On 8 July I will be leaving home for an extended road trip to Philly to see the folks and the old neighborhood. I figure that in less than 3 weeks, I'll tack on about 7,000 miles. As it is now, I have under 11,000 now on the Smurfinator.
I'll be riding most of the way on US 40 up til Knoxville, Tenn. I'll also see a couple of days in Smyrna Delaware where my daughter lives. Also will be seeing my brother in Blackwood New Jersey.
I had the oil & filter replaced and tires rotated and wheel alignment check done along with a general safety check and fluids topped off.
I figure to take about 4 days driving East, then about 6 headed back West.
It's been almost 16 years since I made this drive last and I had a step-daughter to swap out with on driving. Gas prices are starting to come down a little and I get close to 30 mpg as long as I keep it under 70 mph.
We'll see how that holds up. I do get better gas mileage during the hot summer months.

 

Have a fun drive and stay safe!

 

X 2...Enjoy your trip and have fun!

 

Enjoy your trip. In a few weeks we are headed up the West Coast, and though our HHR is going with us, it will be towed behind our motorhome.

 

You have more will power than I will ever have if you are able to keep our little cars under 70mph on the open road.

I just recently did my 1st roadtrip with my wife's SS and the car seemed to crave running at least 80mph. It was only 1300 miles round trip on level road and there were times when the traffic was light and I would try using the DIC for 10 miles or so looking for the "sweet" spot where I could maximize my time on the road while not causing my MPG to suffer too badly. My wife had done the same trip in Apr and averaged 32. I was not that lucky but I did eliminate from 80mph down to 75mph as the sweet spot. Perhaps you will have times also for "research".

Playing these little numbers games on the road helps fight off the boredom and helps to lay down some miles.

Have a great trip.

 

That's a lot of boring Interstate.

If you like to drive twisties then you'd like a side trip to Dragon129 (south of Knox).

Another highlight would be The Blueridge Parkway/Skyline Drive.
Start the BRP near Fancy Gap Va (off Interstate 77).
There are Rhododendrons/Azaleas packed side by side for many miles between there & the Roanoke area.
I've never been through while they're peaking but it must be one of the sweetest drives anywhere when they are.
That's one of the nicest drives I've ever been on even during off season.

Billions of deer so it's best taken leisurely and aware.

Here are directions for that section of BRP @ Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=I-...&dirflg=h&z=10

Have a great adventure!

 

On the way back I will be paying a visit to the Frazier-Johnson Cemetery near Knoxville.
Will be going along some twisty roads along that stretch, Thorngrove Pike & Kodak road to name a couple.

 

Check this out: http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Ko...ps&via=1,2&z=5

While you're in S.D. visit Black's Beach

Now I want to go

 

I managed to log in about 800 miles in 12 hours.
Trip was almost over at mile 60. A nickel sized rock was kicked up by oncoming traffic and nearly broke my windshield. As it is I have some chips in the glass right now.
So, from Lancaster Ca I managed to get to Moriarty NM for a night time pit stop.
I left the house at 6 am, the temp was already at 80 deg. From Needles to Kingman the temps were triple digit. In Arizona I drove through some sporadic rain squalls. The outside temp got as low as 66 and as high as 105.
I managed to get 30 mpg while averaging 72 mph. Not too shabby since most of the driving was @ 78 mph.
The USB port is really pissing me off. Every 18 minutes, like clockwork, the music will skip or jump. It does not matter what kind of stick I use. And, if I replay the track that skipped, there is no problem.
Plus the Cruise Control went out on me twice. This has happened before and always comes back after a while.
Now for a shower and some sleep before another day of travel.

 

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