Cross Country Trip - 2008

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T20:20:57Z

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!

What did you get?

Day 13 - Final Entry for Cross Country Trip - 2008

2008-12-25T04:14:18Z

Well, it's Christmas Eve and all is well. Got up this morning and the battery was still going so we didn't freeze last night.

Called three RV places before we found one that was open and then rushed down to get the electrical adapter before they closed. Ended up buying two of them.. gotta have a spare!!

Got back the Casa Wiltshire (Kristie's parents house), hooked up the RV and all was well.

Kristie spent much of the day cleaning up the RV from the trip.. lots of road "funk" and cat/dog hair accumulates after 12 days!

Moved the fish out of the RV into the house and will setup the tank tomorrow so he can have some swimming room. Hopefully he isn't too lonely without Al.

Tomorrow will be unloading the trailer and hopefully getting settled!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

-Eric & Kristie and the fur children (Cloe, Mason, Dixon & Jackson).. oh and Moe.. the fish!

Day 12 - Haw River, NC to Annapolis, MD - Destination Reached

2008-12-25T00:09:22Z

We made it!! Woke up to nice weather and not too cold temps.

The drive through NC to VA to MD was simple and smooth. I-95 was clear north but the southbound lanes were backed up from Quantinco all the way to DC.. Over 30 miles. Glad we were travelling north!!!

Made it to Kristie's parents about 5pm and pulled the RV into the backyard without any major issues.

Went to hookup the power and realizes we had lost the 30 to 15 amp power converter somewhere along the way. Have to run off battery tonight.

Overall it was a great trip and we had made some lifelong memories.

All the pics and videos will be posted by the end of the week and will send out an email!

Hope everyone enjoyed the blog, pics and videos.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year!!

-Eric, Kristie and Scott

Day 11 - Knoxville, TN to Asheville, NC to Marion, NC to Haw River, NC

2008-12-23T03:06:14Z

Today was the last day of the journey with Scott. We headed toward NC and stopped over in Asheville to have lunch with Jody, one of our friends from college. After that we headed to Marion, NC, Scott's hometown to drop him off so he could spend Christmas with his family.

It was a bittersweet goodbye because Scott had been with us from Day 2, helped Eric by driving many miles and is one of our closest friends. Thanks man!!!

After saying goodbye to Scott, we headed east a couple of hours and have decided to hold up for the night in Haw River, NC at another Flying J truck stop!

Tomorrow is the last day of the journey as we will arrive in Annapolis in the early afternoon.

It's been a fun, exciting and sometimes scary and sad adventure but would do it again in the heartbeat.

We only took one picture day so it will get posted in the final trip journal entry.

Day 10 - Oak Grove, KY to Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN

2008-12-22T06:00:47Z

Woke up today to cold weather again.. really cold.  Got gas ($1.51/gal) and decided to check the tire pressure again..   tires were a bit low so addeded some air when one of the valve stems BROKE from the cold and the left front tire went FLAT.   Luckily we were at the truck stop and they called a tire repair service and they came right out. Put us about 1 hour behind schedule but the guys at Sanders Tire Service were quick, friendly and didn't gouge us in pricing, even though it was a Sunday morning. Thanks Guys!

Then off to Nashville, TN, arriving just after noon.    Did a quick pit stop at a Camping World to pick up few supplies (even got a tongue wheel for trailer Jim and Etay).

After the quick stop we went to Opryland and toured the hotel and decided to take in a show.   Jerry at the info desk was very friendly and told us he would give us a discount on the tickets to the Rockettes Christmas show and told us where to grab a quick lunch. After eating lunch we went back to get the tix and Jerry was on break. The girl replacing him said she "Didn't know anything about discounted tix and if we wanted a discount, we would have to wait for Jerry"..   not very nice at all.   Decided to go to the revolving bar in the atrium and wait for Jerry to return. When he did, he gave us the tix for Buy One Get One Free.. cool, saves us almost $70.

Walked over to the Grand Ole Opry and saw the Rockettes show which was pretty good.   Afterwards we had to walk back to the RV which was about a mile away (big hotel / resort complex).. problem was the temperature was now about 20 degrees, way way colder than when we went into the show.   We almost froze to death walking that mile!

After getting back to the RV and warming up for a few minutes, we headed east again to Knoxville for the night.   Stopped at Cracker Barrel for a nice dinner then off to another Flying J for the night.

Got gas ($1.51/gal) and now are preparing for another cold night (low of 10 degrees).

