Started out in Marlyland last Tuesday afternoon and drove a couple hours to Cumberland, MD to get out of the Balto-DC rush hour traffic.
Just a few snow flurries thru western MD (where it was 17 degrees), West VA, PA (where we hooked up with I-70) , Ohio, and Indiana. Made it to Indianapolis, Indiana by Wed evening. Our goal was to only drive during daylight hours. Tried to do about 500 miles a day, which took about 8-9 hours with a few short rest stops each day.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf Bss
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 01:25 pm
Cool
Cool
you should cannonball home
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: billionyearoldcarbon thegunkman
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 02:03 pm
You are my hero. You inspire
You are my hero. You inspire me. Love cross country driving. I'll wait for the stories.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: (~)};)StealYourFace WALSTIB
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 02:10 pm
Nice
Nice
Xcountry without supplemental seatbelt...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: fishcane fishcane
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 02:22 pm
I just drive from finger
I just drive from finger lakes to Nashville. Nice drive
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 03:59 pm
Indianapolis was our only
Indianapolis was our only health hazard -- a possible bed bug bite. We were super cautious and kept the luggage in the hotel bathrooms the whole trip. We ended up staying at Marriots (not especially by design, but we do like the Fairfields), they just seem to own every chain. One thing I learned -- don't stay near airports if you want a good night's sleep.
Nor much to look at but empty fields through Illinois and Missouri. Lots of windmills. No way Trump is going to get rid of them all. Once again I was reminded how much "empty" space is out there in middle America compared to the Coasts.
We picked a two lane highway just above I-70 to take us to St Joseph MO, which is just north of Kanssas City, Mo. Weather was ok and most importantly, the roads were dry. Got to St Joseph Thursday late afternoon and it seemed like a nice little suburban college town. Ate dinner at a chain restaurant (that played loud boomer music) which was suprisingly ok. The ribs were even gluten-free!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 04:01 pm
I love reading about your
I love reading about your trip. Welcome to the west.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 04:50 pm
>Welcome to the West<
>Welcome to the West<
Thanks Judit -- technically, welcome BACK to the West. I'm an East coaster who transplanted to Bay Area / Sonoma / Peninsula for 25 years starting with the 84/85 NYE shows before elderly / ill parents situation caused a return to Maryland in 2010. We used to visit regularly before Covid but haven't been back in 4 years. (And you and I actually met long ago outside the Kaiser when you were selling your stamped cards and I was hawking holographic foil stickers, but that's another story.)
We left St Joseph, headed North through Missouri where the fields changed to hills and hooked up with I-80, with the intention of taking that across Nebraska all the way to Sacramento. After a full day of driving we made it to Sydney, Nebraska by Friday evening.
On the way..... I've been to a lot of festivals but not this one:
We're nuts, but didn't have time to "hang out" but I'm sure it would have been a ball.
Also cruised thru the parking lot of Strategic Air Command. Didn't stop to visit in case of impending nuclear war -- this place would definitely be targeted.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 05:13 pm
Sat morning we crossed into
Sat morning we crossed into Wyoming and met our first "bad" weather around Laramie -- lots of wind. Let me tell you, passing trucks at 80 mph in the wind sucks. Two hands gripping the steering wheel for hours. Exhausting.
Entering Utah we encountered our first snowstorm headed into Salt Lake City. It was getting dark and that and the flurries made driving across those mountains very scary. I'm sure the locals don't mind but I hated the curvy wet roads. I was the old guy in the slow lane whenever possible.
Saturday night in Salt Lake City was a highlight of our trip. We didn't really know it but we had booked a "luxury" Marriot in the center of downtown. Looked out the window and:
I kinda liked SLC. It seemed manageable for a big city and the surrounding scenery was beautiful dusted with snow. (Lotta well off healthy looking white people around but a fair amount of homeless in the streets, too.) We treated ourselves to a nice meal and a well deserved hot tub and headed to Reno on Sunday.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 05:37 pm
I'm semi-familar with Nevada
I'm semi-familar with Nevada so it felt like an easy 500 mile drive to Reno. Ya better have gas in the car and use a rest stop when you can.
Ended up by the ballpark there. I didn't even know they had one.
