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**moosetags** · 05-01-2009, 07:58 AM

Yes, it's that time again!

We headed out yesterday with Lucy on her greatest adventure yet. We're headed to California, then up to Oregon and Washington. From there we will be heading to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming for our annual Moose hunt (with camera).

We got off at our usual crack of noon, and headed west. Over near Pensacola a passing driver told us that Lucy's right stop light was out. Fortunately, it was just a fuse in the tow vehicle, and we were on out way quickly. I was afraid it might be caused by my newly installed LED bar on Lucy's bumper, but I put in a new fuse, and everything seems to be working OK.

We drove through Mobile. Their streets are rather narrow with big trees right up to the curb. Lucy was clearing the trees by 8 or 9". I don't think that I'll do that again.

We drove up through Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and decided to stop for the night just north of there, in Collins. We found a small campground behind a Best Western Motel.

Brian

doorgunner · 05-01-2009, 09:01 AM

Stop by Lodi Lake-- lets see how Violet floats, then we could go wine tasting, have a bon fire, pop off a few potatoes, lie to one another--- and so on.

Travel safe.

HiHoAgRV · 05-01-2009, 09:21 AM

Man am I glad summer is here and someone is on the road! I look forward to the updates, have a safe trip.

Traveling vicariously with ya'll

maxandgeorgia · 05-01-2009, 09:24 AM

Bon voyage! Thanks for taking us on the forum along on your road trip, which seems to include some of our favorite places. Doorgunner's invite sounds too good to miss! Stay save and savor the adventure...~G

dmoore · 05-01-2009, 10:11 AM

Life is good . . . what a great trip! We too are heading out for our greatest adventure yet -- Alaska. Plans are to leave Nashville, TN in 10 days (count them!). We're stopping at Airstream of Arkansas for a little spa treatment for Vanessa. Connie (our TV) is ready to roll. The kayaks and bikes are ready to assume travel position. Georgia the wonder dog goes down and sits by the truck every day -- no chance that she'll be left behind. We'll be back home in time for football season.

We look forward to hearing about your adventures. Sounds like a wonderful iternary. Do you plan on doing a blog? That's new territory for me but I may give it a shot.

What a world that 'streaming opens up to all of us -- it's a wonderful life!

Debbie

Antique Pedaler · 05-01-2009, 10:28 AM

That looks like a Hobie Outfitter atop your TV. You've probably mentioned your Kayak before, but I only today paid any attention to it. That's because we, being the tandem bicyclists that we are, recently bought an Outfitter. Also bought a Hullavator to lift it but it doesn't work for us as we have the cross bars mounted six feet apart so using it is more of a hassle than just lifting the kayak. So we're returning the lift.

Aage · 05-01-2009, 07:43 PM

Jeez, I had to click on your photo to see what was going on, it looked like you were carrying an xmas tree!

gail · 05-01-2009, 07:57 PM

Keep us posted. WE are heading to oregon in June. A nice site is on the 40 between calif and arizona , calif side Moabii park - full hook ups on the river inlet. then you have a nice drive to Los angles or ????

Boondocker · 05-01-2009, 08:21 PM

What is your route west? Are you passing through Oklahoma?

**moosetags** · 05-01-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antique Pedaler

That looks like a Hobie Outfitter atop your TV. You've probably mentioned your Kayak before, but I only today paid any attention to it. That's because we, being the tandem bicyclists that we are, recently bought an Outfitter. Also bought a Hullavator to lift it but it doesn't work for us as we have the cross bars mounted six feet apart so using it is more of a hassle than just lifting the kayak. So we're returning the lift.

No, it's not an Outfitter, it's an Oasis. We almost got the Outfitter, but ordered the Oasis at the last minute. We like the foot blocks for paddling; the Outfitter does not have them.

As for the Hullavator, we really like it. Our cross bars are also a little too far apart. SuEllyn and I each handle one of the Hullavator mechanisms. This works great for us. The Hullavator is kind of pricey, but it's a lot cheaper than back surgery.

Brian

**moosetags** · 05-01-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doorgunner

Stop by Lodi Lake-- lets see how Violet floats, then we could go wine tasting, have a bon fire, pop off a few potatoes, lie to one another--- and so on.