Today's Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/00017gqz

Today's Videos: Will Post Later

Tomorrow is Scott's last day with us as we will be dropping him off in Marion, NC at his parents house.

It's been a great trip and we are really glad Scott came.. it has definitely been a cool adventure.

Day 9 - Branson, MO to St. Louis to Oak Grove, KY

2008-12-22T05:47:11Z

Today we woke up to a nice day.. finally, not too cold. Spent the morning shopping in Branson.   Scott bought some calfskin cowboy boots and Eric bought some shark skin cowboy boots at a western store.    That makes two pair of boots for Scott and now 12 for Eric (catching to you Jim!!).

After getting some breakfast and returning the rental car, we headed toward St. Louis.

On the way to St. Louis we passed through Springfield, MO, home of Bass Pro shops. Decided to stop because this is the biggest one... and it is HUGE. something like 250K sq feet. We spent about 2 hours and only saw about 1/2 of it.

Afterwards we headed on to St. Louis.

We were rushing to get to the Gateway Arch before it closed but a couple of wrong turns thanks to not understanding the GPS we made it there 10 minutes too late for the last tour of the day.. *sigh*.

Decided to get some St. Louis BBQ, and headed to a place called Fat Toney's.   Had good reviews but wasn't that great.. just average.

After dinner he decided to go a bit further down the road and headed across into Illinois and then on to Kentucky.

Spent the night at the Flying J truck stop in Oak Grove Kentucky.   This was our 3rd night at Flying J and once again, they were very friendly and hospitable to RV people!   And the discount on Gas definitely helps!

Today's Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/00016w92

Today's Videos: Will Post Later

Tomorrow is off to Nashville for some time at the Country Music Capital!

Day 8 - Joplin, MO to Branson, MO

2008-12-22T05:39:02Z

Today we took a day trip to Branson, MO and seeing the cheesy sites in Branson.

Rented a car for the day because Branson isn't very RV parking friendly.

Bought tickets to the Dixie Stampede which is a dinner show with a western theme..horses and cool tricks. Dinner was very good with a really good roasted chicken, pork, veggies and apple tart for desert.

Stayed the night in an RV park just outside Branson.

For my Masonic Brothers, you will notice four pics in the gallery of a Masonic time capsule monument. Seems some of the local Masons that own a gas station did a 100 year time capsule (1999 to be opened in 2099).   Took pictures of all four sides. Very cool idea!

One sad note for day.. our big Goldfish, Al died today.   Those of you that have been to the house know he as over 7 years old and about 10 inches long.    Sad that he didn't make it, but Moe (our only remaining fish) is still going strong.

Todays Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/00015y6k

Todays Videos: Will Post Later

Tomorrow is off to St. Louis.

Day 7 - Dodge City, KS to Joplin, MO

2008-12-19T06:08:35Z

We woke up this morning with more snow on the ground and really cold temperatures. After getting gas again ($1.63/gal ) we headed into Dodge City to visit the sites.

Dodge City was definitely worth the trip.. lots of cool history and the museum was worth $7 admission. Saw the famous Boot Hill Cemetary and some of the original buildings from the Wyatt Earp days.

Kristie bought some blackberry jam (my favorite) and Scott bought some fudge from a nice woman in the General Store and then we toured the rest of the original downtown Dodge City.

After the stroll back back through time we headed to Wichita but not even 5 minutes out of Dodge City it got REALLY foggy and the next 4 hours was nothing but fog, rain, and wind.

Along the way, we passed the midway point in the USA.. which is Kinsley, KS.. with signs saying 1735 miles to San Fran and 1735 miles to NYC.

Headed to Wichita to go to Sheplers Western Wear (big cowboy boot / hat / clothes place).. Shopped for a while, Scott got some boots and Eric got a clearance pair of Timberlane shoes.

Saw our first real traffic leaving Wichita and then the fog again.. made it slow going to Missouri but we arrived safely in Joplin, MO.

As I am typing this, it has gotten really windy and started to rain.. so we now have seen it all.. rain, snow, sleet, ice and wind. Guess the price of traveling in the winter!

Today's Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/00014g44?.view=grid

Today's Videos:
- Day 7 - Dodge City -

Tomorrow should be a good day because we are only driving about 100 miles to Branson, MO, known as Country Music version of Las Vegas. Hopefully we can find a show to see tomorrow night and get a good cheap meal!

