan it out at least a little. You'll need access to ATM's for your money, and if you have routine prescription medications, you need to have enough of those to last throughout the trip, or ways to get them as you go.....

Stuff like that....and of course, who to see, and where to stay...

Definitely, though, GO!

[In_The_Wind]

20. Hey Peggy!

I'm going to head down 'the 1' (as bridgit called it) and find my way to Gilroy.

You're so very right ~ I'll need: ATMs, meds and enough clothes to keep me going between laundry mats. I'm going to try for an average of 300 miles each day, I might be able to add on another hour as I become accustomed to the ride.

Sometimes I feel like hell yeah ...
while other times I start thinking what the hell am I doing ~
I'm going to be on_the_road for a month.

Most of all I'll need my DU friends to help me return to reality as I end my days alone with the things I'll see.

:hi:

[pitohui]

37. ATMs are everywhere in america

visit the lonely planet, that is almost a mantra on the united states page of the thorn tree

there is always an ATM, that ain't even worth stressing abot

there is also a walgreens on every corner, w. satellite hook-ups so they don't screw up or lose your prescription

[WCGreen]

6. You need to ask......

[In_The_Wind]

23. Actually ...

My decision to go for it was already made.

I value the experiences of my friends here at DU.

I want to have the best trip imaginable so I want to hear the voices people who've been there, done that.


I'll be going through Cleveland. We can have coffee while I'm there.



:hi:

[In_The_Wind]

135. I'm going to make a special Trike trip this year.

I have someone who wants to come along for the ride to meet you and Mrs. Green.

[LSK]

9. yes!!!

I have driven cross-country several times, although nothing in the past couple of years.

See Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, Grand Canyon, do it all!

[In_The_Wind]

63. Hey there ~ LSK ...

I was looking for the Grand Canyon on my map yesterday ~ thanks to you! Although I think Yellowstone might be a might be a bit too crowded in mid-summer for my taste.

:hi:

[Initech]

12. Done it! Well, mainly on the East Coast.

I went from Virginia to Florida and ended in Tennessee. It was great!

I hope to do Route 66 some time.

[In_The_Wind]

65. I'm going to look for route 66.

I should be able to ride along that way for a while.



:hi:

[Sequoia]

70. It goes all the way to the Santa Monica Pier!

[billyskank]

13. I want to do it in 2007

Although the sights I am interested in seeing are all DUers. Does that count? :hi:

[In_The_Wind]

66. That's great Billy!

I was wondering if you were ever going to fly over.

Do you have any idea where you'll start your trip?

[billyskank]

67. Texas

My Aunt lives there, after she married a professor. Originally they lived in Seattle where he taught at Washington State university, but he got a new job in Texas (big change), near Dallas I think.

[In_The_Wind]

69. I'm going to swing through Texas!

I want to see Amarillo ~ just because I like the song.

Amarillo by morning, up from San Antone.
Everything that I’ve got is just what I’ve got on.
When that sun is high in that texas sky
I’ll be bucking it to county fair.
Amarillo by morning, Amarillo I’ll be there.

They took my saddle in Houston, broke my leg in Santa Fe.
Lost my wife and a girlfriend somewhere along the way.
Well I’ll be looking for eight when they pull that gate,
And I’m hoping that judge ain’t blind.
Amarillo by morning, Amarillo’s on my mind.

Amarillo by morning, up from san antone.
Everything that I’ve got is just what I’ve got on.
I ain’t got a dime, but what I got is mine.
I ain’t rich, but lord I’m free.
Amarillo by morning, Amarillo’s where I’ll be.
Amarillo by morning, Amarillo’s where I’ll be.


After that I'm heading over to meet merh.

My route will keep on changing until I turn right back into my driveway in August. There are soooo many DUers I'd like to see.

I hope you can get out of Texas. Where do you plan to go from there?

[billyskank]

71. As many places as I can

I think I'm just going to have to blow all four weeks of my annual vacation in one big month-long holiday. I would like to get as far as Canada if I can, but we shall see. All the travelling will take it out of me, I'm sure.

[In_The_Wind]

177. You'll find a way.

I'm sure you'll make it northwest into California.

[merh]

14. If I could, Joani, I would be right there with you!

Damned tootin' I would do the cross country thing.

:thumbsup:

:loveya: :hug:

[billyskank]

15. Hi merh!

:hi:

[merh]

30. Hi ya, billyskank

:hi: :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

49. I'd love to meet you (((((((((merh))))))))) ...

I bought a huge map yesterday. I'm going to wind my way back through parts of the South so we can have lunch together.

However - I'll need to be home long enough to remind my parrot who loves her before I pick MissHoneychurch up at the airport in September. We're heading back down the east coast on 4 wheels.

