Driving cross (southern) country without A/C report
Jul 25th, 2009, 08:11 AM
#22
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Jul 26th, 2009, 06:48 AM
#23
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Reporting from Phoenix.
Our flights here were uneventful. On time, nice service no problem with our short connection in DFW.
The Arizona Biltmore is very nice.
The weather? not so much. It's freaking HOT and it's only 8am. It's suppose to get to over 100 today, tomorrow, etc... It's about 85 right now.
I'm up already because I'm so excited. In couple of hours we will take posession of my new little toy. SO is still sleeping (how can she do that?
)
Didn't realize that many restaurants in the surrounding area are closed in July for summer vacation. I guess it makes sense because the town is pretty much dead due to the heat, so last night we had dinner right here in the hotel, Wright's at the Biltmore. The meal/service was above average but not a 5* experience.
We're planning on UNO Chicago Pizza tonight. Would love to hear any comments about the place. I'm not a big fan of franchises, so I'm little skeptical.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Our flights here were uneventful. On time, nice service no problem with our short connection in DFW.
The Arizona Biltmore is very nice.
The weather? not so much. It's freaking HOT and it's only 8am. It's suppose to get to over 100 today, tomorrow, etc... It's about 85 right now.
I'm up already because I'm so excited. In couple of hours we will take posession of my new little toy. SO is still sleeping (how can she do that?
)Didn't realize that many restaurants in the surrounding area are closed in July for summer vacation. I guess it makes sense because the town is pretty much dead due to the heat, so last night we had dinner right here in the hotel, Wright's at the Biltmore. The meal/service was above average but not a 5* experience.
We're planning on UNO Chicago Pizza tonight. Would love to hear any comments about the place. I'm not a big fan of franchises, so I'm little skeptical.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Jul 26th, 2009, 09:01 AM
#24
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I'd second Lee Ann's suggestion of the squirt bottles.
Also those "neckerchiefs" like this one which you wear around your neck and which keeps you cool:
http://www.aqualitywater.com/head_and_neck_wear.htm
I'm certain they'll have something like this in Phoenix if you ask the hotel personnel.
Lots of water, water, water. Very big straw hat to cover your head and shoulders. The most potent sunscreen you can get.
Start out early, like 4am and stop around 10am and no later than noon, when, hopefully, you can check into a hotel and get into an A/C room.
If you HAVE to stop on the road, stop in the shade of an overpass.
Past El Paso is Carlsbad Caverns. Get there in time for the 10am special tour (believe it's given only once each day).
Many eons ago, my then boyfriend and I drove across country and through the South in a TR. We were young and foolish then. Sigh.
Have a great trip! Sunglasses, don't forget the sunglasses!
Also those "neckerchiefs" like this one which you wear around your neck and which keeps you cool:
http://www.aqualitywater.com/head_and_neck_wear.htm
I'm certain they'll have something like this in Phoenix if you ask the hotel personnel.
Lots of water, water, water. Very big straw hat to cover your head and shoulders. The most potent sunscreen you can get.
Start out early, like 4am and stop around 10am and no later than noon, when, hopefully, you can check into a hotel and get into an A/C room.
If you HAVE to stop on the road, stop in the shade of an overpass.
Past El Paso is Carlsbad Caverns. Get there in time for the 10am special tour (believe it's given only once each day).
Many eons ago, my then boyfriend and I drove across country and through the South in a TR. We were young and foolish then. Sigh.
Have a great trip! Sunglasses, don't forget the sunglasses!
Jul 26th, 2009, 09:29 AM
#25
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AA, you are certainly a daring person. DH and I (before we were married... co-owned a red TR3. I'm thinking it was about a 1957?? Such a FUN car... when it was running!!!!! As has been suggested, some spare parts would be a great idea for you. You are not going to find just anyone to repair it, should you have problems along your route.
That TR was like a right arm to DH, after he and I got married. I thought we would never sell it, but one day a young man who was heading to the military in Colorado stopped by our house to ask about the TR (it was parked outside). The young man wanted a fun drive to Colorado, I guess. DH SOLD the TR! I went into shock! lol
Have a great trip!!!