We carried our own breakfast and lunch food with us in a small cooler, but decided to treat ourselves to a breakfast Monday morning on our way out of town. The place was called Grate Full Garden. How could we not? Highly recommended. Gluten free and vegi options, if needed.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 05:51 pm
Monday we had a short trip --
Monday we had a short trip --- only 4 hours to the Bay area. Hello California!
Luckily the Donner Summit was snow free, as I wasn't carrying chains. I was driving a Subaru Forrester with all wheel drive but was resigned to turn back if the weather was worse.
We left I80 in Sacramento and took the I5 down to Tracy and cut across the San Mateo bridge.
Holy shit! The Bay area traffic is even worse than the Balto/DC corridor. It super sucked but luckily we were going the opposite direction from a 20 mile traffic jam. And it was only early afternoon.
Hello fog. I remember you.
We landed in Redwood City, just short of 3,000 miles. So 6 days.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 06:19 pm
Yesterday I mostly slept but
Yesterday I mostly slept but made it to Crystal Springs Reservoir to soak in the sun.
Ya gotta love the Bay area. Phil might be the surprise guest Sunday night at the Guild just down the street. Stu Allen is playing there Friday. Molly Tuttle later in the month. Grateful Dead Thursday at the Redwood Fox, which is even closer. Etc Etc.
Not really here for the music this trip, but so far we have tickets to the Fillmore for Phil and Jerry's Middle Finger in Felton pre NYE.
Love to meet some Zoners in 3D (but please don't tell my wife about the silly stuff I post -- shhhhhhhh that's just between you and me).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Localcountyline Localcountyline
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 06:30 pm
Welcome to California Alan...
Welcome to California Alan.....Great photos and stories, glad you made it cross country safely. Lot of distracted idiots on the road.
I'm up in Stinson Beach; if you make it up here or are passing through and feel like having a beer or something, give me a shout here
on the Zone....
Hope you have a great visit. (And yes, in most parts of the Bay Area now, rush hour seems to start a little after 2....Crazy.)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Howard HowardH1
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 07:36 pm
Congrats. Been there done
Congrats. Been there done that many times. Best time was going west for new years 1981, it took 51 1/2 hours from New Paltz to Oakland. We had to make the first show at the Oakland Auditorium.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 08:05 pm
Thanks all and Local.
Thanks all and Local.
I'd do the usual buy you guys a drink at the bar offer, but as we all know at a crowded bar like the Fillmore it's not usually feasible during a show. We'll see what shakes out as our schedule firms up.
FYI - We're totally normal 60s type people (that's mostly age related). I'm sure some of you Bay area folks would recognize me (especially the Phil/ Kimock/ Zero/ Dinosaurs/ earlyString Cheese crowd) as aside from my hair color I pretty much look the same as I did 20-30 years ago.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Faye Dunaway jlp
on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – 08:42 pm
fab pix, glad the trip has
fab pix, glad the trip has been safe, and i extra hope you get to see phil ~
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino kxela
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 12:55 pm
Welcome back west. I did it
Welcome back west. I did it in four and half days from NH when I moved out in 91. Your way is way better.
I never drive anywhere in the Bay Area without Waze these days which one time put me on a ferry in the delta to get around traffic on 80. That was a pleasant surprise.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: donster Nod
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 01:07 pm
Love this thread!
Love this thread!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: nevermind mikeedwardsetc
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 01:30 pm
Cool thread, Alan. I have a
Cool thread, Alan. I have a ticket for the Sunday Fillmore show, and hope to be able to meet you for a handshake and a howdy at least. Maybe a pre-show meet up at Tommy's Joynt like Roarshock suggested in the show thread?
Late in the summer of 86, I left the Bay Area during rush hour on a Friday, and made it back to Connecticut by rush hour on Monday. Picked up a hitchhiker in Donner Pass, who turned out to be a very cool dude headed for Providence, and we were able to share the driving and didn't need to take very long rest stops, although we did get a cheap hotel in Nebraska, I think it was, for a few hours of sleep on mattresses and some long, hot showers.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: aiq aiq
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 01:34 pm
Thanks for the travel pix.
Thanks for the travel pix.
This has been on my mind as I ponder what I would be doing in the event of a second Trump presidency.
