Baby Boomer Road Trip
Jan 20th, 2015, 11:11 PM
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Baby Boomer Road Trip
Yes, we are baby boomers and we are planning a road trip for June and July 2015.
Since we are baby boomers, we expect it to be the best ever, right ??
Don't worry, I won't make you watch the slides or You Tube videos.
In our case, we are driving from Florida and plan to wander to California, up the coast, and back, hitting most of the states on the way. We were married in New Orleans, and visited there last year, so we are skipping that this time.
The wife would rather shop than gamble, and we have been to Las Vegas before, so cruising past that stop. I golf, she doesn't.
If you are a baby boomer and / or have taken a 4 to 8 week road trip with a spouse - feel free to chime in on ...
Planning?
Must See xxx?
Don't waste your time on xxx ?
Wish I had not missed out on xxx?
Or anything else you might want to throw in
Keep on truckin LOL and thanks !
PS. I promise to report back for future wanderers
Since we are baby boomers, we expect it to be the best ever, right ??
Don't worry, I won't make you watch the slides or You Tube videos.
In our case, we are driving from Florida and plan to wander to California, up the coast, and back, hitting most of the states on the way. We were married in New Orleans, and visited there last year, so we are skipping that this time.
The wife would rather shop than gamble, and we have been to Las Vegas before, so cruising past that stop. I golf, she doesn't.
If you are a baby boomer and / or have taken a 4 to 8 week road trip with a spouse - feel free to chime in on ...
Planning?
Must See xxx?
Don't waste your time on xxx ?
Wish I had not missed out on xxx?
Or anything else you might want to throw in
Keep on truckin LOL and thanks !
PS. I promise to report back for future wanderers
Jan 21st, 2015, 04:26 AM
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Other than Golf and Shopping, what are your interests? Do you want to see the fantastic National Parks along the way or are you more likely to want to see the major cities, wineries, historic sites, geologic wonders, spas, ski areas, etc. What is a must see for one person is a waste of time for another, so give us a hint about your views.
There are lots of Trip Reports (TR) here by folks who have done similar trips. Look for the TR flags, give it some thought.
By the way if you are planning to visit the more popular vacation sites THIS summer, you are quite late at making lodging plans, so think about that a bit. You can wing it, but you will find it hard to get a place to sleep unless you are near an interstate with lots of motels.
There are lots of Trip Reports (TR) here by folks who have done similar trips. Look for the TR flags, give it some thought.
By the way if you are planning to visit the more popular vacation sites THIS summer, you are quite late at making lodging plans, so think about that a bit. You can wing it, but you will find it hard to get a place to sleep unless you are near an interstate with lots of motels.
Jan 21st, 2015, 05:04 AM
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Sounds like a blast! Once the kids were grown, hubby bought a Miata, and while we still fly, for me there is nothing like a road trip.
We did the CA coast a few years ago, and allowed a week just for that so that we had plenty of time for stopping, hiking, etc. We even timed our night in LA to catch The Monkees at the Greek Theatre (right before Davy Jones died.)
What are "not miss" or "don't bother" are just opinions. I think my best advice is to carefully consider and agree on how far you want to drive per day to avoid "biting off more than you can chew" and arriving at your destination tired and cranky.
One cool thing to do, in addition to compiling a good music play list, is to choose an audio book that relates to somewhere you are traveling through and share that story together. We did Kerouac's "On the Road" and really enjoyed it.
We did the CA coast a few years ago, and allowed a week just for that so that we had plenty of time for stopping, hiking, etc. We even timed our night in LA to catch The Monkees at the Greek Theatre (right before Davy Jones died.)
What are "not miss" or "don't bother" are just opinions. I think my best advice is to carefully consider and agree on how far you want to drive per day to avoid "biting off more than you can chew" and arriving at your destination tired and cranky.
One cool thing to do, in addition to compiling a good music play list, is to choose an audio book that relates to somewhere you are traveling through and share that story together. We did Kerouac's "On the Road" and really enjoyed it.
Jan 21st, 2015, 06:16 AM
#4
I'm adding a reference to your other thread so people can get the full picture, e.g. how long you have for the drive. I'd recommend you pick one thread and direct further responses to that one - makes it easier for everybody.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...lues-music.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...lues-music.cfm
Jan 26th, 2015, 07:14 PM
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Thanks for the tip, emalloy , about late for reservations - I managed to score a two night reservation at Old Faithful Inn - and I would have called without everyone's here.
