1 year, cross country and back- it's Now or Never

[ependydad...Doug 176]

Thanks for doing a blog. It will help when I'm ready to rv across the country.

It'll be neat to see it come together. If there is information or ideas that you want to see, let me know!

Good luck with the rental, Doug!

Thanks! We got an email from the leasing manager that there has been interest already and we may have our firs showing on Sunday!

Wow, I would love to do what you are doing!

 

I see you'll be stopping in my area next April.  OKC has changed so much and has a lot of fun things to offer.    We have a great zoo, science museum and the bombing memorial is very moving.  Bricktown is fun.  There's the Sam Noble natural history museum in Norman that is fairly inexpensive and my kids always enjoy going to it.   If you want a break from the city there is a nature park on the northside of the city.  It's called Martin's Nature Park.  We love hiking the trails there.  

 

One thing to keep in mind is that it's tornado season here in the spring.  While chances are nothing will happen make sure you pay attention to the weather.  The weather people here go crazy when there is a severe weather that could potentially form tornadoes.  They broadcast continuous coverage even if they don't need to do it. So as long as you pay attention you should be fine.  

It is funny that you mention the tornados- I didn't originally take that into account. But as it goes- the route defined the timing and it is what it is. I'm sure we'll be OK and I'll have a weather radio and will learn proper procedures.

Thanks for the OKC ideas. I know very little about the area. :)

Don't forget youtube videos for your blog... so excited to watch this journey!!! :)

 

Oh... BTW, don't think I mentioned that Property Management is what I did for 17 years before becoming "just" a SAHM; so if you have any questions with that, let me know!

I'm way too ugly to do YouTube videos! I've got a beautiful wife and cute kids, though. We'll see. I have some modifications to the camper that will start first and maybe can show some of them off.

As for property managing- that's great to hear. I know that Ray also does the same thing. It's comforting to know there are folks who I can lean on for help. So far, I've been happy. I'm working with a very small firm but they have been super helpful and responsive so far.

[4mickey2 41]

Another awesome NP is Dinosaur in Utah. I was so disappointed it was closed my last trip but the pics of the new visitor center are awesome. Plus a short easy hike to see fossils in the ground and even some petroglyphs.

 

Sorry you missed Dinosaur.  We got to stop there on one of our trips and it was really neat.  Definitely worth going to go and I would even go back again.

 

While you are checking out Mt Rushmore a couple of things there. The Palmer Gulch KOA was a nice stop. Stayed there a couple of times. They have a shuttle to Mt. Rushmore, a small fee of course per person, but you can go for the night lighting ceremony. You get there an hour or so before they light it up. You can explore and see what you like. then they have a ceremony where while you watch a small movie in an amphitheater the massive lights are warming up causing the monument to slowly appear in the night sky. They also invite all present and former military to come down for the flag lowering ceremony. Usually the Flag is one that was being flown there for a local Boy Scout Troop who then get to take it back and fly it at home. 

 

Also be sure to check out the Crazy Horse Memorial. Much much bigger but being built with no federal funding so it is going to still be a long time before it is finished. There is a massive indian cultural center there. Very impressive. 

 

If you go to Mt Rushmore you have to go and I would recommend stay at Custer State Park.  It is by far a favorite of mine.  I could spend a week there.  We have seen so many animals there and the tunnels in the park are awesome to drive through.  You can view Mt Rushmore from many of their lookouts.  

 

Ok, so seriously- what in the world is there to do in Wisconsin? I'm trying to add a stop between Chicago and Minnesota and I'm coming up pretty empty...

 

Lets see if I can help out with this one..  

 

http://visitchippewafallswi.com/events/oktoberfest

 

Yes, Leinenkugel is located in Chippewa Falls, Wi.  It should be near where you are planning on coming into Wisconsin.  This is one event they are holding.  I also believe they do tours.

 

Here's the schedule for the Octoberfest which is in September--lol

 

http://visitchippewafallswi.com/events/oktoberfest/schedule

 

I will get back with more..  I just don't want to get kicked off and loose what I want to post.  So, here are some ideas so far for you.

[4mickey2 41]

Here’s some information about Devils Lake State Park.  This is another favorite place for many of us.  There are no motorized boats on the lake and a lot of people go scuba diving here. There is an Indian Burial Ground at the bottom of the lake-so, I’ve been told.  J

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil's_Lake_(Wisconsin)

 

Here are a few pics of the bluffs on this site.  You can hike, bike and rent a canoe if you would like.  It’s really awesome in the fall.

 

http://www.travelwisconsin.com/state-parks-forests/state-parks/devils-lake-state-park-204185

 

Here’s a video of Door County.  It’s another great place to visit.  Fish Creek has a great fish boil you could go to.  They have you come in and watch them cook out back over a fire and then you go inside to eat your dinner.  There are cherry wine and fish markets to go to.  I also think you could find someone that does fishing excursions.  We don’t do them.  You can also take a ferry over to Washington Island-which is at the top of Door County.

