CROSS COUNTRY CAR TRIP--NJ TO PORTLAND, OR
 

I'm moving from NJ to Portland, OR with a very old dog who cannot fly (and a cat as well)...call me a masochist. I have a 2006 BMW330i which has rear wheel drive, and thus, requires 4 top of the line snow tires to even make it up my slightly inclined driveway with a light snowfall. It does okay with the snow tires but is still not a car anyone would actively choose to drive in snow. My trip has to begin at the end of November--early December. There's really no choice about that. I'm not going to put my buddy (the dog) down just because he's an inconvenience. So, I'd really like some good advice on the southern route whereby I can avoid mountains/snow at all costs. I lived in the SF, CA area years ago and did my time with chains up in Truckee in the Sierra Mountains. That was back when I was a youngster. I'm a 66 year old woman now without the kind of stamina needed to be fooling around with chains and the like. Does anyone have any advice on the safest route to take in early December for such a trip? I'd so appreciate any help at all as I'm a total novice at long road trips. Thank you in advance.

How many days do you think you'll have.

I'd probably do the southern route and once you are in SoCal depending on the weather forecasts you can then decide whether to go up I-5 all the way (don't take it if there is snow in the Cascades far northern CA/southern OR) or take 101 (mostly coastal route) then cut over to Portland.

Here is one list of mostly pet-friendly chains

https://www.petfriendlyhotelchain.com

Meant to add -- there is almost never snow on 101 but there can be rain. But I'd brave that before fighting chains on a Beemer

I have as many days as it will take. I am moving from NJ to Portland, OR. The reason I have to go at the end of November is that the closing on my place will happen then, and, unfortunately, I don't have anyone to stay with who is happy to take on my 85lb. dog as well as my cat (who already has their own animals, etc., etc.) Thus, I might as well get on the road.

Thanks so much for the "Pet Friendly" reference. I'm sure going to need it.

Amen to the avoidance of chains on my little old car.

Well then if you aren't in a hurry -- definitely take 101. very scenic.

If you want to avoid snow at all costs, you'd probably be best to drive down the East coast as far as Charlotte (?), then head west to Atlanta and continue west through Jackson, Dallas, El Paso, Tucson and over to San Diego or LA before heading north.

I am guessing on the East Coast/Atlanta part of it. But definitely once you hit Texas you would need to stay south to avoid higher elevations and potential snow.

If you truly want to take some time, head as far south as Jacksonville before turning west.

Thanks so much for that. I'll have to get names of all the highways. I know there's I-10 so I guess that's what will be the most southerly route going west. Not sure. Haven't done serious map work yet. But I'm heeding your advice.

If it were me I would not attempt that drive with the car you describe - which agree is just dreadful in snow or even heavy rain. (I have a friend who won;t take his beemer out even in the rain after having an accident when he fishtailed.)

Can you not have your car shipped out there and rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle for the trip - which will also give you more room with a very large dog? Not sure of the costs but I would think it worth avoiding the anxiety.

You make a good point there. I drove Jeep Cherokees for years and loved them and would much prefer what you're advising. I think I should bite the bullet and spend the extra money. That way, I'm pretty sure I can pack my own car full of stuff as well.

Sorry - and "tourism" throughout europe is really just an expansion of the very active trade that had been going on for many centuries - when different parts of the world specialized in different raw materials and eventually manufactured goods.

The difference with the US is that so many products are available locally (within the country) - although Latin American is a prime source of fruit, coffee and even seafood.

Not totally sure - but unless I'm very confused, nyt meant to post on a different thread. ;)

Yes, sorry - somehow slipped threads.