Driving cross-country and moving to Oregon.

[Baculus]

I've come to the recent decision to move from Maryland to Oregon. The reasons are several fold, but now seems like a good time for me to do so. In order to accomplish this objective, I am driving across the country -- leaving within the next week -- which is something I have not done in a while. (I have previously lived in Oregon around 15 years ago. Btw, I am moving to the Eugene area.)

It's a lengthy trip, of which I aim to complete in five days, but it should prove to be interesting.

Thus, with this in mind, I would love to hear any travel tips and advice, good sight-seeing recommendations (my route will cut through the middle of the country), football-watching tips from fellow Oregonian 'Skins fans, and any other thoughts or ideas that would help in my effort.

Thanks a bunch!

[mboyd784]

Sounds like a blast. Good luck.

[BadKarma]

Take your time on the trip and enjoy if you can, I have driven across the country a ton of times and its always best to break up the monotony and stop in places and have things to look forward too as you work across the country. Maybe stop in Cleveland or Chicago for a ball game, go rafting in Salt Lake etc.

[mcsluggo]

unless you have a reason not to.... take longer than 5 days. If you take your time, the X-country drive is cool! if yo uhave to get there fast... it sucks egg.

[PokerPacker]

make sure you buy plenty of supplies before you leave town. Don't forget spare wheels and axles because that is not a problem you want to have when out on the trail. And last but not least, make sure you get a few healthy-looking Oxen.

[NoCalMike]

When I was 6 years old my family moved from MD to CA. Roadtrip! Umm....stock up on water, cheap munchies and a good GPS!

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

I've driven halfway across the country twice now. It sucks.

Though, I learned that America will never suffer a waffle shortage.

[SnyderShrugged]

Get a Sirius radio, I found it a great option for my cross country relo. Also, I found it fun to plan out a few "must see" stops along the way that I would otherwise probably never get to see.

One last thing, I made it a point to try and collect things from each state/city/major landmark that I stopped at. I chose shot glasses and it was kind of fun to find them and then have them as momentos after the trip

[Skins24]

I've driven halfway across the country twice now. It sucks.

Though, I learned that America will never suffer a waffle shortage.
Going all the way is the way to go.
Yeah the middle is a giant snoozefest but the west is great.

[THEREALTOR1]

make sure you buy plenty of supplies before you leave town. Don't forget spare wheels and axles because that is not a problem you want to have when out on the trail. And last but not least, make sure you get a few healthy-looking Oxen.

I was hoping I wouldn't be let down when I opened this thread, thanks PP :ols:

On a serious note: Good luck with your trip Bac. I always thought it would be cool to do a cross country BBQ tour, stopping at various locations to try out the different styles of BBQ at all the little "hole in the wall" BBQ places.

EDIT: Also, just saw this over in the Stadium http://www.extremeskins.com/showthread.php?t=326945

[Predicto]

Where in Oregon? Western Oregon is awesome, but eastern Oregon is a bit of a wasteland.

[Predicto]

make sure you buy plenty of supplies before you leave town. Don't forget spare wheels and axles because that is not a problem you want to have when out on the trail. And last but not least, make sure you get a few healthy-looking Oxen.

+1000 internet points

[zoony]

Take your car in for alignment, balance, tire pressure, and general maintenance. Make sure all your fluid kevels are good.

Proper tire pressure and alignment alone can save you some money on gas, as can items like a clean air filter etc. Also, if your windows aren't tinted that would be a good investment too. Makes your car a lot cooler especially driving in august heat

Also, nothing passes time like a few audio books. Just say no to road snacks. Don't eat fast food and eat sparingly at restaurants. After several days of this you will feel like ass. Get a cooler and stock it with fruits and healthy stuff.

Beyond that, don't eat sushi in kansas

[SnyderShrugged]

Take your car in for alignment, balance, tire pressure, and general maintenance. Make sure all your fluid kevels are good.

Proper tire pressure and alignment alone can save you some money on gas, as can items like a clean air filter etc. Also, if your windows aren't tinted that would be a good investment too. Makes your car a lot cooler especially driving in august heat

Also, nothing passes time like a few audio books. Just say no to road snacks. Don't eat fast food and eat sparingly at restaurants. After several days of this you will feel like ass. Get a cooler and stock it with fruits and healthy stuff.