(each year when I get my silver '99 SLK out of the garage after a long and cold and snowy winter, I dream about taking a long trip somewhere, with top down... have not done it yet, but I have AC)
Carol
That TR was like a right arm to DH, after he and I got married. I thought we would never sell it, but one day a young man who was heading to the military in Colorado stopped by our house to ask about the TR (it was parked outside). The young man wanted a fun drive to Colorado, I guess. DH SOLD the TR! I went into shock! lol
Have a great trip!!!
(each year when I get my silver '99 SLK out of the garage after a long and cold and snowy winter, I dream about taking a long trip somewhere, with top down... have not done it yet, but I have AC)
Carol
Jul 27th, 2009, 11:03 AM
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Glad to hear things are going well!
As for UNO, I'm not a big fan. It's mediocre pizza in a Applebee's-type atmosphere...in other words, nothing special or memorable. Maybe you could pick up some food at a market and have a picnic somewhere? After dark, it should be cool enough that you could eat outside (and by cool, I mean less than 95).
As for UNO, I'm not a big fan. It's mediocre pizza in a Applebee's-type atmosphere...in other words, nothing special or memorable. Maybe you could pick up some food at a market and have a picnic somewhere? After dark, it should be cool enough that you could eat outside (and by cool, I mean less than 95).
Jul 27th, 2009, 01:42 PM
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Last night we came up with a plan. Starting very early today we drove ~450 miles to El Paso. We are staying in the Camino Real El Paso Hotel. Planning on early dinner and hitting the bed right after. Tomorrow will be our longest drive of ~550 miles so we want to start around 3-4 am. Once we get to San Antonio, we will start to enjoy our vacation. We plan on doing about 2 nights each at SA, Austin and Houston. Then onto New Orleans, followed by Biloxi and Florida Panhandle. The drives from San Antinio on should be no longer than 2-3 hours at most.
It was getting little uncomfortable for the last couple of hours because of the heat today. Tomorrow will be a long day but then the trip will become a fun vacation.
The car is performing wonderfully. It purred like a little kitten today. I don't foresee any problems. The former owner did an outstanding job restoring this classic little car. It's just flawless.
It was getting little uncomfortable for the last couple of hours because of the heat today. Tomorrow will be a long day but then the trip will become a fun vacation.
The car is performing wonderfully. It purred like a little kitten today. I don't foresee any problems. The former owner did an outstanding job restoring this classic little car. It's just flawless.
Jul 28th, 2009, 09:42 AM
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you sound like you're in love!,
funny that you said that, because my wife told me yesterday that I better make up my mind very soon who I love more...
I actually allowed her to drive the car for the first time today. We left El Paso around 3am. I drove all the way to Junction, TX where we stopped for breakfast. The last 120 miles or so from Junction to San Antonio, she drove. All I can say is that she had fun.
We made reservations for a King room with balcony overlooking the river at the Valencia Hotel Riverwalk. As we pulled up to the front room the day manager was walking a business associate out to the front door and saw our car. He came out and we started talking. He had one when he was a young college student and he is also thinking about getting a restored model, so the 2 of us had a nice conversation for about 15 minutes as my wife went inside to check in. I popped the hood for him, we did the tire kicking ritual, you know, the men thing....
Anyways, as I walked up to the front desk with him, my wife informed me that our room is not ready and it may be couple of hours. He stepped behind the desk and upgraded us to a Junior suite room. What a beautiful room, what a beautiful hotel. He also send us a small bottle of champagne to celebrate my new toy.
The car is starting to pay for itself!
We need to relax for couple more hours and then hit the streets. Planning on doing the riverwalk area tonight. Tomorrow we have reservations to take a balloon ride and then do the Alamo, and couple of the other missions, little shopping, a nice dinner in one of the better restaurants in the city. Don't know what that is just yet but I will talk to the concierge and try to do some research on the internet. Any recommendations from locals would be greatly appreciated.
On Thursday we plan on on sticking around till early afternoon so we will try to visit one of the major historic or art museums before heading out to Austin. We haven't decided yet.
So far the car is performing flawlessly.
The worst and longest drives are done. From now on it's 2 to 5 hours drives before stopping at the next destination.
That's it for now.
funny that you said that, because my wife told me yesterday that I better make up my mind very soon who I love more...