[Hissyspit]

16. Yes.

I live to travel. Everything else I do is just designed to get me to the point where I can take off.

[In_The_Wind]

52. That's excellent!

I've traveled the eastern states but this will be my first trip west. I'm really looking forward to the ride. I started thinking about using duffel bags held on the back by bungee straps for my clothes. My laptop, camera, books and maps should stay dry in the trunk.

:hi:

[progmom]

17. yes - definitely

I have driven cross-country twice now - both times I really wished I had time to stop and see the sights. If I had the time, I would do it again....and take my time.

[In_The_Wind]

75. I may ask you a few travel questions as the days go by.

I hope you can take the time to do the drive again.


:hi:

[progmom]

127. perfect

you have my phone number.

i'm really excited for you - road trips are the best. and with so many great DUers to visit, i imagine you will have quite an adventure.

[Gormy Cuss]

18. I did. I loved it. I hadn't been east or south of NYC at the time.

For me it was the best way to understand how large and diverse the land is, and how similar we are as Americans yet distinct in our regional and local identities.
I say do it!

Word of warning: some of those Western states are practically empty.
:+

[In_The_Wind]

76. I Love My Country! I want to see it while I still can.

I'm more concerned about traveling through the heat of summer days. I may start my ride around dawn if necessary.

I've traveled as far northeast as Boston. Someday I'll visit Bar Harbor, Maine.


:hi:

[Jara sang]

21. Go for it! Since 1999 I've driven coast to coast 10 times.

Via almost every conceivable route. East coast to West and reverse. It's awesome. Definitely hit the Southwest. Get off the major Interstates especially going through the Midwest.

[In_The_Wind]

77. I'm not sure how much of the Southwest I'll see.

I feel the need to stay out of the desert as I will be out there at the beginning of August. Even riding near dawn on the desert might make for a most uncomfortable ride. I plan to backtrack north for a day to come back through the Rockies and then head southeast to Amarillo.

In June I'll start a thread asking which DUers live along my way so I can meet a few more of you people I've grown to like so much.


:hi:

[SeattleGirl]

22. Absolutely!

And when you hit Seattle, I'll buy you lunch! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[In_The_Wind]

78. I'll hold you to that offer!

But can we make it south_of_Seattle? That place sounds too citified for my riding taste.

[SeattleGirl]

108. I live in south Seattle

About 10 miles from the center of downtown. And yes, we can.

[EstimatedProphet]

24. Of course

And see the Grand Canyon and Glacier National Park-you will remember forever.

[In_The_Wind]

79. I am going through Montana on my journey west.

That would add an extra day to my trip but I'm sure it would worth the detour. Thanks for the suggestion. That's exactly why I started this thread. I was horrible in my geography class when I was young, just squeaked through it. I'd hate to be only 100 miles away from something truly spectacular and miss it. If I don't meet you and TheProphetess before July I'd like to see you on my way west.



:hi:

[Radical Activist]

25. Of course I would.

My American Dream is constant road trips across America.

[In_The_Wind]

80. I've had this dream since I was in my 40's.

Of course at that time my plans were to go by RV. Now I don't even want to drive my wonderfully comfortable pick-up truck because it's an 8 cylinder. The money I could save on lodging by camping out wouldn't come close to the cost of gas.

Is your dream coming to fruition? Have you traveled America?



:hi:

[schmuls]

26. MMMM...sounds like a "real gas". go for it!

[In_The_Wind]

81. I'm sure it will be. Thanks.

:hi:

[XemaSab]

27. Duh.... HELL YEAH!!!!!!!

Up in Northern California you have to see the Redwoods and the Coast, but you should also see Yosemite and Mt St Helens. Heading back you should go through Utah and see the sights there, too, especially Arches.

[In_The_Wind]

82. Mt St Helens is on my list of places to see or be near.

I just took a quick look at the map again, I'll be traveling back through Utah. My original plans were to be a bit north of Arches on route 80. I'm looking for mountains instead of deserts. What is the terrain like for a hundred miles (or so) around there?


:hi:

[XemaSab]

130. It's very different

I guess I would call it hilly, but the roads are pretty even with HUGE rocks and mesas everywhere.

:D

[skygazer]

28. Absolutely

I've done it many times - I plan on doing it many more. I've driven alone across the country from New England to California twice (once in a car that everyone was amazed made it). I hitchhiked alone across the country twice (once in 1998 - every time I tell people that I hitched, they say sort of dismissively, "Oh, well, yeah you could back then. But you couldn't NOW." Yes, I could and I did).

And yes, I'm female.

Travelling alone is the greatest freedom imaginable. You can travel when you want, stop when you want, eat where you want, take any detour you desire. You can drive in the middle of the night if the mood strikes you and spend as much time at any particular roadside attraction without anyone saying, "Come on, let's go."