So far we have JULY 4th in San Francisco followed by Sonoma, with some friends flying in.
Someone asked what we like to do besides golf and shop - learning about new things is big on our list....hiking is NOT on mine LOL. Historic sites, national parks, weird and unusual is all on our list.
So far we have JULY 4th in San Francisco followed by Sonoma, with some friends flying in.
Someone asked what we like to do besides golf and shop - learning about new things is big on our list....hiking is NOT on mine LOL. Historic sites, national parks, weird and unusual is all on our list.
Jan 27th, 2015, 04:28 AM
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You will love Old Faithful Inn-- I even think it qualifies as weird an unusual! Tip-- there's an Old Faithful viewing porch on the second floor with rows and rows of benches. It is a great place to sit with a cup of coffee and kick off your day with a geyser show.
May 3rd, 2015, 09:06 PM
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Everyone has been so great about helping me avoid potholes while planning our roadtrip. I apologize in advance for this long post, but I'm hoping some of you will be kind enough to take a look at our up-dates agenda
MAY 22 - leave Florida enroute to Carlsbad Caverns.
Since we're familiar with our Panhandle and coastal Alabama / Louisiana from previous trips, we've planned a loose route via central Alabama and Texas. We just visited Dallas last year ( and the Kennedy sites there) so our plan is to just enjoy the road and our music ( and some picnics) as we cruise towards New Mexico. Most likely will spend a little time at the Meteor Crater before arriving in Carlsbad. If we make better time on the previous days, we might be able to move things up a day, and have more time in Lincoln National Forest / Ruidoso.
MON / TUE May 25 & 26 booked at The Trinity in Carlsbad for convenience and atmosphere.
- Carlsbad Caverns to be enjoyed on Tuesday 26th ( after Memorial weekend is over) ... No bats, thanks anyway LOL.
WED 5/27 drive on ( ultimate destination Petrified Forrest at special request of DH ) seeing what we see. No hiking, since we want to get back on our journey. While we have agonized over what to see and how long we could stay in NM, we ultimately decided we would have to take a somewhat "Griswold" approach in this area, to give us more time in Santa Fe base camp for day trips.
- TBA if we use US Hwy 54 or NM 37 to reach 380 and intersect I25 with an overnight in Socorro ( just looked like a good spot for the night in terms of lodging, so I'm open to alternatives)
THUR 5/28 destination Holbrook (AZ) with basically a driving tour of the Petrified Forest as we pass. I booked Holbrook simply because I couldn't seem to find much in the way of lodging nearby without going further west.
Since we ultimately will be doubling back ( from what I could figure out) on I40 to reach Canyon De Chelly and Santa Fe, I think we will leave the interstate at NM 117 and/ or NM 53. It appears that route would take us past El Malpaise
- I looked hard at US 60 ... Thoughts?
FRI 5/29 hit the road early am, via i40 to US Hwy 191, stop at Hubble trading post and reach Chinle and Canyon de Chelly ( staying at the Holiday Inn)
- currently we have a tour into the canyon booked at 4pm ( Antalope Tours) but do you think I should rebook for Saturday morning?
SAT 5/30 we will be back on I-40 headed for Albuquerque and Santa Fe unless there is another road that will work for a Non four wheel drive?
- planning on a late arrival at the condo we have rented
SUN 5/31, 6/1 - 4 Santa Fe and day trips to surrounding sites
There are SO many things we want to see in this area! DebitNM, I need to review all your comments before I fine tune things, as well as everyone else's input on various threads.
FRI 6/5 Leave for Mesa Verde and Far View Lodge. Booked 3 nights.
I definitely could use help on the most scenic route from Santa Fe to Mesa Verde. Currently leaning towards Farmington and Shiprock, since we have not yet set our path in Colorado after leaving Mesa Verde on Monday 6/8
MONDAY 6/8 Where else in COLORADO ?
We want to see it ALL! However, we have OFI reservation in Yellowstone Sunday 6/15
- we are not big history buffs, and would prefer to enjoy scenery instead of cities.
- in an ideal world, we prefer to stay more than one night in one place, with day trips... But I don't think our limited time will allow that in Colorado.