I like the northern Gulf coast and Mobile (our part that is) is a little spot of kinda weird, good for retired folk, but I keep getting the idea of going to a blue state in that eventuality.
Or maybe stay and be part of the resistance.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee Herbal Dave
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 04:14 pm
Thanks for sharing, Alan. I
Thanks for sharing, Alan. I did the East-West trek back in 2020 at the same time of year. It was during the pandemic, so (other than Oklahoma) there were very few Highway Patrol on duty, and it was very much of a Cannonball Run atmosphere. Someone shattered the record (something under 24 hours from New York to L.A.) just a few weeks before my trip. I went a little further South than you did to avoid the ice and snow, and made overnight stops in Charlottesville, Memphis, Amarillo, and Flagstaff, before getting to the West Coast at San Luis Obispo. Hope you and the Mrs. have fun in the Bay Area and continued safe travels.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: El Nino kxela
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 04:47 pm
>>>>I like the northern Gulf
>>>>I like the northern Gulf coast and Mobile (our part that is) is a little spot of kinda weird, good for retired folk, but I keep getting the idea of going to a blue state in that eventuality.
I worry about my mixed race niece and her family in Huntsville. I really hope it doesn't come to that.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 08:11 pm
We traveled thru a fair
We traveled thru a fair amount of Red States. I have to say, everyone we met throughout the trip (mostly waiters/waitresses and hotel check-in people) were very friendly (knowing that we're white, old and spending money). And we didn't take the wife's car with the coexist and peace stickers. We obviously didn't talk politics, but we had a chat or two with folks. My overall impression is that America is full of friendly people.
We saw some Trump billboards and signs, but not as many as I see in Maryland. No pro Biden ones. But I don't see them in Maryland either.
And also -- the highway rest stops were surprisingly clean and un-threatening. Granted, we were only traveling in daylight. The ones in CA were probably in the worse shape but there were cleaning crews present.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D. Portland_ken
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 09:00 pm
>>>>Sat morning we crossed
>>>>Sat morning we crossed into Wyoming and met our first "bad" weather around Laramie -- lots of wind.
There is a reason Wyoming is the least populated state in the union (went to undergrad at UW in Laramie so know exactly what you are talking about). That picture you posted is a place called "Vedauwoo" and it used to me and friends personal playground. Means "place of the spirits" in the local lingo and we used to go up there a trip and freek for days. We even found a cave that we used as sort of headquarters. Have so many stories from that place.
Travel stories are fun. Thanks for sharing.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, December 7, 2023 – 09:47 pm
I'd like to put some faces to
I'd like to put some faces to Zoner names.(Jill is probably the only Zoner I've met in 3D and it was fleeting and ticket-related at the Tower in Philly many many moons ago. She wouldn't even remember.)
I won't make it to a Zoner pre show as I promised my wife a trip to Japantown beforehand and she would be slightly annoyed if I spent the night raving to "strangers" about things she wouldn't relate to (hey, they're not strangers to me).
At the Fillmore I used to frequently hang upstairs on the "corner bar" side, where it was usually less crowded and easy to get a drink. But I was single then and I could cruise around at will. Long time gone. Sunday I'll probably be in some "sweet spot" acting paranoid about getting breathed on.
Mike look for this guy:
Code word - StoneSculptor
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Friday, December 8, 2023 – 03:46 am
Your pictures and travelog
Your pictures and travelog are great. Glad you're back. I hope you have a great time
>>> And you and I actually met long ago outside the Kaiser when you were selling your stamped cards and I was hawking holographic foil stickers, but that's another story.)
I had a lot of fun vending in those days. I'm happy we met then, and would love to meet again, but I'm staying home in December. And January, and onward, at least until Spring.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MeditateontheQ LLOLLO
on Friday, December 8, 2023 – 12:08 pm
Alan, you might be interested
Alan, you might be interested in this exhibit while in the city:
https://thecjm.org/exhibitions/199
Jay Blakesburg Photography Exhibit
"The music never stops"
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, December 8, 2023 – 12:48 pm
Ken, you'll recognize this
Ken, you'll recognize this then. I didn't realize it was up at 8,000 feet. I had to research why it was there in the first place. (Nice place to pee, too.)