Do it - you will never regret it.

[In_The_Wind]

91. WOW ~ skygazer! That's an awesome story! I love your avatar.

It's wonderful to hear from a woman who followed her dreams.

Send me a PM the next time you're heading toward the East Coast. I'd like to buy you a drink so I can hear some of your stories.


:hi:

[greendog]

29. I've done it...6 months 50,000 miles

Started in Indiana. Headed to New Mexico/Arizona. Zig-zaged north through the western US/Canada to Alaska. Side trip to Inuvik, NWT. Ferry ride to Dutch Harbor, AK (Aleutian Islands). Ended up in Montana.

Of course you should do it.

[In_The_Wind]

107. That's amazing greendog!

How old were you when you took this adventure?



:hi:


BTW It looks like I really am going to do the ride!

[greendog]

117. 43...

...that was 4 years ago.

If you decide to come through Glacier, PM me. If I'm available I'll drive up and meet you in the park. (days off: thurs, fri, sat)

FYI: Lots of snow this year in Glacier. "Going to the Sun Road" might not be clear till early July.

[In_The_Wind]

126. "Going to the Sun Road" sounds cold!

I will be heading through Montana. My house mate just said that it's awesome ~ the Glacier is too beautiful for pictures to do it justice.

I've just realized that I have spoiled myself too much to go without making coffee my way ~ I'm driving 4 wheels instead of riding 3.

[grace0418]

31. In a heartbeat. I love to travel.

The list of places I WOULDN'T be interested in visiting is quite short.

[In_The_Wind]

136. I'm doing it! However my plans have changed a bit.

I'm thinking about driving my truck and camping out most nights. I guess I'll postpone my morning cup of coffee until I'm back on the road for the day.



:hi:

[Shine]

32. Sounds like a Grand Adventure to me! I say Go For It, girlfriend!!

:thumbsup: :yourock:

[In_The_Wind]

138. Maybe we can have coffee together.

I'll be there on 4 wheels sometime in July.

:hi::pals:

[uppityperson]

33. Absolutely, I would love to. If you can, do it.

This is such a big country, such a variety of places and peoples. It would be a wonderful thing to do. Camp out when you can, stay in motels when you want, see people and places and things. And eat in little roadside cafes, avoiding big highways unless you want to get somewhere rather than going somewhere. That would be a terrific summer trip.

[In_The_Wind]

143. Your post was the one that actually started me thinking about camping.

I bought everything I'll need two years ago but never used most of it. I may be ready to sort it, pack it and head on out after the first week of July is passed.

Thanks


:hi:

[no name no slogan]

34. If you get to Minnesota, be sure to give me a shout

I don't have any room to spare right now, but we could find you a place! :hi:

[In_The_Wind]

100. I'd love to have supper with you. I'll let you know when I'm near there.

I'll be staying in motels for most of my trip so don't worry about not having a spare room.
And I won't need to worry about packing pajamas.



:hi:

[pitohui]

35. could and have

if you got the time and the cash, what's stopping you

[In_The_Wind]

145. nothing

:woohoo:

[bridgit]

36. please take your cell phone, honey, the goddess be willing...

please as well tell me that your ride is in EXcellent road shape, tell me as well you will not be tipping on two wheels somewhere round Fargo...otherwise i've put some thought onto the matter; and even though i'm a little tipsy i am able to confirm...i would do it if i had the option time & work-wise, and you had BETTER drop a some form of pm when you get this far, k?

:loveya:

[In_The_Wind]

101. My ride is going back into the repair shop as soon as it's warm again.

The repair job that was done at the end of last summer still needs tweaking. I'm not heading out on this trip until everything is exactly right and I've had it out_on_the_open_road for a few hundred miles to check it out for myself.

I promise I'll keep you informed along my way. :pals:








*note to self ~ stay away from Fargo*

[Ptah]

38. I'll second the recommendation of EstimatedProphet

Glacier National Park is the bomb.

Going to the Sun Road is why we invented wheels.

Do it, Joan.

The Weeping Wall:



St. Mary's Lake:



Google Sunrift Gorge, Trick Falls.

I could go on for hours about the prarie:



and the wild life:



Do it, Joan.

[greendog]

41. The Going to the Sun Road...

...is perfect for bikes!

http://montanafilm.com/snider5.htm
Hey Joan, If you decide to come this way, PM me. I live in the neighborhood.

[Ptah]

43. Home, sweet home:

http://www.trailmonkey.com/US/virtualtrails/Mt,SunRd5pass.JPG

[In_The_Wind]

149. I love your pictures Ptah.

The Weeping Wall is awesome!