- YES to Hot Springs somewhere
- for hiking, we have been getting in shape but need to stick with easy to moderate, and probably about 5 miles round trip
- Pikes Peak: from our reading, we think we will pass. Someone mentioned another peak with a scenic drive approaching Estes Park from Denver??
- and since we are kids of the 60's, you won't be surprised to learn that taking advantage of the opportunity to visit a smoke shop somewhere is on our agenda LOL
JUNE 15 -20: Yellowstone 2 nights ( booked Evening on the Fire Hole tour arrival night and Bus Tour Circle of Fire next morning in case you have other suggestions ) with plans to catch anything else we want to see on Wed 17th, as we move to Jackson Lodge and Grand Tetons next 3 nights ( booked horseback ride and river float)
- From what I've read, we need to call for reservations for Old Faithful Dining Room and Mural Lodge.
As I have posted elsewhere, we are totally skipping Las Vegas. We had originally planned to go to some of the parks in Utah next ( we will have to see how it goes there with the heat) and Death Valley ( albeit in the car with the AC running lol!)
At this point, we will have eight driving/hiking/ sightseeing days when we leave the Grand Tetons to reach Sequoia.
- any updates on your earlier suggestions based on this new timeframe would be appreciated
SAT 6/27 -28 - 29 CALIFORNIA - Sequoia and Kings Canyon ( first night at John Muir Lodge, 2 more at Buck Eye Tree Lodge in Three Rivers)
No luck yet at Yosemite in park lodges. SO we are thinking of heading towards the coast and Carmel, etc when we leave Sequoia.
We'll have 4 days before meeting our friends in San Francisco. How can we make the most of them?
SAT 7/4 Our friends flight arrives at 11:10 am with sightseeing Sunday, Monday, Tuesday ( your recommendation of Columbus Motor Inn, and Alcatraz night tour) Hopefully their luggage will fit with all our "stuff" !
- any suggestions for celebrating the 4th?
- Your favorite Chinese restaurant?
- The guys want to play golf at The Presido ( or the municipal course where the match tournament was just held this weekend?)
I' ve saved Stu's excellent suggestions as well.
WED 7/8 Drive to Sonoma, and plan to do some sightseeing on the coast on the drive there. We've rented a condo near downtown Sonoma and plan to tour wineries ( maybe a little golf) the rest of the week. We do have to take our friends back to SFA Monday 7/13. Their flight leaves at 1:45P, so from my reading on other posts here, that should not be TOO challenging.
MON 7/13. After the airport, DH and I will be back in our car - ready for our next adventure on the work our way north -- I haven't even started on that yet, since we want to keep some flexibility
MAY 22 - leave Florida enroute to Carlsbad Caverns.
Since we're familiar with our Panhandle and coastal Alabama / Louisiana from previous trips, we've planned a loose route via central Alabama and Texas. We just visited Dallas last year ( and the Kennedy sites there) so our plan is to just enjoy the road and our music ( and some picnics) as we cruise towards New Mexico. Most likely will spend a little time at the Meteor Crater before arriving in Carlsbad. If we make better time on the previous days, we might be able to move things up a day, and have more time in Lincoln National Forest / Ruidoso.
MON / TUE May 25 & 26 booked at The Trinity in Carlsbad for convenience and atmosphere.
- Carlsbad Caverns to be enjoyed on Tuesday 26th ( after Memorial weekend is over) ... No bats, thanks anyway LOL.
WED 5/27 drive on ( ultimate destination Petrified Forrest at special request of DH ) seeing what we see. No hiking, since we want to get back on our journey. While we have agonized over what to see and how long we could stay in NM, we ultimately decided we would have to take a somewhat "Griswold" approach in this area, to give us more time in Santa Fe base camp for day trips.
- TBA if we use US Hwy 54 or NM 37 to reach 380 and intersect I25 with an overnight in Socorro ( just looked like a good spot for the night in terms of lodging, so I'm open to alternatives)
THUR 5/28 destination Holbrook (AZ) with basically a driving tour of the Petrified Forest as we pass. I booked Holbrook simply because I couldn't seem to find much in the way of lodging nearby without going further west.