[A rich Wyoming landowner, Charles Jeffrey, put up the money, and the Parks Commission hired Robert Russin, Wyoming's best-known sculptor and a big fan of Lincoln. Unlike the Commission, Russin knew exactly what he wanted: a giant Lincoln head at Sherman Summit east of Laramie, the highest point on the old coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway, 8,878 feet above sea level. He said he'd been dreaming about it since 1947.
Perched atop a hollow 30-foot-high concrete pedestal faced with 120 tons of Wyoming granite, the Lincoln head was unveiled with much fanfare on October 18, 1959. Its serendipitous Lincoln Highway location, however, didn't last long. After less than ten years the head was moved to its current spot at the Summit Rest Area on Interstate 80 -- losing a couple of hundred feet in elevation (and its key excuse for existing, really) but gaining a vast new audience. It can be seen from quite a distance on the freeway, looking uncomfortably similar to box-bound Captain Pike from Star Trek: The Original Series.
The 12.5-foot-high head sits on tiny shoulders, like a cartoon caricature, and seems to be sagging from its own weight. According to the official Summit Rest Area brochure, Russin's sculpture is "the only monument to Abraham Lincoln along the Lincoln Highway" and "the largest bronze head in the U.S."]
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D. Portland_ken
on Friday, December 8, 2023 – 01:53 pm
Yep. The giant Lincoln head.
Yep. The giant Lincoln head. Did you see the big pyramid looking thing off in the distance? Another oddity of that pass outside Laramie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ames_Monument
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, December 14, 2023 – 11:24 am
definitely worth the drive
definitely worth the drive (Sonoma County yesterday)
Went to a dispensary in Sebastopol. A wall full of $30 half ozs in see thru bags are pretty enticing too. Besides the price, it's so nice to see weed that's not dried out and sold in dark little jars.
Wonderful to have redwood trees in the back yard (San Mateo County).
Mike, in case you are reading this thread - on Sunday I'll do my best to be milling around the poster room upstairs early intermission looking like I'm trying to find someone. I'll be wearing my green Jerry in the moon baseball cap.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: nevermind mikeedwardsetc
on Thursday, December 14, 2023 – 02:46 pm
Cool. I haven't been to the
Cool. I haven't been to the Fillmore before, but I'll find my way to the poster room upstairs at early intermission. I'll be wearing my light gray spelling bee cap.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: |-|/-\|_|_ Googlymoogly
on Thursday, December 14, 2023 – 03:25 pm
Cool trip! Enjoy!
Cool trip! Enjoy!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Tim Wheres My Flashbacks
on Thursday, December 14, 2023 – 05:57 pm
One of my favorite activities
One of my favorite activities, A road trip, A road trip across the country.
Ive criss crossed a dozen times, packin bowls and enjoying what America has to offer.
Coolest place for me Painted desert and I stumbled upon a hot air balloon race in New Mexico once.
Good times, enjoy the ride Alan.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: ParadiseWaits Dise
on Thursday, December 14, 2023 – 10:19 pm
Nice travel pics. Welcome
Nice travel pics. Welcome back to Sonoma County
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: nevermind mikeedwardsetc
on Friday, December 15, 2023 – 11:52 am
> the Japan Town garage
> the Japan Town garage
Hey Alan, if you get a chance before Sunday, drop me a line. My email's in my profile.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 07:51 am
8,311 miles / 49 days / 19
8,311 miles / 49 days / 19 States / 15 nights in hotels / 3 GD related shows in Bay Area / 3 new wheel bearings
Got home yesterday after a more leisurely 9 day trip from CA to MD mostly along I-40 (which surprisingly included some fairly big earthquakes in Oklahoma City).
Thankfully, yesterday's drive through Virginia was the only time where we had to deal with treacherous roads (to make it home in time to miss the incoming storm). We saw more accidents in the final couple hours than we did on the entire trip.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: pride of cupertino pride of cupertino
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 08:01 am
Did you get a sense of the
Did you get a sense of the political landscape driving across both ways? This is not a liberal left-leaning country outside the big urban centers, no matter how much we might wish otherwise. People better be getting ready to vote this coming November.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 08:02 am
3 quick takeaways:
3 quick takeaways:
1. People in California have more weed than they know what to do with.
2. Subarus aren't the indestructible road warriors I thought they were.
3. It's impossible not to gain weight on a long roadtrip. Even if one is a vegetarian or a Gluten-Free carnivore.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 08:25 am
Pride - Overall American
Pride - Overall American people along the Interstates (at least restaurant and hotel staff) are really nice. And really White. And apparently perfectly happy to live in their Fox News bubble. It's kinda scary. But we purposely didn't talk politics with anyone.
