Tentatively Planning for Moab...

[Lawn Cher']

I just looked at a map and noticed that Moab is a little bit south of I-70... Jen is already halfway there in St. Louis! Seems a shame to make 1/2 the trip and then come home... should we keep on going West next weekend and wait for the rest of you's?

 

[Mike in NJ]

Well, not exactly. Marky ole buddy. St. Louis is about halfway to DENVER from here - then add another 5 - 6 hours to Moab - assuming there are no blizzards across the Divide.

Now, if Jen can stay out there until late September (I'm sure you both would be sooo thrilled!) - a few of us will be headed out to the 20th anniversary bash and we can pick her up then.

Besides, the weather will be better then too. Moab was hammered with snow and rain this week - a late winter for them.

Mike in NJ

 

[Lawn Cher']

We're planning on attending the big bash as well, which is what prompted me to look at a map in the first place, which led to my conclusion in the previous post, yadda-yadda. At this point our plan is to take Baby Jeep and the 1/2 MJ in order to get the most comfortable and fastest ride out there for our first cross-country trip. I think in future years I will attempt to flat-tow Gamara out there w/ my MJ (which doesn't have a name yet... any suggestions?)

According to yahoo maps it is about 2100 miles, so I figured on (3) 700 mile days with stop-overs in Indianapolis, IN and Salina, KS approximately. Does that seem like a logical plan, or should the mileage breakdown be tweaked to allow for elevation changes slowing progress through Colorado?

 

[Mike in NJ]

Logical - you ask me about logical? :?

My "normal" trip out West usually has me putting in an 1100 mile Day 1, usually getting to Western IA before I stop. Then an "easy" 10 hour run to Denver! (Lately I've been running I80. I70 is OK, but, for some reason, I hate using it. More big cities to negotiate, with associated traffic/construction issues).

This September, CHW and I are going to try to get to Grand Junction by the end of day 2. And then take a leisurely drive the next morning to set up camp in Moab.

On paper, your itinerary seems OK, but I think you could easily get past Indy on Day 1. Go as far as you can - that first day is when you're in the best shape. Set yourself up for easier day 2 and 3. The key is to start very early on day 1. (4/5AM?) That way it'll seem "natural" to run to about dinner time (or later) and you'll be a lot further West than Indy. Besides, on your original schedule, you'll be crossing western CO with the sun in your face, it'll be a more enjoyable drive (and picturesque) if you're doing that earlier in the day.

Of course, I'm not towing anything either, so I'm not sure if you can maintain my insane pace anyway.

Hey - why not try this on your trip to St. Louis coming up - see if you could do this in one day. On paper, you should have no problem- staying awake though is another issue!

Anyway, glad to hear that you guys are planning to head to Moab in Oct - it's going to be a bigger bash than ever!!! You'll have a great time.

Mike in NJ

 

[EricT]

I'll be out there ahead of you guys, by 7 months :wink: Should be a nice leisure 5-6 hour drive for me

 

[Mike in NJ]

Yeah, but that also means you'll be in the Potato, er, GEM State for 7 months counting fence posts for entertainment! (Can't go to the Snake River EVERY weekend!) Probably be weeks between VW sightings as well.

(Just kidding, Lincoln et. al. :wink: )

You have a safe drive west, Eric - see you in October.

Mike in NJ

 

[EricT]

actually, I will be flying home or somewhere every 4 weeks on the companies dime, so it wouldn't be too bad. I have a d44 to build and ship out there before then too.