Day 6 - Grand Junction, CO to Dodge City, KS

2008-12-19T05:50:32Z

Today was a very long day because we drove over 630 miles from Grand Junction, CO to Dodge City, KS.

We did have some fun though, we stopped in Glenwood Springs, CO to see Doc Holliday's grave. He was a famous gunslinger that was friends with Wyatt Earp and the coolest character in the move Tombstone.

Scott, Cloe and Eric climbed up about 1000 feet snowy trail to see his grave (see pics and video). The path to the gravesite had a great view of Glenwood Springs and the Rockies. Hard climb but was really worth the pain and cold.

Cloe loved playing in the snow (see video) and got some needed exercise since being cooped up for a few days.

After our time in Glenwood Springs we made the scary trek over the Rockies and the 11,158 feet summit. We saw the cleanup phase a truck accident (see pic) and that made us go a bit slower up and down the mountains.

After stopping for a few minutes to get gas in Denver ($1.45/gal) we headed into Kansas and the 300 miles to Dodge City. We tried to get a nighttime pic of the "Welcome to Kansas" sign but it didn't work.. see the resulting pic.. *laugh*

Arrived in Dodge City about 1am and bedded down for the night at the Flying J truck stop.

Today's Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/000134r5?.view=grid

Today's Videos:
- Day 6 Starter -
- Cats in the window -
- Cloe in the snow -
- Doc Holliday Grave -

Day 5 - Escalante, UT to Grand Junction, CO

2008-12-17T07:37:26Z

Today was a very very very very very long day. We woke up in Escalante this morning to about 8 inches of snow. The road ahead included a 9800 ft summit and it was snow covered. We stopped at the local gas station/garage (yes they only have one) and was told.. YOU WILL NOT MAKE IT IN AN RV!

Sooo.. we turned around and back the way we came.. from Bryce Canyon. So, we drove 2 hours last night to Escalante, slept, and then drove back 2 hours. Well, at least the guy at the RV park gave us something to talk about. He wasn't the brightest tool in the shed.. but he told us we could get 10% off any of his petrified wood pieces because it was Decembers special. Oh.. and we were the only customers in December.

After making the trek back to Bryce Canyon area, we headed north to find a nice clear Interstate.. I-70. Got gas again ($1.45/gal) so we could head toward Colorado.

Since we were at the Flying J getting gas we decided to dump our black (sewer) and gray (shower/sink water) tanks.. but they were both FROZEN solid. We have tank heaters for the clean water and drain the lines each night but I never thought the other tanks would freeze.

Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef National Park had to be scrapped, maybe next time!

I-70 and eastern Utah is beautiful but that road can be scary. Lots of 6, 7, 8% grades and switchback curve (see pictures).

Got into Colorado about 6pm and decided to stop at 'Walmart for some supplies, ANTI-FREEZE and CHAINS!

After that and grabbing some dinner at Chik-fil-a, we decided we shouldn't drive anymore today.

So, we found a RV park / Mobile Home Park / RV Dealer and have decided to stay the night. Put some anti-freeze in the tanks and within an hour they were clear enough to dump.. PHEW!

Today's Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/000122fe

Today's Videos:
- Day 5 - Good Morning - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGVSoIuo_U
- Scott playing camera man (blair witch style) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7mZgSdlw3w

Tomorrow we are going to try to make it all the way to Dodge City Kansas but since we are about 200 miles behind schedule, who knows!

Day 4 - Ely, NV to Bryce Canyon to Escalante, UT

2008-12-16T15:35:54Z

Last night was COLD.. really cold. We wake up this morning to a slight dusting of snow but that was just a precursor for the day to come.

We drove out of Ely, NV and across the stateline into Utah. Then headed south towards Bryce Canyon along a very long straight highway (Utah Highway 12).

Scott drove the RV for the first time and for the first hour, we didn't see one car and rarely even turned the wheel (see the pictures).

Then after going up a hill we had to stop suddenly because there were HUNDREDS of sheep in the road (see video).

We finally arrive at Bryce Canyon but by this time it is snowing hard.and part of the park is closed. We go ahead anyway and see some really cool views of the canyon covered in snow.

After about an hour in the park (and the only people in the park) we head toward Escalante to the RV park.

The road by this time is heavily snow covered and we are forced to drive about 30 miles/hr for the next 40 miles.

Finally make it to the RV park and settle in for the night.

