Ep. 358: Cross-Country RV Road Trip | travel camping rvlife rvliving

[@lorih379]

Sweet Zoe ❤

[@BrettBastedo]

Hello from Florida!

[@GrandAdventure]

Hello there Brett! Next time feel free to join us in the chat room. It would be great to see you there.

[@najruqwi7008]

Poor zoey🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾

[@ralanis6]

Thanks for the ride along. Cant wait to see your summer adventures in the North East.

[@GrandAdventure]

We certainly look forward to bringing them to you! Our first stop is coming up tonight, hope you will join us.

[@rsbirk]

Good luck on your travels this year! We look forward to your adventures. Prayers for Zoe!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Scott!

[@jesib7526]

Blessings to Zoe❤

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Jesi!

[@geraldsouthard7092]

Dude…and Mrs. GA, I remember the days when we could drive that number of miles. Those days are long gone for us. You and Mrs. GA did great … and in that wind too!!! We are looking for a place to stop at 200 miles these days. Zoey is looking great. Sorry to hear about her diabetes related blindness. She is so lucky that she has such loving fur-parents. Hope that we cross paths in the eastern provinces of Canada in September.

[@GrandAdventure]

We hope so as well, Gerald! Honestly, I was dreading this initial cross-country segment of our itinerary, but to get to see and do what we want to see and do this summer, we had to hurry up and get East to actually start touring. Now we've slowed down, and we're back to our average 7-day stay and 245-mile average relocation between destinations for the remainder of the season. I'm happy to now have these first 5 days in the rearview mirror.

[@conniewaite1371]

We prefer ft.70 over 80.better roads,less traffic

[@beverlyhendricks9456]

I recommend Moosehead Lake in Maine! Saw my first Moose on the way in. Also Campebello Island. The Provincial Rv park is very nice! And the tour around the FDR National Park is all free with free admission into the old summer homes of FDR and his neighbors. Get a reservation to high Tea! You’ll probably see whales there at one of the lighthouses.

[@GrandAdventure]

Wonderful tips all, Beverly. Thank you.

[@larryburkett9628]

Marc, if you could, you can double tow the car, and that 6.7 won't even know it's there.

[@GrandAdventure]

This is true, Larry. Except that we would need both proper tow equipment, and an upgrade to the hitch on the trailer which is currently rated to only 3,000 lb. Also, many states where we are traveling this year prohibit double towing.

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

I understand you were on a schedule but every time one blows through Iowa on I-80 it reinforces a lot of stereotypes. I think if you made time for the Driftless Area (extreme northeast IA, southeast MN, and southwest WI) you’d be stunned at the dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. BTW, our rescue lab was blind for his final two years of life. He still had a good quality of life. Needed some help on steps and we built him ramps to get in/out of the truck and RV. As long as we were close by, he was happy. All the best to Zoe!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you for your kind words. We spent a couple of wonderful weeks in Iowa 2 years ago (the Okoboji area and the Wapsipinicon River), and that reinforced our understanding that we need to spend more time in that state. It's a beautiful area, and we will indeed devote more time to Iowa in the future when we are not on a mission to get somewhere else.

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Even the areas you visited are no match for the Driftless. Check out the documentary “Decoding the Driftless” sometime and you’ll see what I mean!

[@laughingram7287]

I’m starting late and will have to catch up in your travels this year. Totally understand breaking those rules to get to your actual starting spot. We do that just to get out of California. Poor Zoe! Thankfully she has great “parents”! Ram 👍🏼👍🏾

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you, bud.

[@beverlyhendricks9456]

Next time you need to go thru Chicago. Drop down to US30 it drops to two lane for about 10 miles but it’s worth it! Very little traffic and a peaceful ride. Then it opens up 41. Turn north when it comes to US 31 north to South Bend. Then east on US 20 east to Elkhart. And no tolls!

[@GrandAdventure]

Great advice that we'll follow next time. Thank you Beverly!

