Work / Vacation trip

shadowdd · #1 (**permalink**) 06-20-2009, 05:33 PM

Well, we are back on the road with the X and the toy hauler (tool hauler). We are heading from Bryan TX to Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. Then there is a week that I have to fly to Boston and D.C but then right back to Seattle to drive to Gatlingburg! Can't wait to get to TN. I just had the belt, tensioner, and idler pully replaced so hopefully we have an uneventful trip: pertaining to the X.

Thanks, Bryan

SkySkiJason · #2 (**permalink**) 06-20-2009, 06:06 PM

Sweeeeeet trip! Please keep us posted. (pics are nice too!!)

We took our Ex from GA to Seattle (via a week in Yellowstone), then family played while I worked all summer

, then returned thru Aspen, CO before school started again. Oh yeah, we left 3 days after buying the Ex in Houston and all the tools I usually travel with were in my truck in Seattle - both ways (I was a nervous wreck every time I thought of that!).

The boys and I just returned from 4,800 miles and 14 state trip from GA to CO to NM and back - in the F350. Sure coulda used the extra cabin space in the Excursion!!

Of course, we don't pay for fuel - I can't imagine buying gas for trips like that...

Have fun!!! Go carefully.

shadowdd · #3 (**permalink**) 06-21-2009, 01:25 PM

Let me tell you, I hate paying for the gas but since it is my own company.... oh well. We like the comfort. We are currently on the road and will keep you posted.

Bryan

Monsta · #4 (**permalink**) 06-21-2009, 02:50 PM

Wow...California puts you pretty close to me, ya know.

Stay safe out there, Bryan!

shadowdd · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monsta

Wow...California puts you pretty close to me, ya know.

Stay safe out there, Bryan!

I know, so are you going to visit?!?! Unless we have to work in Costa Rica this winter we plan on heading your way. Probably for a month or so over X-mas.

Anyway, back on topic. We are currently overnighting in Salina KS on our way to Denver tomorrow. It is nice to be able to pull over and sleep when you want and not have to look for a hotel.

Bryan

X_Hemi_Guy · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 12:02 PM

Bryan,

Cool trip...we stayed at a campground in Salina last summer on our way back from Denver (about 400 miles between Denver and Salina if I remember right)...We stayed at the Salina KOA for only one night...we pulled in there about this time last year and the ground looked like a snow storm had hit...the cottonwood puffs were EVERYWHERE and THICK...

We were just passing thru that area like you are...when in Denver we like to stay at the Dakota Ridge RV park in Golden...a Good Sam's park...a little pricey but very nice place...there are more high $$$ coaches in that place than I have ever seen...pool is nice as are the showers and other facilities...

Travel safe...looking forward to meeting you and your family in Gatlinburg!!!

Joe.

SkySkiJason · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 01:11 PM

Are you going by Albequerque? I know a sweeeeeeet hot spring not far off hwy. (Las Vegas, NM) Nice cool creek too...

Glenwood Canyon? LOVE that place. The boys and I just rafted down from Grizzly Creek to Glenwood a few weeks ago!!

How about Great Sand dunes Nat'l Park?? aw man, sooooo many cool places along your path.

I'm looking forward to the Redwoods part of your trip.

We are only a couple hours south of Gatlinburg in lower Appalachians. If you were an oil burner, I'd top ya off with B100 on your way by!!

Don't forget the pics!

shadowdd · #8 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 12:28 AM

Joe, I looked at that place when we were first deciding on where to stay. Since I had to work in downtown Denver in the morning I wanted to stay someplace a little closer. We are currently cooling off at the Cherry Creek State Park just off of I-225.

SkySkiJason, this trip we are not going through NM. Maybe next time. If sounds like after Gatlingburg we are going to have to do the whole loop again! I second the Redwoods, I love driving that way. We also found a great place in Redding, CA that the kiddo loves. It's called Turtle Bay.