Since we ultimately will be doubling back ( from what I could figure out) on I40 to reach Canyon De Chelly and Santa Fe, I think we will leave the interstate at NM 117 and/ or NM 53. It appears that route would take us past El Malpaise
- I looked hard at US 60 ... Thoughts?
FRI 5/29 hit the road early am, via i40 to US Hwy 191, stop at Hubble trading post and reach Chinle and Canyon de Chelly ( staying at the Holiday Inn)
- currently we have a tour into the canyon booked at 4pm ( Antalope Tours) but do you think I should rebook for Saturday morning?
SAT 5/30 we will be back on I-40 headed for Albuquerque and Santa Fe unless there is another road that will work for a Non four wheel drive?
- planning on a late arrival at the condo we have rented
SUN 5/31, 6/1 - 4 Santa Fe and day trips to surrounding sites
There are SO many things we want to see in this area! DebitNM, I need to review all your comments before I fine tune things, as well as everyone else's input on various threads.
FRI 6/5 Leave for Mesa Verde and Far View Lodge. Booked 3 nights.
I definitely could use help on the most scenic route from Santa Fe to Mesa Verde. Currently leaning towards Farmington and Shiprock, since we have not yet set our path in Colorado after leaving Mesa Verde on Monday 6/8
MONDAY 6/8 Where else in COLORADO ?
We want to see it ALL! However, we have OFI reservation in Yellowstone Sunday 6/15
- we are not big history buffs, and would prefer to enjoy scenery instead of cities.
- in an ideal world, we prefer to stay more than one night in one place, with day trips... But I don't think our limited time will allow that in Colorado.
- YES to Hot Springs somewhere
- for hiking, we have been getting in shape but need to stick with easy to moderate, and probably about 5 miles round trip
- Pikes Peak: from our reading, we think we will pass. Someone mentioned another peak with a scenic drive approaching Estes Park from Denver??
- and since we are kids of the 60's, you won't be surprised to learn that taking advantage of the opportunity to visit a smoke shop somewhere is on our agenda LOL
JUNE 15 -20: Yellowstone 2 nights ( booked Evening on the Fire Hole tour arrival night and Bus Tour Circle of Fire next morning in case you have other suggestions ) with plans to catch anything else we want to see on Wed 17th, as we move to Jackson Lodge and Grand Tetons next 3 nights ( booked horseback ride and river float)
- From what I've read, we need to call for reservations for Old Faithful Dining Room and Mural Lodge.
As I have posted elsewhere, we are totally skipping Las Vegas. We had originally planned to go to some of the parks in Utah next ( we will have to see how it goes there with the heat) and Death Valley ( albeit in the car with the AC running lol!)
At this point, we will have eight driving/hiking/ sightseeing days when we leave the Grand Tetons to reach Sequoia.
- any updates on your earlier suggestions based on this new timeframe would be appreciated
SAT 6/27 -28 - 29 CALIFORNIA - Sequoia and Kings Canyon ( first night at John Muir Lodge, 2 more at Buck Eye Tree Lodge in Three Rivers)
No luck yet at Yosemite in park lodges. SO we are thinking of heading towards the coast and Carmel, etc when we leave Sequoia.
We'll have 4 days before meeting our friends in San Francisco. How can we make the most of them?
SAT 7/4 Our friends flight arrives at 11:10 am with sightseeing Sunday, Monday, Tuesday ( your recommendation of Columbus Motor Inn, and Alcatraz night tour) Hopefully their luggage will fit with all our "stuff" !
- any suggestions for celebrating the 4th?
- Your favorite Chinese restaurant?
- The guys want to play golf at The Presido ( or the municipal course where the match tournament was just held this weekend?)
I' ve saved Stu's excellent suggestions as well.
WED 7/8 Drive to Sonoma, and plan to do some sightseeing on the coast on the drive there. We've rented a condo near downtown Sonoma and plan to tour wineries ( maybe a little golf) the rest of the week. We do have to take our friends back to SFA Monday 7/13. Their flight leaves at 1:45P, so from my reading on other posts here, that should not be TOO challenging.
MON 7/13. After the airport, DH and I will be back in our car - ready for our next adventure on the work our way north -- I haven't even started on that yet, since we want to keep some flexibility
May 3rd, 2015, 10:53 PM
#9
The coast is great of course, but if you want to visit Yosemite, I'd book a Yosemite View Lodge just outside the park entrance in El Portal. It is a short drive from Yosemite Valley and has a generous cancellation policy. Then keep checking for accommodations in the Valley. Because people book so far ahead there are also frequent cancellations, so you might it it lucky.