Today's Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/000110gx (Page 1)
http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/000110gx?page=2 (Page 2)

Today's Videos:
- Starting out the day video - Will Post Later
- Fuelstop with Scott - Will Post Later
- Bryce Canyon - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlhaDao_7Rs
- Kristie & Bryce Canyon - Will Post Later
- Cloe & Mason - Will Post Later
- Deer at Bryce Canyon - Will Post Later
- Sheep, Sheep & More Sheep - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVPwRqQZlg0

Forecast is for 4-6 inches of snow tonight so we are hoping we don't get stranded here for an extra day.

Tomorrow is off to Goblin Valley State Park and then into Colorado.. hopefully the weather cooperates!

Day 3 - Reno, NV to Ely, NV (Loneliest Highway in America)

2008-12-15T06:43:54Z

Today was a crazy day.. wanted to leave Reno in the morning but ended up not leaving until about 12:30pm.

Took US 395 to Carson City and it was WINDY. There was a highway warning for no Campers or Trailers.. we have BOTH. We decided to risk it and took it slow.

In Carson City we hit US 50 which goes through the desert and it is definitely the loneliest highway in America. We probably saw no more than 50 cars in over 300 miles of highway.

Stopped at the famous Shoe Tree (see videos) along the way and we added an old pair of VANS to the collection.

Also saw a gigantic sand dune that was just out in the middle of the desert.. very weird and out of place.

Got into Ely about 7:30pm, staying at the KOA campground tonight.

Still not getting enough sleep but going to bed early tonight!

Tomorrow is off to Bryce Canyon Utah!

Today's Pics: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/0000s510

Today's Videos:
- Shoe Tree - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1sWIr7i6Ws

We will upload more pics and videosof today when we get to a place with better bandwidth!

Day 2: Reno & Virginia City Nevada

2008-12-14T07:37:12Z

Today we went around Reno and Virginia City. Reno got about 1/2 inch of snow last night and the wind was crazy. It sounded like the ocean was outside the house.

Started out this morning by picking Scott up at the airport and then breakfast at the Blackbear Diner.

Then off to Scheels, a HUGE sportings good store in Sparks with a Ferris Wheel in the lobby.

Afternoon was a quick trip to Virginia City with the guys taking time to do some shots at the Palace Saloon.

Evening was a bit a shopping and a very nice Italian dinner at Romanze at the Peppermill.

Today was a good relaxing day before heading east!

Today's Pictures: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/0000fes0

Today's Videos:
- Scott arrives in Reno and talks about his night in Vegas! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXHn9oL8CKs

Tomorrow we are off to Ely, NV and maybe Great Basin National Park.

Day 1: On the Road.. Finally

2008-12-13T09:11:02Z

We finally finished the house and packing at 7am on Friday morning.   We slept for about 3 hours,  hooked up the trailer and then off to Reno to Jim & Nancy's House about 11:30 am.

Made the 4 Hour drive to Reno. Traffic wasn't bad but it was very windy over Donner and into Reno.

Arrived in Reno, filled up the tank (75 gallons) at Costco ($1.78/gal).

Pulled into Jim and Nancy's, parked the RV and then off to Dinner at Atlantis.. Buffet..and lots of Crab Legs

Check out todays pictures and videos of me and Etay.

Today's Pictures: http://pics.livejournal.com/roofdog/gallery/00007ttx

Today's Videos:

    - Eric and the crab legs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgkkGUOkXtA

    - Etay eating oysters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJc14jD_JZQ

Scott's flight got canceled because they shut down Reno airport due to high wind. He will be here in the morning.

Off to bed now.. gotta get some sleep!!!

Still too much work to do tonight!

2008-12-13T08:48:08Z

Well, we will not be leaving today. Too much work left to do on the house and getting the RV packed.

We would be even further behind if it were not for lots of help from Monte and Debbie over the past few days.

Tonight, Nancy, Jim and Etay show up to help us get on the road tonight!

Jim and Etay are planting plants in the backyard while Nancy helps Kristie pack her knick-knacks and clothes.

Thanks, you guys are the BEST!!!

Hopefully we will be able to leave on Friday morning.

Cross Country Trip - 2008

2008-12-09T18:09:42Z

We are moving from California back to Maryland this week. We are driving our RV with the dog, three cats, 2 fish and our friend Scott. Along the way we will stop, take pics, video and upload to YouTube and add a journal entry!

Kristie and I have been getting the house ready to put on the market this week and I'm really tired. Over 15 hours of painting and packing yesterday.

Stay Tuned!

First Trip Posting will be on Friday, December 12th, 2008!

-Eric