Rest Stops

[janetb]

We're heading for a short trip (10 days) from central CA to the Oregon coast next week. All looks good, but I'm wondering about the rest stops. We're traveling with 3 dogs, and--um, older body parts--and I'm wondering about the stopping intervals. How do you tell when you have a good exit off the freeway for a little reprieve?
One does need one's walkies.
We have the book "Next Exit" but once I get past the title (too close to "Final Exit" which is great by the way...) it just doesn't have the "how can you tell it's not the exit from hell" info that I need.
We're going up on 101, back on 5.
As usual, all suggestions appreciated.
Yours in clutterland,
Janet

[Fyrzowt]

Isn't that just part of the excitement?
Dave

[doorgunner]

While headed home from Casini, Neil and I were travelling together.On the trip to Casini I led, returning he was in the lead.He pulled over on the side of the freeway, Lynn needed the rest room so she used their trailer, Me being the dog I am used the bushes. DG

[moosetags]

When on the Interstates, we usually use the rest stops. They are designed for the semi trucks and can always accommodate our rig. Being that we have our own bathroom following along in Lucy, it doesn't matter if the rest stop has facilities or not. As far as regular exits are concerned, if you pick one that has a truck stop, you are assured of ample space. We just get off whereever we please and can always find a spot to pull over safely. The possible exception are the exits in a big city.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, any blue sign that warns you that a rest stop is ahead is a good one. Some of the smaller rest stops may be full of big rigs leaving no room for you to stop, but rare. Also, here in California there aren't very many rest stops; I think they want us to stop at gas stations and restaurants. You'll love Oregon, they have rest stops everywhere.

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

While headed home from Casini, Neil and I were travelling together.On the trip to Casini I led, returning he was in the lead.He pulled over on the side of the freeway, Lynn needed the rest room so she used their trailer, Me being the dog I am used the bushes. DG

Now this is "The Rest(stop) of The Story". As DG recounted I was leadng. I did not do a good job of it as I missed the 'short-cut' turn off and became concerned. So I pulled the the side of an off-ramp next to some shrubs to clarify with DG the next option turn-off. Lynn ooooohed, "I need a restroom!" So I said we happened to be towing one. So as I helped Lynn into the trailer DG 'did his thing' but irrespective of his sometimes modification to his user name (D little o G) he did not aim for the hubcaps. The 2 rigs provided much privacy and the shrubs were handy. As I have stated many times in my life, "I sure am glad I was born a guy." By the way the off ramp I had pulled over on was the correct one. Otherwise I may be still leading DG around California.
Neil and Lynn

[yukionna]

I have been using "The Next Exit" book for years and have never had a problem. My rule of thumb, tho, is I always choose an exit where the facilities are near the hiway interchange.

[clintn]

I Love Rest Areas

[Pecos Pete]

One of the great things about traveling with an AS is that you always have facilities with you - not to mention lunch and or a snack! Any blue sign is usally good for us, or a truck stop usually has large parking areas. Avoid stopping in town, except for Walmart parking lots if you can.

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by janetb

...(too close to "Final Exit" which is great by the way...) it just doesn't have the "how can you tell it's not the exit from hell" info that I need.

Oh yeah...have you read "Wrong Turn" yet or seen the movie? That book totally redefines the "exit from hell".

[janetb]

Well, once again all that fretting for nothing...But I admit, after getting the above reassurance and suggestions, we knew we'd be just fine. We did use the "Next Exit" quite a bit, and coupled with maps and our Nav. system we couldn't go wrong if we'd tried! We went out to the coast from the Bay Area on 101, hitting 1 at the Oregon boarder. There just aren't too many exits on the main highways that aren't user-friendly, and I didn't realize how obvious that would be.
We mostly used the rest stops, where we usually had a snack or meal, and strolled the dogs around. They were so convenient we often stopped just to check out the scenery. Oregon rest stops are like lovely little parks and the rhododendrons were in bloom everywhere.
We did have a "Clintnesque" experience when trucks surrounded us while we were eating in the trailer in logging country; when we opened the door we were face to face with a giant tire and that cartoon immediately came to mind!
Once we headed south on 5 in CA we noticed lots of RV and truck friendly areas all along the way, including those big commercial stops.
It was a great trip with no mishaps, so we're finally starting to feel a little less like newbies.
Thanks for the help!
Janet

[dpandorf]

My wife and I had a funny on our maiden voyage a little over a month ago. As I pulled into the truck stop to get diesel, I asked my better half who was going inside first to use the facilities. Of course her reply was, aren't we towing one?

[DFord79]

Janetb: and the farther you go NORTH to Washington....the more park like the reststops get. There are restops in Washington so big and grassy..with trees and and...You could hold a softball turnament in them.

[53flyingcloud]

Just a little warning..
Back about 3 or 4 yrs ago when I was at JC, I saw an A/S sitting in the back lot waiting MAJOR body repairs..It seems that the owner and family had stopped at this rest area for lunch. While sitting at the lunch table, they witness a semi coming into th rest area at a fast(?) rate of speed and, he tilted and sideswipped the A/S~!!
MAJOR DAMAGES to the tune of 30k minmuim..
I always park away from any entrances ramp since then~!

[myboyburt]

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

Just a little warning..
Back about 3 or 4 yrs ago when I was at JC, I saw an A/S sitting in the back lot waiting MAJOR body repairs..It seems that the owner and family had stopped at this rest area for lunch. While sitting at the lunch table, they witness a semi coming into th rest area at a fast(?) rate of speed and, he tilted and sideswipped the A/S~!!
MAJOR DAMAGES to the tune of 30k minmuim..
I always park away from any entrances ramp since then~!

Wow, good advice. And it was a good thing they were eating their lunch at a picnic table instead of inside their camper.

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by myboyburt

Wow, good advice. And it was a good thing they were eating their lunch at a picnic table instead of inside their camper.

Yes, you are so right..I am sure they felt the same way.
The entire side of it was crushed inward..
Tough break but, still a blessing in that noone was hurt~!

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by moosetags

When on the Interstates, we usually use the rest stops. They are designed for the semi trucks and can always accommodate our rig. Being that we have our own bathroom following along in Lucy, it doesn't matter if the rest stop has facilities or not. As far as regular exits are concerned, if you pick one that has a truck stop, you are assured of ample space. We just get off whereever we please and can always find a spot to pull over safely. The possible exception are the exits in a big city.

We rely on the "Next Exit" book to find safe places to camp while enroute to our destination. We have never had a problem at truck stops. Most truck stops have started to realize that attracting the RV market is good for their bottom line. Many provide separate RV-camping areas (away from idling semi's) and dump stations and fresh water.