Travel safe.

This could actually work. We will spend about two weeks in the LA/San Diego area. We then plan to head up the middle of the state.

Brian

Relentless · 05-01-2009, 09:44 PM

I'm sure I will get some noise on this but, if you have the time, I would recommend either the coast or Rte 49 up the West side of the Sierras in California. The middle of CA. is pretty flat and dull until you get north of Sacramento.

John

janetb · 05-01-2009, 10:10 PM

We love reading about your adventures on the road, and learn much from your posts.
The prettiest drive would be to come up 1 from Morro Bay to Big Sur and Carmel to Monterey, and then head on out to 101 and onward to Sacramento. It's much slower, but a world-class drive.
Doing 101 the whole way is also a lovely drive, and far more relaxing while you cruise by acres and acres of vineyards in full leaf.
A detour to Lodi would be easy and scenic. And I suspect the kayaking experiences will pale in comparison to the wine tastings ... Not that I know what I'm talking about...
Have a great trip!

FreshAir · 05-01-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relentless

I'm sure I will get some noise on this but, if you have the time, I would recommend either the coast or Rte 49 up the West side of the Sierras in California. The middle of CA. is pretty flat and dull until you get north of Sacramento.

John

Highway 49 is beautiful and has a lot of history but do some homework. Parts of the highway 'can' be a challenge to tow on. If you do come this way and near Placerville (where we live) is where the gold rush began. Let me know and I can give you 'heads up' on what the road is like in this region.
Neil.

**moosetags** · 05-01-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janetb

We love reading about your adventures on the road, and learn much from your posts.
The prettiest drive would be to come up 1 from Morro Bay to Big Sur and Carmel to Monterey, and then head on out to 101 and onward to Sacramento. It's much slower, but a world-class drive.
Doing 101 the whole way is also a lovely drive, and far more relaxing while you cruise by acres and acres of vineyards in full leaf.
A detour to Lodi would be easy and scenic. And I suspect the kayaking experiences will pale in comparison to the wine tastings ... Not that I know what I'm talking about...
Have a great trip!

Five years ago we drove California State Road 1 northbound from the Mexican Border to the Oregon State Line. It took nine days and was a great adventure. We thought that this time we would look around the middle of the state.

Brian

**moosetags** · 05-01-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

What is your route west? Are you passing through Oklahoma?

We're heading out I-20. Our first planned stop is in Roswell,New Mexico. We've always wanted to see where the space landed in 1947. Then, it's on to LA, so I don't think that we'll see Oklahoma on the way out. We may try to stop in Enid on the way back to see a dear friend, but it depends on how the Moose hunting goes.

Brian

janetb · 05-01-2009, 10:51 PM

The Central Valley has so much to offer, and I'm sure you're doing your homework! It actually makes for a very peaceful and relaxing drive. I love the almond orchards and fields of lemon trees and orange groves (and the views of viaducts diverting our precious water to Palm Springs golf courses...)
We get kind of spoiled out here on the left coast...
Be sure to stop in Corning for some of the most amazing olives you'll ever sample.
Happy and safe trails.

tksbaskets · 05-02-2009, 06:58 AM

Thank you for sharing your adventures with Lucy! Makes for enjoyable reading and dreaming of adventures in our own AS some day

**moosetags** · 05-02-2009, 08:16 AM

We spent last night in Tyler, Texas, at Texas Rosa CG near Tyler. We're shooting for Abilene tonight.

Here are some photos. That concrete post was so long that we could see it flex when the truck hit a bump.

Brian

Antique Pedaler · 05-02-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

No, it's not an Outfitter, it's an Oasis. We almost got the Outfitter, but ordered the Oasis at the last minute. We like the foot blocks for paddling; the Outfitter does not have them.

Our full timing friends who we Kayak with have the Oasis. We tried both but opted for the Outfitter. We both equipped ours with ST Turbo fins and the large "sailing" rudder. What a difference in speed and handling!
We've just returned from wintering on the lower Colorado River. Pedaling upriver was a lot faster with the turbos.

Airstream content: We're paranoid about tying down the Kayak securely so it doesn't slide off the TV and smash the front end of the trailer.