It’s time to start planning for the 2017 Road Trip. I look forward to seeing more of this country (and a bit of Canada) up close and personal. I really like experiencing new places and meeting interesting people. Probably more than anything, I treasure the opportunity to think and reflect and listen to audiobooks during the hours and hours of windshield time.
As you may recall, in 2015, I journeyed to San Francisco, by way of Rapid City, South Dakota, Salt Lake City, and Reno, Nevada. On the way home, I hit LA, the Hoover Dam, Sedona, Arizona, the Grand Canyon, and Moab, Utah. Checked off lots of bucket list places on that trip.
In 2016, I journeyed to Key West, Florida, by way of Memphis and Atlanta. On the return, I stopped in Jacksonville, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, and Charlotte, NC. That, too, was a memorable journey.
This year, my intended destination is Vancouver, British Columbia. I intend to pass through Rapid City, South Dakota again, because I got snowed out in 2015 and didn’t get to see Mount Rushmore or the Chief Crazy Horse monument. Gotta get to those! I’m also thinking of stopping by Yellowstone National Park. Definitely going to hit Portland and Seattle. Here’s a map that shows one possible route:
I’m open to suggestions of places to stop, attractions to visit, and people to see, so if you know about any of the places along my route, let me benefit from your knowledge and experience as I plan the trip.
By the way, as in the past two years, I’ll be making the trip in my trusty 2006-1/2 Volkswagen GTI (MKV). I’m going to strap my bike on the back this year, because I anticipate some really fantastic riding opportunities. Every year, I try to add a little something to the GTI to make the trip a bit more interesting (and because I like toys). In 2015, I mounted a GoPro to the windshield to take travel shots. In 2016, I added a Stage 1 tune, new wheels, and summer performance tires. This year, I’m going to be bringing some ham radio gear, because I intend to be “off the grid” during some significant portions of the trip.
Again, let me have those suggestions, and wish me luck!
3 thoughts on “Road Trip 2017”
Let me know if Madison ends up on your route. It would be fun to catch up, and perhaps I could introduce you to some of my UW-Madison students!
Will do, LaRuth! Hope all is well there.
Do your thing David! I will enjoy the trip vicariously until my turn comes! ?