Beyond that, don't eat sushi in kansas

I agree with the audio books, though I cant tell you how many times I've missed an exit because I was so into the story!:ols:

[China]

Check this site for some offbeat interesting things to check out on your journey:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/

[gbear]

make sure you buy plenty of supplies before you leave town. Don't forget spare wheels and axles because that is not a problem you want to have when out on the trail. And last but not least, make sure you get a few healthy-looking Oxen.

wow, an Oregon trail reference. Now that is a blast of nostalgia from the 80's.

I'm a bitt jealous about the move to Oregon as Portland is currently tops on my wish list of places I would like to retire.

Pick a few crazy things. My father in law just drove to Seattle from Columbia, MD, and will stop in Arkansas for the family reunion on his way back. He had stops mapped out all across the U.S. like the largest ball of twine...

Depending on how quickly you wanted to head north in your trip west, there are a lot of fairly random places you can go see. My work has an office in Jeffersonville Indiana, and as many times as I've been there, I've still not made it to the Kentucky Fried Chicken Museum (just to score maximum points for a random answer to the "So what did you do today question?"). I have however made it to Shaker Village in KY which I found fascinating.

Good luck on the road and at your destination.

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

Also, nothing passes time like a few audio books. Just say no to road snacks. Don't eat fast food and eat sparingly at restaurants. After several days of this you will feel like ass. Get a cooler and stock it with fruits and healthy stuff.


The best vacation I ever had was a 10-day road trip through New England. My gf and I had a big cooler that we kept filled with bottled water, OJ, fruit, and yogurt. We basically ate breakfast and lunch out of it and splurged on dinner wherever we ended up. One day, we ate fast food and it was the worst day of the trip because we both needed a nap and I needed a NY Times.

The first time I drove to Texas, I took my car in for a lot of maintenance. They filled the radiator but apparently forget to put the damn radiator cap back on. Which became quite a problem in Knoxville, TN at 5 PM.

[Hooper]

Get the This American Life App on your iphone if you have one. It's 2.99 and has every episode. Great for long drives.

Oregon is great. Wise move, my friend.

[HighPlainsDrifter]

+1 for audio books.

The Eugene area is beautiful. My wife and I aspire to live in the Pacific North West one day and Eugene is at the top of the "possible towns we'd like to live in" list.

[IONTOP]

make sure you buy plenty of supplies before you leave town. Don't forget spare wheels and axles because that is not a problem you want to have when out on the trail. And last but not least, make sure you get a few healthy-looking Oxen.

Absolute win....

Don't shoot a buffalo, you won't be able to carry more than 100lbs back to the car...

[twa]

They have sushi in Kansas?

Have fun Bac,I hear it is beautiful around there,but I don't envy you the drive.

[Teller]

No advice here. I've never been west of *barf* Dallas. But I wish you the best....before, during and after the journey. :cheers:

[Special K]

Are you taking I-80 across then?

I've done it a few times. Don't know about sight-seeing, we just hauled ass across the country the times we've done it.

Have fun in Eugene. I'm from northern California, 20 min. south of the Oregon border and spent a ton of time in Oregon (Ashland & Medford).

All I can say is don't eat a lot of crap food because I've found, especially as I get older, that it makes me feel terrible and get very sleepy about 45 min. after consuming a bunch of crap.

Get your car tuned up prior to leaving.

Get good music or audio books.

That's about all I have to say. Actually, watch out for the semi's in the midwest. They haul like bats outta hell and almost blow you off the road...

[Raub]

(I have previously lived in Oregon around 15 years ago. Btw, I am moving to the Eugene area.)
I

Eugene is in my top 3 list of places to move when I retire in a few years. I've lived in the Seattle area, and been through the Eugene area a few times. Always seemed like a great place to live. Anything in particular that made you decide on it?

[Duckus]

I've driven halfway across the country twice now. It sucks.

Though, I learned that America will never suffer a waffle shortage.

