Winter Traveling Advice from Washington To Arizona
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Forum Name: Camping Adventures
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Topic: Winter Traveling Advice from Washington To Arizona
Posted By: SailorDude
Subject: Winter Traveling Advice from Washington To Arizona
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2021 at 11:30pm
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I'm considering going taking my RPOD down to Southern California and Arizona for a month or so in March 2021. I live Washington, so of course heading right down I5 is the quickest. Any thought on safe and quick routes to Southern California from the Seattle area during March? Any advice on traveling through Southern Oregon, and Northern California during this time frame. I'm guessing if it starts to look bad I could always hang out for a few days. I really don't want to do the Oregon/California Coast, but I might. I've been on the Washington Coast for the last week and we've had a lot of rain and wind. Will COVID-19 complicate finding places to stay in California? Any advice will be helpful. |
Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2021 at 6:26am
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Yeah just shoot down I5, that’s the easiest. Your only high spot is Siskiyou pass at around 4500 ft, once you drop down off that you’ll be fine. By mid March you’ll have 12 hours of daylight so pick a good weather day, you can easily make it down into CA in a day from Seattle if you get an early start. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2021 at 12:02pm
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I5 would probably be the quickest, and going coastal (Route 1 and 101 mostly) would be spectacular, but a lot slower. I would consider US 395 maybe a good compromise. We love a lot about it, it's less traveled for the most part, and the views are out of this world. I also think there are more camping opportunities along US395, but that may be a bit subjective. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Dirt Sifter
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2021 at 4:53pm
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Depends on the time you have and what you want to see. Either Hwy 97, 95, and/or 395 is great, but you'll have several mountain passes and slower two lane road altho each is good hwy for the most part. 101 is beautiful going north to south is best for pulling off the highway to take in the many vistas. On I-5, I'd plan on stopping at the 7 feathers casino and RV park at Canyonville, OR. It is a great park and a good first day's stop (or any day's for that matter.) The climb between Roseburg and Grants Pass isn't as high as the Siskiyou's but it can be a bit of a strain at the end of the day;a better drive when fresh. ------------- Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE '07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages 1 Puggle, 1 Chihuahua support staff |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 10:29am
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Consider 395 to Reno, 50 to Ely, then 93 to Las Vegas. Since you aren't likely to be driving 70 on a freeway, these mostly 2 lane road have little traffic and lots to see and enjoy. If you do 50, called the loneliest highway, be sure to keep an eye on your gas and don't pass a gas station between Fallon and Ely with out filling up. It's likely to be the same from Ely to Las Vegas. Even though these areas are remote, you'll find gas prices far better than the over $5 a gal. that is typical on 395 between the NV state line and near Mojave. As for things being closed in CA due to Covid, we've cancelled 2 trips to the Bay Area since early Dec. and are likely to cancel a 3rd scheduled for the end of this month. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Dirt Sifter
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2021 at 1:36pm
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Dude, I'm not sure what part of WA you'll start in, but 395 is quite aways east. Many folks do like Hwy. 97 to Klamath Falls then choose a route to Reno, but if you get to Reno, just follow south to Vegas. We live in the far eastern part of OR and take Hwy 95 to Winnemucca, then NV 305, 375 to Tonapah, and 95 to LV. There are a lot of good routes once you get away from CA and the population centers. If you've got time, Ely is cool - I've hit snow there in April. Watch the weather as you've said; its all good. ------------- Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE '07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages 1 Puggle, 1 Chihuahua support staff |
Posted By: Buffalohunter
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 1:41pm
| As a rainbird from the upper left hand corner...avoid California like the plague...to expensive, gas, to crowded, crappy state parks. Go down through e wa to NE or, to Idaho cross at twin falls down the las Vega run through ely...cut over to zona chill for awhile then head to deigo on 10 or any other southern route. Don’t worry about snow and ice...in March it ain’t that bad...just stay out of California it will drain your pocketbook...just my humble opinion |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 3:33pm
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Buffalo, lay off the politics stuff please. It violates the posting rules and leads to some very ugly interactions between board participants. Some board members may agree with your opinion about California politics while others may be in strong disagreement. Thanks in advance for editing out the political comment in your post. As for campgrounds in California, folks should check them out on a site like Campendium for the latest information and site quality. It's a very good resource. Personally, I agree that California State campgrounds tend to be overpriced for what you get, but there are lots of other options available.