 

https://youtu.be/rHfNHZWxCMM

 

https://store.dcwine.com/winery/?age-verified=4ffe348a6b

 

A good place to stay is Peninsula State Park.  Biking is very popular here.  You used to be able to rent scooters in the nearby town.  I’m not sure if they still do.

 

http://wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/peninsula-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=WI&parkId=60032

 

Most of our state parks are good to stay at.  You won’t get sewer or water hook-up but, they all have dump stations and water where you can refill your tank.

We have a lot of Indian Casinos.  I know the one in Wisconsin Dells has camping (I think they have full hook-ups).  This is at a casino so don’t expect much.  If you google all these campgrounds you can see what they look like.  This isn’t my kind of camping but, if you want a break from the road and want to do some gambling I think it’s a good option.  Just click on Wisconsin Dells and over resorts you should see RV.

 

http://www.ho-chunk.com/

 

We’ve also got Miller Brewing and Sprecher in Milwaukee.  I believe both have tours.

If you get over to just under Door County, we have the Manitowoc Maritime Museum. This is neat to see also.  They even have reservations for overnight stays in the sub-if you’re interested.  J

 

http://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/index.php

[4mickey2 41]

Can't forget... go to the Flaming Gorge in Utah.  Another favorite place. If you camp at the top there are less people and the views are spectacular.

[Jenvp 2]

Recommendations for Lafayette, LA   As far as campgrounds there is a KOA in Scott, LA that is decent another option is Cajun Palms RV park in Henderson, LA.  As far as something to do go to Avery Island, home of Tabasco. For New Orleans there are a lot of things to do just depends on what you want to do. I wish I could recommend campgrounds but seeing as I live here I have never stayed at any of the campgrounds

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

Can't forget... go to the Flaming Gorge in Utah. Another favorite place. If you camp at the top there are less people and the views are spectacular.

Love Flaming Gorge. So beautiful.

[Avatab.... Steve 124]

Some really great suggestions so far, here's some more in no particular order.....

 

When near Chicago try and see U-505 at the Museum of Industry:  http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/u-505/

 

also the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum is worth a stop:  http://www.flwright.org/visit/homeandstudio

 

Someone already mentioned Custer State Park, we thought that was better in many ways than the NP.

 

Mt. St Helens would be great recent history.

 

Pima Air and Space Museum and Aircraft Graveyard Tour in AZ:    http://www.pimaair.org/

 

The Cosmosphere in Kansas, home to Apollo 13 CM and the Mercury capsule LibertyBell 7 recovered from the ocean floor!       http://www.cosmo.org/

 

Meteor Crater in AZ

 

Monument Valley

 

Lake Powell on the Utah/AZ border, home to Rainbow Bridge which is one of the Natural Wonders of the World.  The NPS /ARAMARK rent houseboats to explore the canyons for a few days.

 

Mesa Verde NP

 

Arches NP

 

Moab, UT if you like mountain biking.

 

Las Vegas (you have to see it once!)  

 

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

When we went to Mount Rushmore we took this bus trip http://mountrushmoretours.com/Tours/mount-rushmore-bus-tour.html.

My don't spend more money than you need to DH said it was money well spent. He was able to sit back and enjoy all the sights. If he had been driving to each place he would have missed so much.

[h2odivers...Ray 952]

Doug-

I am sure that someone must have brought this to your attention by now, but just in case, some scientist-type has developed an algorithm that plots the perfect road-trip hitting all 48 contiguous states:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/15/plan-a-road-trip_n_6839764.html

TCD

I wonder what the shortest/fastest route to see all 48 states would be?

[ependydad...Doug 176]

So many great responses. I've been bouncing around and checking various ideas and suggestions out.
 
A catch-up over the last few weeks (in case you aren't subscribed to the blog and if you aren't- sheesh!):

• We busted but and got the house ready for showings. We took care of the obvious but superficial stuff- cleaning, tidying, and hiding as much muck and mess as possible. The property management company did photos and wrote up the listing.
• We started in on the stuff required by the county for a rental permit and simple things that needed to be done. My in-laws are fantastic supports for us and were here helping.
• We brought in a handy-man contractor to handle some of the uglier issues (a few plumbing and electrical issues).
• We brought in a "gardener" to handle the yard cleanup.
• Got multiple applications on the house and ultimately picked a tenant. The property manager completed a lease with them.
• We got our chimney inspected (required by the county).
• We had the handy-man back due to a water leak (that I totally blamed him for, but was completely unrelated to anything that he did).
• Ordered parts for our playset (btw, Rainbow Play systems are super expensive, but their warranty is pretty impressive!).
• My in-laws came back and we did more stuff - power washing the deck in preparation for staining it, power washing the porch and front of the house, general cleaning up and got started on some changes for the camper (below).
• Started modifying the camper for long term-ness - brought it home, installed a surge protector/EMS, removed a loveseat sofa from the bunkhouse, pumped up my TrailAir pin box, measured & designed a pinbox bike rack.
• I have ripped another 30+ DVDs and still have another 75 or more to go.
• All the while, I've had a freelance customer whose work has been hot and heavy. AND- I felt like now was a good time to have a buddy start developing a trip planning website under my guidance. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