I am going to do it!

[KitchenWitch]

39. Absolutely - if I had the time and money, I would do it in a heartbeat

:hi:

[In_The_Wind]

146. Thanks KW! I am going to make the trip on 4 wheels.

My life has a way of changing from the original plan. :woohoo: It's going to be wonderful!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

40. Yes! Go. Especially if you have never done it.

And get off the Interstates. There are lots of great people out there in this country.

[In_The_Wind]

148. Hay ~ WannaJumpMyScooter! It was wonderful meeting you in NYC!

I enjoyed heading about some of your travels. How did all of your pictures turn out? :loveya:

[Redstone]

42. We're going to try for that this summer ourselves.

You should do it if there's ANY possible way.

Never, never pass up such an opportunity. Especially on a TRIKE, dammit!

Redstone

[In_The_Wind]

150. Hey Redstone! I think it's great that you and the family are heading out.

I chickened out on doing the trip by trike. x(
I'm still doing the trip but we all feel better about my safety on 4 wheels. I do intend to ride my trike over to visit you and the Redstone family this summer. :loveya:

[Heidi]

44. YES, go for it, gf!!!!!

I've done it, alone, and it was one of the best experiences of my life! :hug: :bounce: :* :loveya:

[In_The_Wind]

151. Heidi

My plans have gently, gradually morphed into a different trip than my original concept. My destination in California is still the same. What's changing everything is my mode of transportation. At first I was going to trike it, stopping in motels for the night after traveling an average of 300 miles each day. Now I'm driving my pickup truck. It has a cap on the back so I've changed my mind about staying in motels. I'll camp out most of the way there and back. A different motel every night would become boring. I don't see how I could get bored sleeping in the fresh air. I'll head into campgrounds for safety sake but I'm far less worried about things this way. I had more than a few butterflies about taking the trike through some of the beautiful but isolated areas.

[rucky]

45. Rule #1 - Never Turn Down An Opportunity To Travel

that is all.

[In_The_Wind]

152. I like your Rule #1.

Ordinarily I don't like rules at all.

Is there a Rule #2 ?

[Wapsie B]

46. Sure!

Go for it! Sounds like fun to me. :)

[In_The_Wind]

57. I'm seriously working out the plans for it.

I even called about the price of a small trailer because it's very hard for me to pack lightly (any DUer I've ever slept with can verify that fact ... I bring way more than just a lil black dress). Sigh_darn_it The darned things cost too much. I'll have to learn to live with less clothes.

:hi:

[qnr]

47. Could? From experience, I say "Absolutely! Go for it."

[In_The_Wind]

56. I'd love to hear more about your experiences.

Where did you go?

:hi:

[MissHoneychurch]

48. Hell yeah!!!

without a second thought!!! Go for it girl!!!

Wish I could come with you. But then ... we are going South together in September :bounce:

[In_The_Wind]

155. I promise to be home in time to pick you up at the airport.

We're gonna have a great time stayin' outta trouble !!!

[graywarrior]

50. Yep. That's my dream. Hit the road and drive to where ever.

[In_The_Wind]

54. I'd be gone all summer except I'd miss my parrot too much.

If she was a small one I'd figure out a way to take her with me.



:hi:

[bigwillq]

51. Only if you pay for it.

:P I can't afford that at the moment but I would love to.

[In_The_Wind]

53. Can you buy your meals?

And can you get the time off from work?

:hi:

[bigwillq]

55. Meals=probably

Time off=probably not! :(

:hi:

[In_The_Wind]

59. hmm ...

Well then - we'll have to talk about short rides around your home state.

I'll need to get back in shape after a long winter of watching the weather change.

[bigwillq]

60. I think you shall go for it, Joan.

If you have the time, energy and money to do it, then go for it! :hi:

[In_The_Wind]

61. Thanks ~ bigwillq!

It's the energy part that worries me but I can always ship the trike and take the train home if this old body refuses to go forward on 3 wheels. I just gotta give it a try, there are so many great DUers I'd like to meet (or see again) along the way.

[Left Is Write]

58. Yep. I would.

[In_The_Wind]

153. I'm going to take the long way home.

I've got all summer.

I need to pick MissHoneychurch up at the airport on 9/2 for a three week vacation meeting DUers and ME!

Translation ~ I'll be home before it's time to stack wood for the winter. I have cut our heating bill to 1/3 the cost before the stove. :woohoo: More travel money for me!

:hi::loveya:

[Deja Q]

62. I might just do that this year.

No home, nobody local, nothing to lose.

Just money, car, cell phone to call mommy and daddy (and the local hookers) with, and Time to explore the scenery (and the hookers!) and take photographs with my camera gear. :7

[In_The_Wind]

156. You're funny HypnoToad!!!

My home and the_keeper_of_my_heart will be cared for by my two house mates.

