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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 24
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Hi, Dottie (ladeeda) here. Well, I'm finally on the road (from Portland OR to Florida, via the southern route). I headed south as planned, and everything's gone great -- to now. And I need some advice. I'm "trapped" in Bakersfield due to awful weather east of here and am wondering where I might get the best "road/travel conditions" info online to help me make my direction decisions. My original plan was to head east on I40 and gradually work my way south, with no specific plan in mind, until I reached Pensacola. But now, with extremely high winds, tornados, snow, etc forecast along this route, I'm rethinking the I40 plan and thinking maybe I should head now down to I10? But maybe conditions are just as bad that route. Any ideas?
By the way, thanks to you all who supported me as I was trying to force myself out the door and actually hit the road. I went from "road-chicken" to "road-warrior" in about 1 hour after I finally got the nerve to leave Portland! Everything has been a breeze so far. And my pups are absolutely perfect, enjoying every minute of it. Thanks for all your support, and I look forward to living this nomadic life for a long, long time! And now I can share my "knowledge" with other newbies!!!!
Always seeking sunshine, traveling with the pups, leaving the hubby at home,
Dottie
Seeking Sunshine, traveling with the pups
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 8476
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How wonderful for you that your having such a wonderful time out on the road!! We are all pleased and proud for you.
There is a website that you can log on and look for Travel weather info... It is:
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=77418
This website has a trip planner and you can put in where and when you are departing, your intended route and it can advise weather along the way..
I also have Weatherbug on my computer...Go to Weatherbug.com.... It is a FREE download, and it also has travel planning information on it, in that you can insert a area of the nation and get on-going weather information and predictions.. this is not a toy...this is affiliated with our CBS news channels here in Texas..
I can tell you won't let a "little thing" like weather stop you now!!! Just check the weather and travel accordingly!
In my own opinion...I'd head south to 1-10,due to less possible freezing situations this time of year. Since the hurricane, 1-10 thru Louisiana, Mississippi. etc. is open.. Check ahead for RV parks if you are staying in them, as some are still filled with evacuees and storm damage workers.
Just travel on, planning ahead and travel safely and merrily!!
Also, you can call the local Sheriff's Office or State highway Department... Look at the Weather Channel on Satellite TV. Ask locally for their suggestions.
Happy Travelin'
Jomilt from Texas
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 24
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Jomilt, thank you sooooo much! You're right; weather might slow me down, but nothing's going to stop me from this wonderful lifestyle as long as I'm able to get into my tow truck! (which could be a long, long time!)
Yes, I think I will head down to I-10. Is there an easy way to skirt LA, or is it not as bad as it looks on the map? I went through Sacramento with no problem, but LA looks HUGE on the road atlas! I'm from the itty-bitty city of Portland, OR.
Always seeking sunshine, traveling with the pups, leaving the hubby at home,
Dottie
Seeking Sunshine, traveling with the pups
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 2885
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I wish I could help, but I avoid the highways except when I have to be on them - for me the journey and backroads are much of the adventure!
Are you rushing across country - or do you intend to stop and see some of the beautiful country you'll be driving through?
I did drive through Louisiana, but I went the more northern route cuz I wanted to visit some friends along that way - Shreveport was busy, but I tend to try to make sure I go through major cities at anything BUT their rush hours!
Smiling is contagious - try it!
Bethers
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Once your reputation is ruined, you can live life quite freely :) (old German saying)
Bethers
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 2302
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Dottie, I just read your post.. I would travel I-10 that would be a lot safer weather wise.. and Yes, do download the Weatherbug.. I have it on my lap top and as I go from State to State I log into weather conditions.. I also tune in local radio stations for weather too.. Gosh, I know you have to be excited.. on the road..Lord is with you for sure.. and you know each state you go through that's another notch on your belt.. Hey girl you is travelin'
God Bless
Barbzeee
www.weatherbug.com it is free..:)
Life is full of surprises, just go with the flow !
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 317
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Hi Ladies,
I just love to get on here and read about all of you brave ladies striking out on your own. DH and I will be traveling when he retires in 3 years. We want to be gone about 2 months and then run back by home base before going again.,
I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I want to suggest you plan your driving on I 10 so that it avoids the rush hour in the morning and beyond a shadow of a doubt avoid the afternoon rush hour. The interstate will be bumper to bumper with trucks, cars, and campers. Top speed will be about 10 miles an hour if you are moving at all. Otherwise, it is a nice drive across the state of Louisiana on 10. This slowdown has been our problem since the Katrina and Rita mess. It was congested before them, but it is unreal after them. We, who live in town, have discovered the back streets and stay off of the interstate.
I just love to read about all of your adventures, and especially get a charge out of all the things you do. Sure do wish I could meet with you in Tennessee, but will be going to Atlanta and along the Alabama coastline birding during the Easter vacation in April.
I am a retired teacher, who answered the calling for one more year, so therefore, I am working this year also.
Hope you have a wonderful time in Tennessee. Be safe.
Sincerely yours, Marslet
Happy camping,
Marslet
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 24
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I guess I am sort of "rushing across the country." I'm on a trip to visit my mother in Pensacola, and I guess I'm a bit too eager to get there -- I haven't seen her in a few years, and neither of us is getting any younger! After I visit with her for a while -- until the weather gets too hot, probably -- I'll just meander around and see where I end up. I've already learned that for me at least, it's more fun staying someplace than the driving part. I guess that might change with time, though. And at this point, I'm afraid I'm still too intimiated with the whole thing to do too much sight-seeing -- except what I see as I go down the highway. And, I forget who said it, but someone mentioned traveling the backroads rather than the freeways. I'll bet that comes with experience, too.
I did download the weather bug, by the way. And added wunderground to my favorites. Thanks so much for the suggestions. Look forward to meeting some of you one of these days.
Always seeking sunshine, traveling with the pups, leaving the hubby at home,
Dottie
Seeking Sunshine, traveling with the pups
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 8476
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Oh yes, Dottie...Los Angeles is JUST as bad as it looks, perhaps worse! Talk to some locals there and get your best route to skirt around Los Angeles. It's been too long since I've been there to help you..
You also don't wish to hit Houston during peak traffic hours. Straight through Houston on I-10 is the best and shortest route. The by passes are just as bad traffic-wise and are further.
When you get to Louisiana, past Baton Rouge, take 1-12 over to where it connects with 1-10 again near The Mississippi border. Thereby saving miles and skipping New Orleans.
Continue having fun!!
Happy Travelin'
Jomilt from Texas
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 8476
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Dottie,I'd be JUST LIKE YOU and rushing to see my Mama too!!
I like the backroads, but when I'm on a west coast to east coast trek...the Interstates are for me!!
We used to go to the Florida Keys every winter for a month..
Marslet,I like going often and being away from home a couple of months, then back home. With the higher gas prices, we plan not to go so far, make our trips short and stay 2 weeks or so every month. We got down to the Valley of Texas, near the Mexican border and decided to stay a month... Never can tell about us!!
You posted on here five or six months ago, didn't you..? If I'm not remembering your name right...then welcome to this forum...and if that was YOU...Welcome back!! Keep on posting!! The more the merrier!!
Happy Travelin'
Jomilt from Texas
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Joined: 3/16/2009
Posts: 2885
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I'd be rushing in that instance also.
But I got my experience when I set out LOL - had never done anything like this before - bought my rv and just took off last summer and haven't looked back.
Have a great time with your Mother!
Smiling is contagious - try it!
Bethers
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Once your reputation is ruined, you can live life quite freely :) (old German saying)
Bethers
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