[@starshipadventure361]

Poor Zoey! My dog went deaf in his final years. We "adapted" and made it work so he could still travel and be my co-pilot - but on a leash. I hated it more than he did! Zoey still has a lot of love to share.

[@GrandAdventure]

She most certainly does, SA. I'm not yet sure how well she'll adapt to no eyesight, but time will tell. Whatever accommodations she'll require, we'll make.

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

Happy Travels you guys :) Love your videos

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Michael!

[@jjones5424]

Hello from northern Wisconsin!

[@GrandAdventure]

Hello to you J!

[@conniewaite1371]

Get Zoey a ball that beeps,she will still be able to find it

[@GrandAdventure]

Great idea, Connie! We bought that spiky football she's playing with this episode because it's a little larger and flashes. We were hoping that would help, but not so much.

[@ShawnPatterson402]

that was a great and quick cross country. I-80 at this time of year can provide its fun without a doubt. We are not that far from you right now, being down in the Barnsville PA area. Came close to choosing Erie as our next stop but trying to follow the sun, so will end up near the thousand Islands tomorrow. Will be cool but hopefully sunny :) Continued safe travels...looking forward to following your journey without a doubt.

[@GrandAdventure]

Indeed, that's not far at all, Shawn. You made the right call for sun, which there's not a lot of in the Erie forecast this week. Our next stop will be the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY. Safe travels!

[@akgobears]

Have done that I-80 ride several times to and from the Bay Area to northern Indiana (La Porte, New Carlisle, South Bend, Elkhart) to visit family....Never do i think Wyoming hasnt had either extremely windy conditions or snow when we've been there...Even had to spend two days once at Little America as I-80 had closed for awhile due to snow...We usually do casinos and cracker barrels for overnight stays along the way on this route...We love cracker barrel and we take advantage of it because there are none by where we live...Lookin forward to checking out the beginning of the Grand Adventures for the season...Travel safe, stay well...

[@GrandAdventure]

That's very typical for I-80 across Wyoming. Living in nearby Utah for nearly 20 years (and still wintering there) we know that it closes very, very frequently in winter. They typically announce Wyoming I-80 closures on the overhead electronic signs in the Salt Lake Valley. Casinos are our preferred lot-docking as well, although Harvest Hosts have been terrific for those quick one-nighters. We have yet to do a Cracker Barrel. Safe travels as well to you and yours.

[@e-square9976]

Come thru Michigan for bad roads … especially I-75 from OHIO border north. All my electrical connection to flat tow came loose from the jolting nightmare. I feel your pain. So sorry about Zoey. We just experienced losing our pup. He was blind and deaf. Heartbreaking.❤

[@GrandAdventure]

We're so, so sorry for your loss! It's never easy, and makes me appreciate our now nearly blind dog even more. The brevity of time that we get to share with our canine companions is one of the true crimes of nature. We need to explore Lower Michigan more, but when we do we'll follow our preferred route of secondary roads. 😉 That just wasn't an option when crossing nearly 2,000 miles over 5 days.

[@e-square9976]

@@GrandAdventure ❤️

[@RobertEntler]

prayers for zoey..

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Robert!

[@cpwatching5647]

Looks like a great plan. Safe travels. Take care.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much! We're pretty excited about the whole season, with some rather spectacular places on the agenda.

[@bertkelly7650]

Cataracts are easy to remove by a qualified vet.

[@GrandAdventure]

Yes they are, except that with the diabetes they can return almost immediately. It's also about $3,500 per eye, which thanks to the diabetes could be money completely wasted.

[@moretoliving2236]

I have in my travels never quite figured out what the best recipe is for traveling those long days. I tried every combination possible, eventually settling on 2 hrs then resting for 30 mins. I know I can do 4-3-2-1 with 30 mins in between but it is by no means an enjoyable experience. I tried 3 with 1 hour rest stops but then you kind of lose your go go I need to get there vibe. Most I have ever done was 525 miles / day for 4 days but that was absolute hell. Doing 240 mile days you barely notice it even with a work day that precedes the drive. To get to Blue Ridge mountains from florida I can do 568 mile days and then my body goes into a shut down mode.