(I purposely took the car with just the discreet GD Stealie and not the one with Coexist and Peace Sign bumperstickers to blend in more.)
Culturally, there was an amazing amount of diversity around the Bay Area, and every town seemed to have a Mexican, Asian and Indian restaurant, but we hardly ran into any Black folk in the heartland. And sadly there was a lack of hippie-looking people (well, it was winter and maybe they were all in Hawaii). We did run into one obvious Deadhead at a gas station in AZ, but that was it.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: ismelltoadsmoke joe
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 08:51 am
>>>>(which surprisingly
>>>>(which surprisingly included some fairly big earthquakes in Oklahoma City).
People often mistake the incredibly bad vibes that city produces for quakes, Alan. ;) Glad you made the trip safely.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: nevermind mikeedwardsetc
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 09:05 am
Um, buckle up kids?
Um, buckle up kids?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 11:28 am
Leaving California (by way of
Leaving California (by way of Bay Area> Sierra foothills > down Hwy 99 to Burbank to I-40).
Typical LA sights: cars, palm trees, mountains in distance...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 11:33 am
Followed by weird roadside
Followed by weird roadside stuff on the Interstate:
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 11:40 am
Mon 1/8 - Day 2 – Burbank to
Mon 1/8 - Day 2 – Burbank to Williams, AZ 7.5 hrs (433.5 mi) via I-40 E
High desert scenery was rugged and quintessentially Wild Wild West.
I think Barstow had the highest gas prices in the Country -- regular coming in at $5.79. But you'd better gas up.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf Bss
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 12:48 pm
Petrified forest straight
Petrified forest
dead ahead
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 19.5 Degrees FaceOnMars
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 01:05 pm
Mon 1/8 - Day 2 – Burbank to
Mon 1/8 - Day 2 – Burbank to Williams, AZ 7.5 hrs (433.5 mi) via I-40 E<<<<
Last chance for In-N-Out is in Kingman (unless they opened the store in Flag) ... unless you're going through TX
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 04:39 pm
The terrain in Arizona, while
The terrain in Arizona, while similar to SW California, is much more stark. And the ground has a reddish cast.
Williams, Arizona is the Gateway to the Grand Canyon and a little town that milks their Rout 66 connection. At 6,700 ft, it already has some snow on the ground. We skipped the South Rim detour, as snow and ice were forecast on the roads to and from.
Road trip tip: That was the best Best Western I've ever stayed in. It was more like a lodge than typical roadside hotel filled with Hopi Kachina dolls. (One looked like Jerry, if Jerry was a Hopi shaman). They had a restaurant there so we didn't have to leave, once we checked in. They serve hearty food and drinks in funny glasses.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 04:46 pm
Rt 66 Western style
Rt 66 Western style
looked like a cheap postcard
old and new
they also love their transportation up in the air
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 06:58 pm
Tues 1/9 – Day 3 – Williams >
Tues 1/9 – Day 3 – Williams > to Winslow AZ – a short day (200 miles) so we could explore a bit along the way.
We pulled off the road to explore a lava bed and crater as well as a couple of ghost town ruins and abandoned roadside trading posts. One, called Two Guns, was a canyon settlement that dated back 2,000 years and featured a cave in which the Navajos slaughtered a bunch of Apaches 150 years ago. Unfortunately, everything cool was covered in graffiti.
Even the desert was painted (Painted Desert County Park, 18 miles off I-40, is in the middle of nowhere and worth visiting, especially if you skipped the Grand Canyon. It's free and you can drive right up to the edge.)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 2 Room Shack Turtle
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 06:58 pm
looks like a good time.
looks like a good time.
i did WV>CA in 2.5 days once...
>2. Subarus aren't the indestructible road warriors I thought they were.<
fuck them and their $8k transmissions!!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D. Portland_ken
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 07:20 pm
Fun times and glad you got
Fun times and glad you got back safe.