You do know there was a waffle shortage last year . . . and no I am not ****ing with you

Leggo your Eggo: There's a waffle shortage

Kellogg is rationing its Eggo products due to flooding and equipment problems at two bakeries. The shortfall could last through mid-2010.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/18/news/companies/eggo_waffle_shortage/

[Fergasun]

How about this novel advice... don't do it.
Sure you can move to Oregon, but I wouldn't drive. Driving is boring, and dull... and tiring hard work. The risk of getting into an accident is too great, and you're going to put more mileage on your car.

I'd fly and have a car transport company take the car. Perhaps this isn't a good option for you financially... maybe I'm just being spoilsportish...

[Baculus]

This is the first chance I have had to update my status. After many twists and turns, I am finally on my way to the west coast, traveling with a few people in a truck. *All in all, it shall be interesting.

I will upload some pics to Flkir and post a link here when I have something interesting.

Wish me luck! *And Hail to the Redskins! *(I am going to miss tonight's preseason game -- boo!)

[boobiemiles]

I heard they have some good weed, and a lot of ducks in Oregon.

[msjordanalex]

I can't believe your driving... I think that flight is too long... I cant imagine that drive.

[SloppyOneXXVI]

Absolute win....

Don't shoot a buffalo, you won't be able to carry more than 100lbs back to the car...

Well apparently I can't embed properly...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHps2SecuDk

[GoSkins561]

Hey Taz, Ken Johnson (LHS-91) lives in Eugene. Not sure if you know him or not, if you do, he seems to have a lot of connections out there.

[GoSkins561]

The Redskins have a preseason game tonight?

:ols: oh boy.

[Hubbs]

(I am going to miss tonight's preseason game -- boo!)

Tonight's what?

[Dan T.]

If you'll be taking interstate toll roads, get an EZ Pass or the equivilent. It saves lots of time and hassle at the toll plazas...

[SC_RedskinsFan]

Good luck on your trip, and im not sure what you are talking about on a game tonight! :whoknows:

[Baculus]

Good luck on your trip, and im not sure what you are talking about on a game tonight! :whoknows:

Thanks! And with all my moving, it shows how out of touch I am with the pre-season schedule. :-P

Btw, I am just outside of Nashville, and next stop, Arkansas. Woo pigs, sowee!

[Baculus]

Hey Taz, Ken Johnson (LHS-91) lives in Eugene. Not sure if you know him or not, if you do, he seems to have a lot of connections out there.

I know Ken -- he and I have been talking, and we're going to chill once I get there.

Btw, I am gonna send you a PM.

[MurrayH81]

I live in Oregon, having taken the slower exodus route (moved to KC for 5-6 years) and then moved to Oregon.

If you haven't been to the West before, and even though it might be out of your way, there are a couple of "must see's":

1. St. Louis Arch - Gateway to the West.
2. Kansas wheat fields.
3. the Grand Canyon.
4. Death Valley
5. Yosemite
6. Highway 101 sights (especially Hearst Castle)
7. the Redwoods
8. Welcome to Oregon (yes that constant green color is not paint, and you will need to get your Vitamn D via supplements).

I know that route takes you south through the deserts and way out of your way, but trust me, it is worth it, and you will have embraced many of the flavors of the vast West. That northern route just makes you talk to your snacks because there is a lot of nothing but empty highway.

Oh, and when you hear the locals talk about the "Civil War", they won't be talking about the Blue and the Gray, Grant & Lee, or freeing slaves. They will be in reference to the yearly Oregon vs. Oregon State college football game.

[deejaydana]

If it means anything to you, Oregon is a liberal's Shangri La (no joke).

[MGutta]

Yuck. I could hardly do NJ to Miami. That's a rough drive, man. Just watch out for the idiots on the road... Best of luck to you.


If it means anything to you, Oregon is a liberal's Shangri La (no joke).

Holy crap I almost went to UO :whew:

Getting into Pitt must've been divine intervention... It all makes sense now!!!

[MurrayH81]

If it means anything to you, Oregon is a liberal's Shangri La (no joke).