[@GrandAdventure]

Well, we're about to violate our own rule this Sunday in a big way -- 7.5 hours from our current location to our next destination. It's gonna be a long day. I can't do those rest stops, myself. I need to get there, and just keep on keepin' on the whole way. I only stop for fuel and bathroom breaks (both for the two of us, and for the dog).

[@keithsmith5998]

Interstate 80 is my office.

[@GrandAdventure]

In that case, Joliet is the office men's room in desperate need of a cleaning.

[@ldsctr4silverfox]

So sorry to hear about Zoe. I hope she is doing well. Our lab Ginger takes about 24 units of insulin per day and is about 8 years old. We are working on setting out in our RV to travel but are so worried about Ginger. How do you guys get Zoe’s medication? Thanks for the great videos, they are such a great help! 😊

[@GrandAdventure]

@@ldsctr4silverfox thank you! Wishing Ginger the best. 🐾 We started out getting the insulin delivered via FedEx Overnight to our locations from PetMeds.com, but switched our prescription over to Costco because their pharmacy fills pet medications and they're located all over. We had the prescription written to get up to 10 vials at a time, so when were not going to be near a Costco (or we're out of the country, like our 8-week swing through Atlantic Canada) we can stock up beforehand. You don't need to be a Costco member to get prescriptions filled there.

[@bobcruikshank2010]

I just made that self same road trip in April from Pahrump, Nevada to Gettysburg , PA and back in 19 days. I was blessed with good weather except in Ohio. I-80 is a beautiful route when the weather cooperates. I hope you see Gettysburg and my birthplace Delaware.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Bob! We completely agree, it's a gorgeous route. We won't make it to Gettysburg this year, but we will be making it to your home state of Delaware this fall. So stay tuned!

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Glad you made it safely ❤ Zoe is such a beautiful pup so sad she has lost her sight but atleast she has her spunk. Enjoy and safe travels.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Deb, and safe travels to you as well.

[@gorrdd]

Thanks Marc. I really like these road travel episodes. It fills in the empty space of how you arrived at your destination and adds continuity to your travel vlog. Sorry to hear of Zoe's eyesight deteriorating. Maybe something can be done about her cataract's. Let's see... So where are you now? Still in Erie? Are you planning a short excursion to Presque Isle State Park along Lake Erie? Just curious. Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Gord! Yep, we've been on presque Isle several times already this week. Lots of footage from there for next week's episode. Zoe's cataracts can come back at any time due to the diabetes. On top of that, it's about $3,500 per eye. Finally, we are not stationary for surgery and follow-ups until December. It's tough decision, but it's pretty much something that we will need to deal with.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Thanks Marc. Yeah, it's the nicest place around those parts. Very unique for the area. Unless the diabetes can be brought under control, then the surgery is likely not worth it. But if it can be stabilized then it sure would give puppy a new lease on life. Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

@@gorrdd indeed, we have much to think about. There are other factors too, such as the $ (7 grand is a lot of dough), and the fact that we won't be stationary (for follow-ups, recovery, etc.) until December.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure I was thinking after this travel season. But your right, it is a huge amount of out of pocket money for working people. And one has to guage both the age and remaining expected longevity of the puppy. I get it... If the puppy has a good five+ years remaining and you can stabilize the diabetes in the mean time... then it's something to consider. But, if she is already of the age that she will be rapidly declining... then catch-up will quickly get caught-up. Gord

[@scottcochran7498]

We are so sorry to hear about Zoe. I’m sure y’all will still continue to make her life as happy as possible.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you, Scott. You can count on it!

[@docbog42]

Welcome to Erie, PA ! Born and raised here. If I knew you were here I would have dropped in to say "HI". Enjoy the rest of your trip.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Doc! Your Presque Isle State Park is a gem. Killer milkshakes at Sara's, and some mighty tasty fried perch at Rum Runner's on the Bayfront. The campground is very well done, too. We'll share our experience in Erie in next Wednesday's episode.