Keep posting the pictures. Looking foward to New Mexico.
>>>>2. Subarus aren't the indestructible road warriors I thought they were.<
So did you throw some wheel bearings on your Subaru? Sorry if I missed that detail.
We drive Subarus - I have a 2015 Forester and my partner drives a 2018 Crosstreck. We just took the Crosstreck on two recent California road-trips (a 14 day in October and 4-day this weekend) and it drove like a champ even in the ice coming back yesterday. But my mechanic tells me you have to baby the new Subarus and they aren't built like the old ones. I used to have a 97 Outback and that thing was a beast. Drove it to 240k and it was still running, but beat to all hell and had to park it around the corner when meeting clients on site visits. Before that I had a 81 GL Wagon. You could haul 2000 lbs of gear in that thing down rutted logging roads and be fine. Eventually busted the exhaust system and had to pass it along after my son was born (fumes aren't good for babies and couldn't keep the windows rolled down all the time). Sure the kids who bought it got some more millage out of it though.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 07:23 pm
I was always a Toyota guy but
I was always a Toyota guy but tried a Subaru Forester instead of the Rav 4 because the Toyota had a shitty looking grill that year. It's ok, I've had it since 2016, but I had to start throwing money at the undercarriage at only 75,000 miles. New control arms before I left town and 3 wheel bearings when I hit California (the car was making a weird droning sound). I honestly don't ever remember replacing a control arm or a wheel bearing before. (Trust me, Menlo Park is not the cheapest place to get repairs done. I cheaped out and only got 3 replaced as the passenger side somehow goes first, so they say.) Had to do it, though. Ya gotta go at least 70 mph to keep up with traffic -- and sometimes 75 or 80.
I know East coast weather is rough on cars, but I blame the shitty roads. Fucking USA can't even fill it's potholes or build a highway that lasts. The Romans managed. It's a sign of the decline of our civilization, for sure.
The wife has a 2014 Outback, which seems tougher. We like it cause it can tow 3,500 lbs and we have a small teardrop camper.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D. Portland_ken
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 07:48 pm
Weird. I just had to replace
Weird. I just had to replace the control arm of my 2015 Forester a year ago after only about 80k miles. Not cheap, but still cost me less than Menlo Park prices.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 08:36 pm
Ken I read every Subaru forum
Ken I read every Subaru forum, knowingly went to a ripoff Subaru dealership in RedWood City, and finally to "Stress-Free Auto Repair" (I liked the name) and apparently it's common to have to replace Forester control arms, associated parts and wheel bearings in the 70K + range. That news had me researching the cheapest place in the Bay area to buy a Toyota RAV4 hybrid (Petaluma). I was seriously thinking about trading the Subaru in while the trade in value was still good. But those hybrids cost lots of money without a rebate.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 08:44 pm
If you're a babyboomer
We made it to Winslow by nightfall.
And if you're a babyboomer tourist in Winslow, AZ, you're gonna go see this sight no matter how jaded you are (It's pretty much the main attraction in town).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mice elf Bss
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 08:54 pm
It's such a fine sight to see
It's such a fine sight to see
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Strangha Slickrock
on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – 10:17 pm
But it was actually in
But it was actually in Flagstaff on Schultz Pass Road, or so said Jackson at a show in Flagstaff years ago. Don't tell the Winslow Chamber of Commerce.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 07:39 am
I don't want to sound like
I don't want to sound like TripAdvisor, but if you ever are visiting Winslow, be sure to stay at La Posada -- a remodeled old railway hotel that has been turned into a hotel / art gallery / restaurant full of cool furniture, quasi-religious sculptures, and gardens. Some of the art is quite psychedelic .It was a nice change from the usual corporate places and it is moderately priced.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Vann Kliburn Lloyd_Klondike
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 12:00 pm
I was a Suby guy through the
I was a Suby guy through the 90's- my last 2 outbacks (made in Indiana) both had blown head gaskets before 160,000 miles.
I've made a change since.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 03:22 pm
^ Lloyd....Sweet ride --- and
^ Lloyd....Sweet ride --- and I see you also subscribe to the theory "Clean cars drive better" (not to be confused with "Dirty trucks drive better").