 

And, there's just so much more to do. My wife and I are going to Disney next week on an anniversary/last time alone trip. While we're there, I do believe that my mother-in-law will start packing some stuff up. And then when we get home- we have to get cracking on packing up and into the camper.

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

So excited to watch your journey!  :)    Your blog link puts me at 2001??   When will you all be at Stone Mountain?  We'd like to stop in and say hi!! :)

[ependydad...Doug 176]

So excited to watch your journey!   :)    Your blog link puts me at 2001??   When will you all be at Stone Mountain?  We'd like to stop in and say hi!! :)

 

That's because I'm a dunce and typed the website address wrong.   I've corrected the post, the correct blog URL is:

http://nowornever.learntorv.com

 

We'll be at Stone Mountain from either Sunday, July 12 or Monday, the 13th and then we'll head out of there on Monday, July 20.

 

Shoot me a PM and let me know how far from you it is. We can definitely plan something!

[Helmsey......Todd 134]

A catch-up over the last few weeks (in case you aren't subscribed to the blog and if you aren't- sheesh!):

 

 

Sub'd, not sure how I missed that in the past.....  :-[

[Specularius 102]

For Lafayette, LA there are two great places to stay. Cajun Palms and Poche's Fish Camp. On the route map you then show going from Lafayette to Natchez. The route you have planned is not a good route to be pulling an RV on. In Natchez, the best place to stay is Riverview RV park on the Louisiana side at Vidalia. Like Dave stated, Lafayette is all about the food. I would also recommend a visit to Vermillionville Historic Village to see how the Cajuns lived. And try the Boudin...

 

For New Orleans, I would recommend Bayou Segnette State Park. 

[Specularius 102]

When you get to New Mexico, I would recommend a stop in Santa Fe to see Loretto Chapel and a visit to Taos Pueblo. Loretto Chapel has a famous stair case that is an engineering marvel. 

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Glad to hear everything is moving along!  Now it's time to relax and enjoy your trip to WDW before the BIG JOURNEY begins.  :)

[Northerngirl--Lori 5]

I'm looking forward to your trip report! How exciting for you and your family. This is something your children will always remember!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

For Lafayette, LA there are two great places to stay. Cajun Palms and Poche's Fish Camp. 

 

Yes!  And then they could eat at Poche's....here is my plate from there:

 

 

 

That was one of the best etouffees I've ever had. 

 

And some boudin from Don's.

 

 

 

Can we hijack this thread and turn it into a food thread??

[ependydad...Doug 176]

Food is good. We'll be a lot of places and will eat a lot of things.

 

But before then- I had the sickening realization yesterday that today marks exactly 3 weeks until movers come to take all of our stuff to storage (minus anything we give away before then and, obviously, anything that goes into the camper). Holy panic, batman.

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

Food is good. We'll be a lot of places and will eat a lot of things.

 

But before then- I had the sickening realization yesterday that today marks exactly 3 weeks until movers come to take all of our stuff to storage (minus anything we give away before then and, obviously, anything that goes into the camper). Holy panic, batman.

 

SO excited for you guys!!

[keith_h 420]

Food is good. We'll be a lot of places and will eat a lot of things.

 

But before then- I had the sickening realization yesterday that today marks exactly 3 weeks until movers come to take all of our stuff to storage (minus anything we give away before then and, obviously, anything that goes into the camper). Holy panic, batman.

 

Funny how time manages to pass without you noticing isn't it?

[ependydad...Doug 176]

Does anyone have an inexpensive hotel option for Chicago? We want to spend 1 night in the city since most of the campgrounds we're considering are a good hour and a half out. I have a few (but not a crazy lot) Marriott points, so we were thinking one of their properties near Midway.

[ependydad...Doug 176]

Movers today, on the road Friday. Holy mackerel. So many emotions...

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

It's going to be great!  Just make sure you don't rush from spot to spot.  If we were doing it, we would plan to be at each stop... for at least 2 weeks.

 

Outside of that, we'll be right "here" with you!  Looking forward to taking the adventure with you!  :)

[dvccamper 32]

Safe travels and thank you for letting us tag along. You're living the dream!