Watch out for wildlife of all kinds. Take plenty of pictures and condoms.
Above all have a safe trip AND have fun while you're out there!

[hyphenate]

64. If you have never done it

it's good to do at least once!

I've driven cross country three times--twice from east to west and once from west to east. I also took Greyhound once back in the 70s.

It's fun, though at times a bit boring. The bus trip in the 70s went across Illlinois, Iowa and Nebraska before heading south. Much of those states (on the major highway) are completely flat. You will see farmland and fields stretching for miles, though.

I preferred the southern route for myself. From Massachusetts through NY, PA, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona to L.A. The most recent trip was in February, 2003 which brought me back home from L.A. after 15 years there. CA, AZ, NM, OK, MO, OH, WV, PA, NY and up to MA. Since I'd done most of that route before, it was easy to drive it and didn't have to look for surprises. Once you have landmarks along the way, it becomes more entertaining. One of the fun things you can see is the McDonalds in Vinita, OK, which was lauded at one point as the largest restaurant (it isn't anymore) which is built OVER the highway both north and south.

If you go, you will always remember how beautiful this country is from coast to coast, and despite everything that has happened in the past 5 years, you will see saving it is definitely worth it!

[Sequoia]

68. Yes.

Make sure your car is comfy and don't drive at night and pack healthy food for snacks instead of rolling into the gas station and buying chips and soda. Camera, money, etc. Oh...and a good map. Don't take any roads not on map. I watched a movie where a family did that and they went to this town where it had been a nuke testing ground and all these people hid below and their kids came out deformed and of course throw in some aliens and the family was "taken over' in a "body-snatcher" kinda way.

So, what route do you plan to take?

Signed: Your on-line mom.

[In_The_Wind]

72. Dear on-line mom ~ Sequoia,

Please don't worry ~ I'm not riding at night.

I'm taking my camera, money, cell phone, maps and whatever I can pack onto this ~

I promise to check my PMs every day. If I'm not too tired I might run a thread about my trip.

I'm starting out on 90 west. I plan to wander across the top (more or less) of the northern states until I reach the West Coast. Then I'll ride down "the 1" to Gilroy. My return trip will start out north until I turn east on 80. I haven't quite figured it all out. I think my trip back will zig-zag to meet DUers. I'll see merh along my way.

Signed: Your on-line daughter

Joani


PS ~ I'll avoid alien body snatching types!

[Heidi]

83. Are you taking a laptop????

Then you could keep up abreast of your adventure! :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

85. Yes I am Heidi. I'll check in with DU every day.

I love so many of you too much to stay away for a month!
I'm afraid I'd go totally bonkers if I couldn't talk to anyone I know for THAT long.
I need my DU fix. I admit it. I'm addicted to DU!

[Heidi]

86. Oh, thank you!!!

Your trip will be fun for us, too! :yourock: gf!!

[In_The_Wind]

89. It would make a great book!

I'll keep a journal every night. That is IF I can uncurl and use my fingers.

I'm taking my camera and lenses in for a cleaning. I think the best thing I can do with my film is to mail each roll back home to be developed.

I don't think I'll be taking a lot of clothes. I'll need my chaps if I'm going to be riding up in the mountains but my leather riding coat takes up so much room. I'm going to talk to two or three of the local shops for advice about that. Harley gave Cherie a membership in the Hog Club when she bought her V-Rod and she's going to add me as a guest member. Everything will be in tip-top working shape before I leave home but I may need motorcycle peeps to help me along the way.



I've got butterflies in my very excited tummy.

[Sanity Claws]

73. Yes!!

When we moved from the east coast to the west coast, we had a moving company take the furniture and we drove the car out. It was fabulous. It is one thing to read about the prairie, the Rockies, the farm belt. It is quite another thing to experience it.
Also, it was fun to hear the different regional accents of the various places we stopped. I'm sure the locals found our New York accents as amusing and hard to figure out as we found their accents funny.
Don't hesitate --- go, hit the open road!!

[Neshanic]

74. Yes, it's lots of fun. Not on a motorcycle though. Car is fine.

[In_The_Wind]

98. I have a trike. I believe that'll be easier than a motorcycle.

:hi:

[Sugar Smack]

84. Hell freaking yes.

(Begging Joani to kidnap me & "make it look like an accident")


}( :hi: :loveya: :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

87. ~

I would lovelovelove to have you with me for any or all of the trip. How long do you want to be held captive by me?