But a) I'm glad I didn't have to buy three new wheel bearings in Menlo Park for that, and b) even the finest piece of German-engineered machinery will get destroyed by the potholes in this great Country of ours. I hope you find a nice stretch of autobahn. There's a nice 12 mile straight-away on the outskirts of Winslow I know about on the way to the Painted Desert.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 04:09 pm
Wed 1/10 - Day 4 – Winslow >
Wed 1/10 - Day 4 – Winslow > Petrified Forest > Albuquerque NM – 4 hrs (265 mi) via I-40 E
Besides the petrified wood and petroglyphs, the coolest thing about Petrified Forest National Park was the vast emptiness of the place. It seems like you can see hundreds of miles in every direction. There was hardly anyone else there when we went on a midweek winter morning, which reinforced the feeling of being a speck in the universe. I'd like to go there on a starry night.
These rock cylinders were once logs that got washed down a waterway and got covered with silt about 200 million or so years ago.
Different colored minerals seeped in to replace the organic compounds.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 04:19 pm
Petroglyphs carved into the
Petroglyphs carved into the corner of this rock. They don't let you get right up close to them (but no one is around to stop you if you wanted to hike down into a gnarly canyon), but you can see a couple dozen from the overlook.
Erosion creates the formations and reveals the buried logs.
Since there is nothing modern around in sight besides the car you drove up in, it all feels quite prehistoric.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 04:43 pm
An observation: When
An observation: When traveling through Arizona and New Mexico I never read or heard the words "Native American." It was all "Indian" this and "Indian" that in books, signage, advertisements, etc. Granted I didn't spend much time there off the highway, but I was surprised nonetheless.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D. Portland_ken
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 05:07 pm
>>>>>I never read or heard
>>>>>I never read or heard the words "Native American." It was all "Indian" this and "Indian" that
I worked at the Indian Country Environmental Justice Clinic in law school and on the first day, the director told us "Native Americans is what non-Indians call Indians."
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 11:43 pm
^ that's what I figured. It
^ that's what I figured. It just gets so confusing when these are getting so prolific at truckstops on the interstates. You want food when you've just crossed miles of the Great Salt Barrens?... you're eating Biryani, brother.
(picture not mine)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Philzone Refugee Herbal Dave
on Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 10:14 am
Great travelogue, Alan! You
Great travelogue, Alan! You have a really sharp camera eye.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 10:26 am
Thurs 1/11 – Day 5 –
Thurs 1/11 – Day 5 – Albuquerque to Sante Fe NM – 1 hr (64.1 mi)
Another recommended stop if you are near Sante Fe -- Ojo Hot Springs. The place has a restaurant and lodging as well as a spa. Well worth the hour detour off I-40.
It was in the single digits with snow on the ground, so an anticipated night soak never happened, but it was great soaking in the various pools and tubs before starting the long drive back to the East Coast the following day.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 04:04 pm
Day 6 - Santa Fe to Oklahoma
Day 6 - Santa Fe to Oklahoma City 8 hrs (534 mi) via I-40 E
We had flirted with a little snow here and there but that morning was the first time we had to break out the East Coast Ice Scraper.
Sad to see the SouthWest disappear in the rear view mirror. New Mexico seems like a a livable place, though I heard Albuquerque's violet crime rate is scary. I haven't spent enough time in Sante Fe to get to know it and I'm pretty clueless about the rest of the State.
Texas. The make you feel real welcome with giant billboards along the highway that remind you Marijuana Possession Is a Felony.
Thet have lots of windmills.
And giant crosses that could double as windmills to power the church if the parishioners were a little more inventive.
Oklahoma seemed less tense than Texas but I hear they are very paranoid of furries invading their school systems. True fact, I read it in today's news. Kids that dress up as critters and don't identity as human have been outlawed.
Folks in OK were apparently denied parties as children and it's made them decorate the landscape like a birthday cake.
As mentioned, the hotel shook real good and I know immediately it was an earthquake --- it was a building shaker one like a big wind hit, not a shimmy one that makes dishes chatter. But while I was in settling down in a Marriott in Oklahoma? It did not make sense initially. Later I learned they shoot so much waste water into the ground due to fracking, the existing faultline is getting triggered quite often. Thre were two 4.4s that night and some aftershocks. I wonder what their building codes are like out there?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 19.5 Degrees FaceOnMars
on Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 04:16 pm
Nice pics!