It certainly is in Portland (but I can't speak to Eugene). Most of the state are hardworking, blue collar Conservatives, but we do get outvoted frequently by all those dang Californians who moved north.

[HailtoClark#84]

First of all..BE CAREFUL!
Second..enjoy the ride!
I've driven from Atlanta to Vegas,D.C. to Denver.
Racked up more than 1 million miles driving in my lifetime.Been to many cities.
I generally try not eat too much(makes me tired faster).
Take caffein pills if you get tired(helps alot).Vivarin is the best.Or take a nap somewhere but nowadays it may not be a wise thing to do.
You don't want to drift off while driving.
As others have said,get your car checked before the trip.
Don't be in too much of a rush to get there.Many things to see!Things you will remember for years.See the Grand Canyon(if you're going that way).
Last but not least,put a Redskins sticker on the Vehicle!
Represent wherever you go!

Have a Great trip and take MANY pictures!

[Thanos]

As someone who's driven from DC to LA and back by myself I can tell you one thing.

1. Do not sleep in rest areas.
2. Get Sirius/XM
3. Pack plenty of fruit and healthy snacks. Avoid fastfood if possible.
4. Avoid being the fastest thing on the road. Many small towns live and die by speedy tickets.
5.Rest and stretch every four hours or so regardless if piss break.

[zoony]

If it means anything to you, Oregon is a liberal's Shangri La (no joke).


Portland, yes. Oregon, no. It's obvious you've never been there.


...

[mcsluggo]

It certainly is in Portland (but I can't speak to Eugene). Most of the state are hardworking, blue collar Conservatives, but we do get outvoted frequently by all those dang Californians who moved north.

yes, those sneaky california liberals that move around the country flaunting the fact that they don't work a lick. bastages.

[deejaydana]

Portland, yes. Oregon, no. It's obvious you've never been there.


...

Riiiiiiight. Whatever you say.

[MurrayH81]

Riiiiiiight. Whatever you say.

Keep in mind that most "news" programming originates in a single city (Portland) which is very liberal. I'd imagine that Eugene is fairly liberal as well, mainly due to the large colleges in the area and the preponderence of students.

If you go to Roseburg, Vale, Klammath Falls, Seaside, Coos Bay, Burns or Chiloquin, I doubt that you would come away with that impression.

[CandaceM23]

Can't give you any advice on places to stop or things to see ... but will offer up something. I decided about a year ago to leave MD and venture out somewhere different. Definitely one of the best decisions I've made. Good luck on the move and :cheers:

[Mark The Homer]

?

Candace just dissed Maryland.

[RLeVan]

I've made the trip a couple of times from Fairfax, VA to Bremerton, WA. I've used I-40, I-70, and I-90. By far, the best scenic route was I-70, then hop on I-15 North in Utah then I-84. By going I-70, you'll get to see the Arch in St.Louis. and get great views of the Rockies going through Colorado. You can take I-84 to Portland and head south on I-5 or continue to the coast and ride on the US-101 (Pacific Coast Highway). If you've never driven it, 101 is worth the trip.

I've made that trip in 3 1/2 days by myself without speeding. It's a haul but I was by myself so I slept at rest stops. Enjoy the trip, and be sure to bring a camera.

[Kirk Cousins' Cousins]

Be sure to check out the Pizza Research Institute (PRI) in Eugene. Try the vegan P3 (pears, potatoes, pesto..trust me). Thank me after. Also be sure to get a Ninkasi pint or 6 while in town. Looking forward to your full report!

[GoSkins561]

Seeing some stuff on Facebook, is everything alright out there Taz?

[Larry]

All I can say is that my brother loves Oregon. (Portland.)

It looks to me like, if you like outdoor recreation, it might well be the best place in the world, to be.

The way he phrases it is, you can pick your sport, and your weather, simply by picking your altitude.

Drive an hour or so west, and you're on a beach where you can go surfing year-round. (You'll need a wet suit. The water's like 60 degrees. But it's like 60 degrees year round.)

OTOH, drive an hour or so east, you're on Mount Hood, where you can go snow skiing, year round.

[chipwhich]

You should have moved to a Red State ;)

Good luck.