Now, I am trying to decide which way I am taking from Seattle to TN. I-94, or I-90. I think I want to stay in the cool weather for as long as I can.

Thanks, Bryan

shadowdd · #9 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 02:31 AM

Well, we are currently we are sitting in Northern California in Red Bluff. Tomorrow we are heading to Grants Pass in Oregon. Does anyone know a good place to RV Camp in Tigard OR (Portland)?

Driving over Vail Pass on I-70 was an adventure... the truck did fine, a little slow but we just kept a nice pace. We did blow a supply air line to one of the air horns but a quick pull of the fuses and we were back on the road. The air bags stayed full...

On a sad note, we found out that we are not going to be able to make the trip to TN for the rally. We have way to much work to do here on the West coast. I guess I had beter post this in the rally thread.

Thanks, Bryan

blowhole · #10 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 01:20 PM

What kind of work do you do? Sounds interesting to be able to drive all over this beautiful country and see and work at the same time.

Please advise.

X_Hemi_Guy · #11 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowdd

On a sad note, we found out that we are not going to be able to make the trip to TN for the rally. We have way to much work to do here on the West coast. I guess I had beter post this in the rally thread.

Thanks, Bryan

Very sorry to hear you won't be able to make this years rally...but don't despair...I'm already thinking about next years spot...we'll discuss it at this years rally to come up with what the group would prefer...

Also know that if you are interested in a rally T-shirt...you can order one...just PM me and we can work out the shipping cost details for the shirt...

Very sorry we won't get to meet you and your family...but totally understand.

Good luck and travel safe!

joe.

MarkMoore · #12 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 09:33 PM

Bryan in Bryan, TX? How'd that happen? Do own your own town? I just looked up Bryan, and we're about 6 hours from you.

For the Gatlinburg trip I'm also do some work - we're headed back to NC next Thur morning (bob-tailing), where we'll stay for weekm then p/up our TT and go to Gatlinbrug for the weekend. Then I'm moving over to Nashville for a week of training. We'll head be to Del Rio on Fri (24th) and stop overnight somewhere about Texarkana or Mt Pleasant.

Round trip for us will be about 2,900 miles with a little over half of that towing.

shadowdd · #13 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkMoore

Bryan in Bryan, TX? How'd that happen? Do own your own town? I just looked up Bryan, and we're about 6 hours from you.

For the Gatlinburg trip I'm also do some work - we're headed back to NC next Thur morning (bob-tailing), where we'll stay for weekm then p/up our TT and go to Gatlinbrug for the weekend. Then I'm moving over to Nashville for a week of training. We'll head be to Del Rio on Fri (24th) and stop overnight somewhere about Texarkana or Mt Pleasant.

Round trip for us will be about 2,900 miles with a little over half of that towing.

Ha, I wished I owned it! Actually we are never there... we were home 60 days last year and the rest of it was on the road. Towing. Have a safe trip!!!

Bryan

P.S: We are actually in Portland heading to Seattle tomorrow. We will stay there for a few days and then I have to fly to Detroit, Boston, Providence, Jersey City, and Pentagon. Then I will fly back to Seattle and start the loop again. I am going to have to get the truck checked out in Seattle. There are a few issues that I need to check. Everything else is running great.

Thanks, Bryan

shadowdd · #14 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blowhole

What kind of work do you do? Sounds interesting to be able to drive all over this beautiful country and see and work at the same time.

Please advise.

We own our company installing low voltage cabling. Everything from Fiber Optics, data networks, phone networks, CCTV, and the list goes on. Our main contract is for Sony USA. We love the traveling.

Bryan

blowhole · #15 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowdd

We own our company installing low voltage cabling. Everything from Fiber Optics, data networks, phone networks, CCTV, and the list goes on. Our main contract is for Sony USA. We love the traveling.

Bryan

Thanks for divulging. I have a friend in fiber optics and he does very well. He travels every week, home on the weekends. Your gig sounds a little more interesting. Do you have kids? If so, do you take them?

Another thought: Why own a home?