If not, Yosemite View is very nice.
If not, Yosemite View is very nice.
May 4th, 2015, 02:56 AM
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You are zig zagging a bit, but if this is a wandering trip that's ok.
I would want to keep the Utah parks in the mix, if not on the trip west, then when on the return home.
As mentioned do call for cancellations in any of the parks you want to stay in. Make a reservation you can cancel and then change plans if something comes through.
Have lots of fun.
I would want to keep the Utah parks in the mix, if not on the trip west, then when on the return home.
As mentioned do call for cancellations in any of the parks you want to stay in. Make a reservation you can cancel and then change plans if something comes through.
Have lots of fun.
May 4th, 2015, 01:38 PM
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Two hot springs that come to mind-- Ojo Caliente in New Mexico (northwest of Santa Fe, not far from Taos) and Glenwood Hot Springs in Colorado. Although both have lodging, you can get day passes.
www.ojospa.com
www.hotspringspool.com
www.ojospa.com
www.hotspringspool.com
May 4th, 2015, 02:46 PM
#12
Here's the site for all the hot springs in Colorado: http://www.coloradodirectory.com/Hot...pringsmap.html
The Smokey Bear museum is near Capitan NM. Smokey just celebrated his 70th birthday.
The Smokey Bear museum is near Capitan NM. Smokey just celebrated his 70th birthday.
May 4th, 2015, 07:00 PM
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If you happen to go to Glenwood Springs in CO, Hanging Lake is a beautiful hike, and although it's somewhere between moderate and strenuous, it's only about 2 miles roundtrip (straight up going, and straight down coming back). Also check out the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue for the evening, fantastic comedy show. The Lost Cajun and Juicy Lucy's Steakhouse are two really good restaurants there as well.
If you don't want to do much hiking, then Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs might be a good option. It's a really neat park, and most of the walking is flat and on paved walkways.
I believe the other mountain you are referring to driving up is Mount Evans, which is west of Denver. There is also Trail Ridge Rd that runs through RMNP that you could drive as you meander your way west. Also, if you go to Denver and need a very good (but expensive) restaurant to eat at, I highly recommend The Fort.
Shiprock would be a cool town to pass through on your drive to Mesa Verde, it's neat to pass by the huge rock and then actually be able to see it as well while you are at Mesa Verde. And, if you timed it right and go through on a Saturday, there is a great little flea market where a lot of Navajo people and some Zuni bring their crafts to sell. It would make for a nice little break to stop and walk through there. I lived in Shiprock last summer and commuted to Farmington at least 3 days a week, and I loved the drive every time because it was different from anything I saw back east. But it's not necessarily a scenic drive.
You could meander your way up to Denver through Colorado Springs from Mesa Verde, then maybe head west and hit Mount Evans and Glenwood Springs, then head over to Salt Lake City/Park City before heading up to Yellowstone from there? I'm not sure if you have enough time in your schedule for all that, but it may be option.
If you don't want to do much hiking, then Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs might be a good option. It's a really neat park, and most of the walking is flat and on paved walkways.
I believe the other mountain you are referring to driving up is Mount Evans, which is west of Denver. There is also Trail Ridge Rd that runs through RMNP that you could drive as you meander your way west. Also, if you go to Denver and need a very good (but expensive) restaurant to eat at, I highly recommend The Fort.
Shiprock would be a cool town to pass through on your drive to Mesa Verde, it's neat to pass by the huge rock and then actually be able to see it as well while you are at Mesa Verde. And, if you timed it right and go through on a Saturday, there is a great little flea market where a lot of Navajo people and some Zuni bring their crafts to sell. It would make for a nice little break to stop and walk through there. I lived in Shiprock last summer and commuted to Farmington at least 3 days a week, and I loved the drive every time because it was different from anything I saw back east. But it's not necessarily a scenic drive.
You could meander your way up to Denver through Colorado Springs from Mesa Verde, then maybe head west and hit Mount Evans and Glenwood Springs, then head over to Salt Lake City/Park City before heading up to Yellowstone from there? I'm not sure if you have enough time in your schedule for all that, but it may be option.
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