I actually allowed her to drive the car for the first time today. We left El Paso around 3am. I drove all the way to Junction, TX where we stopped for breakfast. The last 120 miles or so from Junction to San Antonio, she drove. All I can say is that she had fun.
We made reservations for a King room with balcony overlooking the river at the Valencia Hotel Riverwalk. As we pulled up to the front room the day manager was walking a business associate out to the front door and saw our car. He came out and we started talking. He had one when he was a young college student and he is also thinking about getting a restored model, so the 2 of us had a nice conversation for about 15 minutes as my wife went inside to check in. I popped the hood for him, we did the tire kicking ritual, you know, the men thing....
Anyways, as I walked up to the front desk with him, my wife informed me that our room is not ready and it may be couple of hours. He stepped behind the desk and upgraded us to a Junior suite room. What a beautiful room, what a beautiful hotel. He also send us a small bottle of champagne to celebrate my new toy.
The car is starting to pay for itself!
We need to relax for couple more hours and then hit the streets. Planning on doing the riverwalk area tonight. Tomorrow we have reservations to take a balloon ride and then do the Alamo, and couple of the other missions, little shopping, a nice dinner in one of the better restaurants in the city. Don't know what that is just yet but I will talk to the concierge and try to do some research on the internet. Any recommendations from locals would be greatly appreciated.
On Thursday we plan on on sticking around till early afternoon so we will try to visit one of the major historic or art museums before heading out to Austin. We haven't decided yet.
So far the car is performing flawlessly.
The worst and longest drives are done. From now on it's 2 to 5 hours drives before stopping at the next destination.
That's it for now.
Jul 28th, 2009, 10:45 AM
#33
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That was the wisest thing you did - let your wife drive the car.
Now you can share the love.
Thanks so much for sharing your travel adventures with us. It's been fun for us to ride along with you.
Hope even greater adventures await you in the days ahead!
Now you can share the love.
Thanks so much for sharing your travel adventures with us. It's been fun for us to ride along with you.
Hope even greater adventures await you in the days ahead!
Jul 28th, 2009, 12:48 PM
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AA,
I just found this post. What a great time you're having!
But--what color is the TR?
By the way, we still have (garaged) our '63 MGB we bought brand new. When our son was in high school he drove it, and now his son, who is 12, has his eye on it!
Have a great teip!
Byrd
I just found this post. What a great time you're having!
But--what color is the TR?
By the way, we still have (garaged) our '63 MGB we bought brand new. When our son was in high school he drove it, and now his son, who is 12, has his eye on it!
Have a great teip!
Byrd
Jul 28th, 2009, 05:43 PM
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AAFrequentFlyer,
You are certainly living life to the fullest. The TR6 is a beauty and it sounds like you are having a great time. I would do your trip in an instant, so what about the heat...
Sounds like you're in my neck of the woods tomorrow (Austin). If you need any advice about where to visit in Austin, let me know.
You are certainly living life to the fullest. The TR6 is a beauty and it sounds like you are having a great time. I would do your trip in an instant, so what about the heat...
Sounds like you're in my neck of the woods tomorrow (Austin). If you need any advice about where to visit in Austin, let me know.
Jul 28th, 2009, 06:58 PM
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My husband and I ate at a Mediterranean restaurant called Oloroso for our anniversary. The halibut was awesome.
http://www.oloroso.biz/
http://www.oloroso.biz/
Jul 28th, 2009, 11:07 PM
#38
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But--what color is the TR?
British Racing Green... That was a prerequisite. I found few great looking restored models with white, red or black paint jobs, but I kept on looking for the famous racing green.....
If you need any advice about where to visit in Austin, let me know.
hotel, location is important but more so is the quality of the place. Higher end places that provide all the amenities but perhaps also have some uniqueness about it , plus things to do, restaurants, great live music venues, as in blues, jazz, etc... Thanks!
British Racing Green... That was a prerequisite. I found few great looking restored models with white, red or black paint jobs, but I kept on looking for the famous racing green.....
If you need any advice about where to visit in Austin, let me know.
hotel, location is important but more so is the quality of the place. Higher end places that provide all the amenities but perhaps also have some uniqueness about it , plus things to do, restaurants, great live music venues, as in blues, jazz, etc... Thanks!