------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Buffalohunter
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2021 at 5:07pm
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Oh so sorry...I lost my head...just have had such a bad experience...campgrounds overpriced food, gas and facilities, people regulations...that I lost my sense of perspective...I’ll just keep to the nice things and and forget about the rest ------------- R-pod-2020 189 2013 Toyota Tacoma |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2021 at 6:31am
No reason to keep only to the nice things, it can be very useful info to share not so nice things you run into, especially if they are specific so others can choose to avoid them (or not). And if someone disagrees I’m sure we’ll hear from them. I think it was just the political portion of your post lostagain was referring to. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2021 at 7:55am
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Buffalo, OG was right, it was only the political portion of the post that should be edited out, as I previously stated. It should be removed as it violates the no politics policy. As for the remainder of your comments about California, we are each entitled to express our opinions about campgrounds, food prices, gas etc. Everyone's perspective may be helpful for all board participants when traveling to different parts of the country. But the fact remains that the political opinion should be taken out in compliance with the no political discussion polity. Again, thank you in advance for attending to this today. You can use the edit function in "Post Options" at the upper right box for each post. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2021 at 9:57pm
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Thanks for the edit. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2021 at 9:39am
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+2 ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2021 at 3:42pm
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Don't believe I have posted this here yet... If I have.. well so be it. I will try not to offend the sensitive. Traveling during (skip that), travel last year was a challenge to say the least. Entering into 2021 adds it's on challenges with the unspoken (can't say it) climate as of Jan 20th. We all have an inclination of what can happen and awaiting just how far it will be pushed. I'm heading off in a couple days. Have no idea how far we get and what will change as we travel. This is the site I am currently using to check restrictions, then follow up with local info of where I may pass through. http://gds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2ec42826968d4d0980ccca0fbbfe0c7c - http://gds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2ec42826968d4d0980ccca0fbbfe0c7c If you Google Covid restrictions by state you will find many sources. Pick one you trust and stay tuned to it as you journey. There are several 'tough 'states that may have to be avoided for possibly some time to come. Research into current restrictions is important. Stay informed! I do hope 2021 is a better travel/camping year even with the new climate coming.. Safe travels! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2021 at 7:37pm
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Well, not to be “sensitive” here but my dad died from Covid back in November. He missed his vaccination by about 8 weeks.
I can assure you that this terrible disease is nothing to take lightly. The dying experience something called agonal breathing, and it’s worse than it sounds. And not being able to be with your loved ones due to isolation protocol is awful. So with great vaccines at least for us older folks immanent, and new highly contagious strains showing up seemingly every day, now is not a great time to take any risks with this thing. We for two are hunkering down until we can get our shots, and looking forward to that light at the end of the tunnel soon. Be safe everyone. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2021 at 8:22pm
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OG, our condolences for your loss. You are right. Covid is nothing to be flippant about. We have a number of family members who have fallen ill with it and it's no picnic even when you survive. My wife's elderly mother is a constant worry, especially since those around her are some of the one's getting sick. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: poston
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2021 at 8:35pm
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I agree, COVID is nothing to be flippant about. My wife and I have both had COVID, but it was pretty mild. We're both 60+. But I'd also rather not have discussions on COVID itself in the Camping Adventures forum. How about Non-pod Discussion Forums? Could you all delete your COVID posts, or edit them down to Rpod content? ------------- -- Jim Virginia City, Nevada 2016 R-pod 180 2015 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 6:39am
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lostagain, thank you. poston, I’m glad your cases were mild. Sadly, that is not the experience for my family and roughly 400,000 others.
Re your request to move or delete my post, I respectfully decline to do so. My post was not in any way political nor AFAIK did it violate any other forum restrictions. It was intended as a sincere expression of concern for the safety of folks in this community potentially increasing their exposure to Covid by undertaking long range camping adventures this winter/spring. So I think it is in an appropriate forum and topic. Of course, we are all (presumably) adults here and can and will make our own risk assessments and choices. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod_Geek
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 8:39am
+1 So sorry about your dad. These are tough times.
I know...breaking out the champagne. Can't say why, of course...