[@daviscrt]

Zoey is lucky to have great parents. Great call on leaving early. Wind over rain and snow anytime. Thanks Don

[@GrandAdventure]

Most definitely wind over snow, Don. I'm very comfortable driving two axles in any winter conditions, and have way too much experience doing so, but I simply will not tow in snow. There's something about not wanting to see my trailer in my sideview mirror trying to pass me...

[@daviscrt]

LOL great point

[@boydman68]

Much love to Zoe! I’ve commented before that my Sandy is also diabetic and insulin dependent. She’s only at 28 units per day but also developed cataracts rather quickly. She bumps into stuff from time to time but I still take her on hikes. You just have to be hyper vigilant about any hazards. I’m sure her nose still works just fine. Looking forward to the new travel season.

[@GrandAdventure]

That's very encouraging to hear, Joseph. Thank you!

[@conniewaite1371]

Hubby and I are 70.i just got a 150 and a 125,small motorbikes.missing our younger years,lol.we hope to get a cargo trailer to store and haul them with us on our trips.let the camper and truck sit while we explore .save gas,more maneuverable. More fun! Plus the camper can haul our camp gear and we can sleep in it.hope to see you down the road someday!

[@GrandAdventure]

That would be a wonderful way to get out and explore, Connie! Be aware, though, that many states don't permit double towing. You probably already know that, but just something to keep in mind.

[@conniewaite1371]

@@GrandAdventure no double towing,just a cargo trailer with a back ramp door.the back is used to garage the 2 mini bikes and the front set up for kitchen and bed area,all in one

[@GrandAdventure]

@@conniewaite1371 aaahhhh...sorry, I misunderstood.

[@conniewaite1371]

@@GrandAdventure no problem, my thinking and texting not so good either

[@TomSpurlock]

Traveling into tornado country, during tornado season? Brave.

[@GrandAdventure]

There's a fine line between bravery and stupidity, Tom. 😉 While spring is more active than fall, I'm nevertheless not exactly excited about our route right through the heart of Tornado Alley in October, either.

[@michelewilley1360]

Great episode! How can you tell from NOAA radar whether there is hail or tornado activity?

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Michele! Hail signatures appear as very dense on conventional precipitation radar, whereas rotation from tornadoes is visible on wind velocity/vector radar. Now, that gets very complicated for untrained eyes like mine and yours, but we like to use the Wundermap from wunderground.com which identifies those radar signatures for you and superimposes them over the particular storm cell, along with predictive future movement if you enable the Storm Tracks layer.

[@normgibson6565]

So sorry about Zoey at the same age as Harry

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much, Norm. It breaks my heart.

[@timothyjohnson8036]

Nice job marc.. Am looking for a rack for my kayak. Where did you get yours and how hard was it to install.. Wife doesn't want in the camper .

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Timothy! That's a standard issue Yakima rack system available from any Yakima retailer. Every component I used is listed in our Amazon shop's kayaking section: www.amazon.com/shop/grandadventure/list/3C8T2PJYB8SG6?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d Of course, the fit clips, or in some cases even which towers you'd use differ from vehicle to vehicle.

[@dougwilliams3276]

As a new Lifer, do you set up your entire reservations before you leave or wing it like we have been doing. But its been the off season so far.

[@GrandAdventure]

Doug, it all depends on where you're going. Our favorite plan is to have no plan. That was what we did last year, and the occasional spots that actually required planning we only booked a week or two in advance. Most of last year, we just boondocked. But last year we stayed in the western half of the US. This year we headed east, which requires advance planning as far as the reservation window will allow. We had our entire season booked through October before we left Utah.

[@debrahmarentette2371]

Why do you unhook your trailer every night?

[@GrandAdventure]

Much easier to level that way, Debra. Also we normally don't have a second car with us, so this gives us the ability to have a look around or run errands. Unhooking and re-hitching a fifth wheel is fairly trivial anyway.