Nice pics!
I remember Texas also smelling pretty bad near the oil wells.
The wife has a 2014 Outback, which seems tougher. We like it cause it can tow 3,500 lbs and we have a small teardrop camper.<<<
I replaced the transmission on my 2013 Outback at 150k after 7 years. They gave me a deal of $4,500 over the close to $8k "retail charge". It's a 2.5 and didn't tow anything, but live in a mountainous area and often driving under "load of incline".
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, January 19, 2024 – 04:45 pm
Day 7 – Oklahoma City to
Day 7 – Oklahoma City to Jackson, TN 8.5 hrs (552 mi) via I-40 E
Day 8 –Jackson, TN to Wytheville VA 7.5 hrs (488 mi) via I-40 E and I-81 N
Arkansas - Didn't bother to take a picture.
Tennessee - they like their pyramids (this one looks slightly out of place):
another one further down the road
Look for a Jerry rest stop coming soon to a highway near you
Nashville looks like the Jetsons now -- I hadn't see it with all the new construction
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, January 19, 2024 – 05:16 pm
Day 9 – Wytheville, VA to MD
Day 9 – Wytheville, VA to MD 5.5 hrs (343 mi) via I-81 N
Virginia is mellow but it has some weird stuff going on, too.
I think this disco ball transmitter
is communicating with this fleet of flying saucers
One thing I learned: Dry roads are the key to a successful road trip. However, our trip ended in the most dangerous fashion -- icy roads. It was white knuckle driving at points.
Though we saw more accidents the last couple of hours in Maryland than we did throughout the entire trip, we made it home safely.
The End.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MarkD ntfdaway
on Friday, January 19, 2024 – 07:05 pm
Most excellent. Thanks for
Most excellent. Thanks for sharing.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: ismelltoadsmoke joe
on Friday, January 19, 2024 – 07:57 pm
Nice, Alan. Thanks.
Nice, Alan. Thanks.
OK City..... some of its more attractive draws include amateur earthquakes, and water you can light on fire right out of the faucet. Saves money on Bics. You were wise not to stop in Tulsa. Tim's car got jacked there, most likely by lone tweekers, tweekers working for the cartels, or Tulsa Chris.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Friday, January 19, 2024 – 08:06 pm
INEED! cool thread. .l
INEED! cool thread.
You're getting my blood flowing. I ' m leaning towards a small fiberglass travel trailer. Casita to be specific. Seem to be solid trailers . Im getting an itch. Be cool to meet some Westies.
Thanks for sharing.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Friday, January 19, 2024 – 08:07 pm
Was Tulsa Chris real?
Was Tulsa Chris real?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ken D. Portland_ken
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 12:04 am
>>>>You were wise not to stop
>>>>You were wise not to stop in Tulsa.
But the Kum & Go is really happening, especially after midnight. That's what I heard.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 12:38 am
I met Whitey-x in real life a
I met Whitey-x in real life a couple of times when he passed through my town.
Second time having a hurried beer (he had to cram in phone work during) asked him if he really was standing behind and very close to Chris at that store in Tusla, Oklahoma that he posted that time on the old Philzone.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 12:41 am
I don't remember if it was a
I don't remember if it was a Kumandgo.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 01:06 am
Oh yeah , the way I recall (
Oh yeah , the way I recall ( big man) he looked slightly downto me and he said in the way he mostly very softly spoke/speaks?, "Jazfish ". All he said.
Pause. .
We dank more beer at the local bar while he phone worked visited.
Other than Dino from DSO has anyone ever met this cat. Id drink a passing through town beer with the dude if I was passing through and he was real.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sun so hot, clouds so low Trailhead
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 01:13 am
Whatever happened to Whitey-x
Whatever happened to Whitey-x?
I always thought it would be fun to meet him since I've had many visits to Houston.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 01:55 am
Last I heard, he and his Eva
Last I heard, he and his Eva divorced. He remarried and has children.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 03:07 am
Thanks for taking us with you
Thanks for taking us with you on your excellent trip, Alan. I'm happy you were able to travel safely.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Vann Kliburn Lloyd_Klondike
on Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 01:02 pm
Great photos Alan
Great photos Alan