------------- 2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L |
Posted By: Dirt Sifter
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 9:56am
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offgrid, most sincere condolences for the loss of your dad and first best friend. I can think of no better place for a caution about anything that adversely affect Rpod travelers than this forum. This Covid threat is as real as a China bomb or light tongue weight when it comes to moving around in our trailers. And is valid especially when traveling in hot spot areas like WA and CA. As most of us have, I have friends who had CV-19 at all levels from 'mild' to fatal and its nothing to sneeze at. Leave it here. ------------- Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE '07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages 1 Puggle, 1 Chihuahua support staff |
Posted By: rpodadmin
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 11:27am
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Following this thread. Appreciate the tone, let's please keep it that way. Everyone has had a wide range of exposure/experience w/ Covid, let's all be respectful of that. I do believe that sharing how we have weathered the summer/fall while still enjoying our hobby is a good use of this forum. |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 12:07pm
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Our nephew's birth father was (I think) the first covid death in California back in February or March (I forget the actual date, but he was the guy that had it on the cruise ship to Mexico). Since then, we've had 4 more deaths in our circle of friends; one my wife's best friend's mother died from covid this last Sunday. It is nothing to mess with I can assure you. My condolences and sympathies to all those who have been affected. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 12:13pm
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Whoa! Took a break from packing and dropped back in to add some other links if traveling or about to fairly soon that I have gained from other forums I belong to (and last minute checking from sources out there now). I drop back again as things cool down a bit here... We leave tomorrow. Destination unknown, except south and warmer weather. Safe travels! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 1:43pm
On the off-chance that your southwesterly meanderings bring you thru the Texas Panhandle (near Amarillo and Lubbock) and you want to stop and rest, I have a 30 amp hookup I make available to travelers. I am also listed on Boondockers Welcome. This is not a scenic destination but rather a place to stay for a night or two, especially if there are winter storms predicted in New Mexico. Since the state parks in NM are currently closed to 'fereners'...it might come in handy for someone transiting the southwest. Travel safe, whichever route you take.... ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 2:42pm
Fatata in the oven and another break.. Checking updates and saw this! Packed of most but items that could freeze.. that's tomorrow am.. I do think LA is going to be the tell all for us, can we (yes right now) or can't we. TX is seems a clear sail and thank you for the offer. I'm watching NM as we will need to rest somewhere and hoped for BLM outside of Carlsbad. Even with that the jump across NM is long, yet if required, doable. NM is amongst the remaining quarantine states. Was hoping for White Sands again, we shall see. I have a backup plan in place and have permits in place. That does not mean they will not be rejected/changed/removed due to what can or will happen. I'm just saying, they're in place. I have no idea what will occur, yet will continue to live my life to it's fullest. Safe travels! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 3:16pm
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If your planned route is taking you to or thru Carlsbad, that is only a sliver of NM and about 110 miles...then back into west Texas until you pass thru El Paso. There is BLM and National Forest land all over NM...but of course BLM land has no facilities or hookups in most places unless you find the occasional campground located on BLM land....which is kinda rare. This time of year I would not plan on staying in any of the national forests in NM unless you are very self sufficient when and IF a winter snowstorm hits. ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2021 at 6:18pm
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Very enlightening post. The thread as always has been answered appropriately and the status of the pandemic handled with sincere comment. I sympathize deeply with those who have suffered a loss. Personally I pulled off the trail last SEP, mainly due to health concerns and have spent the time since with the ol' Pod in building doing spruce up and maintenance chores. Not happy but best for me. I appreciate being a member here BIG HOOAH to y'all. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2021 at 7:44am
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Thanks all for your kind thoughts. Each of us and our families must find our own path in these difficult and sometimes pretty crazy times. Mine has been similar to mcarter’s. We have finally gotten moved over to the little “farm” we bought last summer. So I have a nearly infinite number of projects to plan and do here, we wouldn’t be considering camping adventures right now even without the pandemic. Currently I’m working on plans for my renewable energy system, which will of course be primarily solar based. But after 40 years solar design is getting pretty boring, so I’m also considering a small micro hydro install. Dam construction, penstocks and Pelton wheels. A new technology to learn.
All the best wishes to everyone in this community. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod_Geek
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2021 at 8:59am
You are in the running for "The Most Interesting Man In The World". ------------- 2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2021 at 9:58am
You mean like the Dos Equis ad guy? I certainly hope not. 😱Good beer though. Everyone has different interests and skills. Most non-technical folks think I’m pretty boring. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod_Geek
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2021 at 1:41pm
Stay thirsty my friend. ------------- 2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L |