[Sugar Smack]

88. Weeks & weeks, at least.

I see us stopping in the mountains at antique shops & window-shopping. I see us hopping over streams & rivers on rocks, staying in cheap hotels where you can hear the phone ringing next door, but with a couple of bottles of beer & a TV set. I see having breakfast at a country diner & a waitress who calls us "honey". Trying foods we've never eaten before.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[In_The_Wind]

90. Ooh ~ come with me!

Your boss loves you.
You're very good at cuteness ~ wheedle the time off from work.Come With Me!
It would be a_totally_awesome_kick_ass_trip!

[DS1]

92. Absolutely, but in a roomy car with lots of power

:D

[In_The_Wind]

93. I could do that but it would cost a whole lot more.

My truck is so comfortable but I don't think it would be 1/2 as much fun.





You had a trike. What was your longest ride?

:hi:

[DS1]

94. You mean this?

Not mine, never had a trike. Talking out of my ass and all that, rarely take anything I say seriously ;-)

[In_The_Wind]

95. Thanks for the clarification ...

Yes. At one time you said you had that one. Darn! I was hoping for a few you_really_should_hear_this_one_stories ... Oh well.
It's nice to see you here anyway.

[Benfea]

96. Heck yeah!

I grew up overseas, so I'm horribly unfamiliar with the geography of my own country. Sad, isn't it?

[In_The_Wind]

97. Welcome to DU ~ Benfea.

Although you've been around for a few months I don't believe we've met.



I grew up in Georgia but I don't know much about the states that aren't bordering the Atlantic Ocean Coast. It's time for me to experience a bit more of America's diversified landscapes. I intend to post about my trip along the way. I'll share my pictures with DU when I return home and retrieve the rolls of developed film that will be here waiting for me.



:hi:

[Benfea]

99. Have fun!

I have driven through the Rocky Mountains. It's every bit as beautiful as the Alps. Make sure you don't miss it. ;)

[ChoralScholar]

102. In the words of my father:

"I've been everywhere and ain't seen nothin'"

I would love to go with the intention to see things. I spent so much time working I never got to see a lot of the great sights of the country.

[In_The_Wind]

164. I agree with your father.

Except I've never been off of the east coast. It's time for me to see this country that I love.

:hi:

[GalleryGod]

103. NOPE. I'd fly over it,though.

in order to get to

!
PINKS Hotdogs (Est. 1939)

[In_The_Wind]

104. My wings are getting a little tired.

Not even thoughts of joining the mile high club are enough to entice me into a plane when I've got the time to travel on 3 wheels.


:hi:

[kwassa]

110. the wildly overated Pinks chili dogs.

and if your headed up Highland past Franklin, you're headed the wrong direction.

[we can do it]

105. Go for It - I Am Going Too, As Soon As My S/O Can Get Off Work That Long

Have a great time - I'll be waiting to here details and tips, too.

[In_The_Wind]

109. I love your name ~ we can do it!

The way things look now ~ I'll be leaving home sometime in early July.

I'll post details along my way. I don't want to forget anything. :woohoo:


:hi:

[sarge43]

106. Of course, life's too short to waste any opportunities n/t

[In_The_Wind]

161. Excellent point!

I said that to another DUer today!

:hi:

[imperialismispasse]

111. Definitely

[In_The_Wind]

162. Indeed!

[swag]

112. Unquestionably.

It is absolutely the right thing to do.

[In_The_Wind]

163. Can I buy you a beer while I'm there?

Or maybe a glass of wine? We'll drink a toast to our good friend Sugar Smack. Maybe talk about that coffee table book.

[bikebloke]

113. Depends on the country

For me, I want to cross Australia. Perth to Sydney, along the southern route as opposed to the middle. And on a bicycle. I've already pedalled up Oz's east coast.

On a motorbike, it might be better to grab the dream before petrol gets too expensive.

[In_The_Wind]

176. The high cost of petrol was one of my reasons for going on 3 wheels.

The thought of Killer Bees changed my mind. :scared: My trike is yellow and black. I get swarmed by bees when I stop at traffic lights.

Now I'll be pushing 8 cylinders down the road. :(

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

114. Yes!

I've wanted to do it for years.

[kwassa]

115. Do you know how to tell the happy trike riders?

By the bugs in their teeth. (sorry, variation on an old joke).

I've driven cross-country 4 times. There is really nothing worth seeing between the Alleghenies and the Rockies, just wide and fairly monotonous open spaces. It is worth crusing all up and down in the Rockies, and west from there it is interesting. The entire Pacific coast is worth doing, and visually spectacular.

I recommend I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction, as it is visually spectacular in many different ways, especially in Glenwood Canyon and springs along the Colorado River. The environment keeps changing along the road.

All the big national parks are worth seeing despite the crowds. My favorite is Yosemite, the prettiest place on earth that I have seen. The most unusual experience was stopping at Bryce Canyon, where 95% of the visitors are European, most of them French. Only 5% Americans. All the local motels serve European continental breakfasts with French-speaking staff.

