Community Forums

GC Rapidman · 11-03-2013, 07:47 PM

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had to go from Chicago to Fresno for a wedding, but wasn't sure how I would go. Left two weeks ago, the wedding was last week, and I'm still on the road. It's been fabulous. I've put about 2900 miles on the odometer. For the record, I am not towing anything this trip, too much to learn. Details:

Left Illinois 2 pm Sunday 10/20 on I-80 (naps at night) catching I-76 south in Nebraska and hitting Denver about noon Monday. Drove I-70 thru the tunnels and over Vail Pass all the way to Grand Junction, where I spent my first full night in my coach, with full hook-ups.

Headed out across Utah on I-70 Tuesday morning, all the way to I-15. This stretch of highway is one that every traveler should see. It has to be one of the most spectacular-scenery highway in the US. Took I-15 south just out of Utah into the NW corner of AZ, stopping in the campground in the spectacular Virgin River Gorge.

Into Nevada on Wednesday almost to Vegas, but turned west and took the direct route into California and through Death Valley NP. What a desolate place, but interesting. Continued west and caught US395 north to Bishop and stayed at Brown's Millpond Campground. Won't be stopping there again, the 4AM rooster wake-up call wasn't the way I planned to arise.

Thursday was the big day for me, the road I had planned the first part of my trip around: I went over the Tioga Pass road and down into Yosemite National Park, where I spent the night in a NP campground, North Pines. Yosemite and the colors were fantastic, but there's no water in the falls or in the lake.

Friday was down out of the mountains to Riverland RV Park in Kingsburg, near Fresno, from where I could easily get to the Saturday wedding. Which went very nicely, thank you.

Sunday and Monday were spent with family nearby, but headed south Tuesday for Joshua Tree National Park. Another great place with nice campgrounds, really enjoyed it there.

But Wednesday it was on through Quartzsite to visit friends for a few days in Surprise and Buckeye, respectively, just outside Phoenix.

Left there this afternoon, and am spending tonight on the Mogollon rim in Payson where the campsite I'm in has very good WiFi, so I thought I'd take advantage of it and throw this report on line.

Tomorrow on down to I-40 and starting to work my way eastbound.

I've learned a lot about my rig while on the road, and it's just a great way to go. For those of you who are dreaming of your first trip in your rig, don't hesitate, go for it. It's easier than you might think.

Next report when I get home at the end of the week!