I would never do it on a trike because it is too hot, and the windburn and noise would be very wearing. Air-conditioning all the way. I used to be very hard-core, and I've driven coast to coast in 3 and a half days alone, doing several 800 mile days by myself, crossing a time zone each day.

[In_The_Wind]

116. I'll remember to take plenty of sunscreen.

I haven't picked my route out there or back as of yet but I'm still looking forward to see a sunset on the west coast.

Look for a thread about my vision quest in July or August.

:hi:

[leftofthedial]

118. hell yeah

[Arugula Latte]

119. Do it -- It's great!

You'll never regret it!

[fishwax]

120. oh hell yeah. i've got some recommendations, too

depending on where you're traveling from/to

I hope you get the chance, it sounds like fun :toast:

[In_The_Wind]

121. OMG!!!111!!!This Is Huge!!!111!!!Travel Up-Date!!!111!!!

I need my coffeepot, beans and grinder with me at all times while I'm traveling.

[barb162]

122. Yes, I have done it and would recommend it,, but in a car

and lock your car doors at all times and stay safe

[In_The_Wind]

123. I've decided that is the best way.

I'm going! I feel perfectly safe in my car but I was having too many butterflies about being out there alone on my trike.
I'll save the beautiful beast for my Skyline Drive trip which was canceled last summer.

I haven't seen you in a while. :hi:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

124. In a heartbeat!

Do it! :toast:

[In_The_Wind]

125. I'm looking for a lot of Dutch-treat suppers with DUers along the way!

I can't wait to see so many new birds!
I was going to avoid Arizona on the Trike, now I won't need to be so careful about the extreme heat and sunlight.
I'm doing it! But I'm doing it on 4 wheels. I need my binoculars and Sibley's book.

[XemaSab]

131. Oh man!

If you're birding that changes EVERYTHING.

You're not going to want to leave Arizona. Really.

[BikeWriter]

128. I'd love to do it on a bike or a horse.

[In_The_Wind]

129. It would be lots of fun to do the trip your way!

I thought I was going out on the trike but I really do want to see the desert. I don't want to cary leathers for the mountains.

My first cross country trip is going to be on 4 wheels. However I am still planning the Skyline Drive ride that was postponed from last year.

:hi:

[BikeWriter]

132. It sounds like fun. Depending on my health...

I may get a long distance horseback ride in before I check out.

[Patiod]

133. There's a gorgeous stretch of road from Saratoga, WY to Laramie

Runs through the Medicine Bow/Snowy Mountains in South Central Wyoming. One of Wyoming's "Scenic Highways"

Worth a stop in Saratoga, home the cool old Wolf Hotel (best lunch I've ever had - I ordered a steak sandwich, and it was really a STEAK!)

Also home to the free "hobo pool" open 24 hours a day, all year round. I told my S.O. that the pool didn't smell very clean, and he just rolled his eyes and said "two words: sulpher springs"

[In_The_Wind]

134. Ooooh! That Is Beautiful!

I'm going to drive instead of trying a Trike trip that long this year. My itinerary is steadily growing.

Thanks for the wonderful pictures and your personal memories.

[JitterbugPerfume]

137. I would do it in a heartbeat Joan

go for it

[In_The_Wind]

139. I may be gone longer than my original plan.

I'm thinking of camping most of the way. I'm so excited!

[jakefrep]

140. Go for it!

If you have the time and the resources, you might as well.

[In_The_Wind]

141. Those are my thoughts exactly.

My parrot (who means everything to me) will be cared for at home by my two house mates. I should have completed my current projects before the summer begins.

I tend to hibernate and merely exist through the winter waiting to enjoy the freedom of the warmer weather. I've been restless for the past few years so it's time to wander a bit.

:hi:

[peekaloo]

142. Oh hell yeah!

take the scenic routes and enjoy yourself!

[In_The_Wind]

144. I won't be traveling the major roads.

I will be staying away from most of the major cities except when I'm meeting a DUer along the way.

I think it's time for me to listen to Stevie Nicks ~ Gypsy ...


So I´m back to the velvet underground,
back to the floor that I love,
to a room with some lace and paper flowers,
Back to the gypsy that I was,
to the gypsy that I was,
doo, doo, doo, doo.
And it all comes down to you.
Well, you know that i does.
Well, lightning strikes,
maybe once, maybe twice.
Ah, and it lights up the night.
And you see your gypsy,
you see your gypsy.
To the gypsy that remains,
who faces freedom with a little fear,
I have no fear, I have only love.
And if I was a child, and the child was enough,
enough for me to love, enough to love.
She is dancing away from me now.
She was just a wish,
she was just a wish,
And a memory is all that is left for you now.
You see your gypsy, oh,
you see your gypsy, ooh, ah.
you see your gypsy, you see your gypsy.



:hi:

[Deja Q]

147. Definitely. I might be going for one myself.

While there's life there's adventure. And I've got 33 years of catching up to do. :D

[In_The_Wind]

154. I'm going to travel as long as I can remember my way back home again.

The way my memory has been going well ...

Let's just say, I'm still good_to_go this year.

Get out there and have some fun HypnoToad. :loveya:

[Road Scholar]

157. I just did! It was Fantastic. Take your digital and laptop. Also

I had a spare set if niCads to recharge so no batteries to worry about. I downloaded when we checked in to the motel each night. I got hundreds of memories. Kept a journal too. Do it. I promise you wont regret it. We did some planning with map quest too.
Don't talk about it, just do it!:bounce: :bounce: :hi: :hi:

[In_The_Wind]

159. I don't have a digital camera. Should I buy one?

I'm planning to take my old Canon EOS film camera with me.

[rbnyc]

158. I would and I have.

Go for it. It was one of the best things I ever did. ight up there with having a baby, getting married and going to college.

[In_The_Wind]

160. I love your attitude!

I'll send postcards from the edge.

[obxhead]

165. Montana..... A must see.... and

if you go hike a lot, but pack your trash out....

Well that goes for wherever you go.

The OBX is a peaceful week as well. :)

[Jamastiene]

166. Abso-fuckin-lutely.

I'd do it in a heartbeat. I have been dreaming of doing that forever and a day now. I especially want to see the Frand Canyon, which makes no sense considering the fact that I am afraid of heights. :shrug: Screw it, I still wanna see it. I want to see the Seattle Space Needle thingie. I wanna see the Statue of Liberty. I wanna see the Golden Gate Bridge. I wanna see the Walk of Fame, I wanna see Chinatown (any of them), I wanna see it all. I wanna see something besides farms, shacks, and rusty unusable old vehicles up on blocks. Damn, I want to see the better side of this country where all the smart people live. I wanna see it all though really.

[pamela]

167. Go for it.

My husband and I did this last spring, with our dog, and had a wonderful time. We left from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and drove through Western Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennesee, Virginia and back to Maryland. We didn't have as much time as it sounds like you are taking, and having our dog along placed certain constraints, but that was all just part of the fun and part of the adventure.

Some of my favorite stops along the way: a picnic in the Rockies by the Colorado River, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona, Oklahoma City Memorial, Clinton Library, Lorraine Motel in Memphis (National Civil Rights Museum) and a picnic in Memphis on the Mississippi. It was a red state road trip with a strong Democratic flavor.

Here's a good link for traveling cross country. It gives you different routes, mostly non-interstate, and tells you a lot about the areas through which you'd be passing. It has a lot of good tips for quirky, biggest-ball-of-string type of spots and info on good places to eat and stay. http://www.roadtripusa.com/

If you like that link, they have all that info in book form, which I bought through Amazon before our trip, along with a book called Road Food (great info on places to stop to get local specialties) and also the book Weird America. These three books, along with tons of maps from AAA, were perfect for our purposes. We were able to see lots of cool stuff in a relatively short period of time without spending a ton of money. I had the best time of my life.

Good luck and have fun!

[In_The_Wind]

168. I'm doing it. I'm putting everything in order to get out and go.

Life was so much simpler before I had so much stuff to take care of.

I wanted to do the trip on 3 wheels but my friends are much happier that I've decided to drive instead.

[XemaSab]

169. Page 20 rescue!

[In_The_Wind]

172. XemaSab

[DanCa]

170. If I could afford it I'd go

I would like to go on a cruise somewhere if i could afford it. Preferably someplace warm.

[In_The_Wind]

173. I have way too much time on my hands!

I've been out riding my trike for two summers. I want to go for a long long ride! I just don't know where yet. I chickened out on triking cross country.

I'm going to drive my pick-up truck because it'll be far more comfortable cause with all the side trips to meet DUers this journey may be 8,000 miles and at least 4 to 6 weeks long.

[donheld]

171. I'd do it in a heartbeat

If I had the time and money.

[In_The_Wind]

175. Thank you , donheld.

I have far too much time on my hands. I'm going to try to keep the cost down by camping some of the time but there is no guarantee on that either. The first morning I wake-up covered with mosquito bites will probably end my camping nights and send me lookin' for an inexpensive motels for the nights.

[Rabrrrrrr]

174. This is soon gonna be the longest lived lounge thread ever

:woohoo:

[In_The_Wind]

178. Ya never know.

:loveya: