Prelude to a Travel Review / Post Travel Report
Oct 10, 2020 16:18:03 #
Just Concluded our 26th Annual Anniversary Road Trip. More Sample Images & Report Details to Follow.
Oct 10, 2020 16:37:08 #
Oct 11, 2020 22:09:07 #
BrokenCanon wrote:
Just Concluded our 26th Annual Anniversary Road Trip. More Sample Images & Report Details to Follow.
Images beyond OUTSTANDING
Oct 12, 2020 06:19:10 #
Above are just two of over 890 shots taken while on our travels. it was our hope to have reached the Badlands around Oct 1st just in time for the harvest moon. But cloudy skys dampened our hopes of actually taking any of these pictures.
This all started before the pandemic, where we had plan a trip west to see the harvest moon. But when the pandemic hit, our company wasn't willing to allow us to travel. So we worked through the pandemic.
Later we learn that our company submitted a travel list to all employees on which states were off limits. Three times we had to submit our travel plans back to the bosses for approval. If one has never had to do this, it's very difficult to get anything approved by the bosses.
We finally got approval for our 3rd route and during our wait, we also got commendations for working through the pandemic. This means the company was going to pay for our 3 week travel as part of our reward for working through the pandemic.
We started in North eastern Maryland, drove through PA just to get to our first destination in Ohio. We were making a beline to and through Mich because I had contacted a pottery studio and wanted to plan a visit for the wife. But we learn that the artist was going in for surgery and the shop was closed. The route stayed the same.
Day Two:
We based out route on three or four sites, Jet stream, air quality, fall colors and weather pattern. According to the fall color chart, if we continued right up the gut of Mich and turn left parallel with the Canadian board we're surely run into some fall colors and we did.
The above Yellow Trees image was just one of these image somewhere between Mich and Minnesota. Most of the colors in this area were red and yellow but mostly red.
Fortunately, Wisconsin was one of those states we had to avoid or at least not plan a stop over in. We were less than 5 miles from the Canadian boarder and found this dinner that had crispy bacon, fluffy eggs which were to die for. After eating we gassed the Jeep up and made a beline through Wisconsin
One thing we learn about this travel. is don't get a single brand gas card. We happen to have got $500.00 worth of Shell cards, and west of the Mississippi river, the shell stations were few and far between. next time we're getting a prepaid visa card to use just for gas.
The barn door image was when we entering into a small town and located a grain mill still in operation. The general manager came out and offered us a tour of the mill. The dark road view was one of those lonely roads we travel as major highways are off limits to a jeep wrangler. Little did we know, later in the trip, we would have to drive a few of those major highways just to locate a repair shop.
This all started before the pandemic, where we had plan a trip west to see the harvest moon. But when the pandemic hit, our company wasn't willing to allow us to travel. So we worked through the pandemic.
Later we learn that our company submitted a travel list to all employees on which states were off limits. Three times we had to submit our travel plans back to the bosses for approval. If one has never had to do this, it's very difficult to get anything approved by the bosses.
We finally got approval for our 3rd route and during our wait, we also got commendations for working through the pandemic. This means the company was going to pay for our 3 week travel as part of our reward for working through the pandemic.
We started in North eastern Maryland, drove through PA just to get to our first destination in Ohio. We were making a beline to and through Mich because I had contacted a pottery studio and wanted to plan a visit for the wife. But we learn that the artist was going in for surgery and the shop was closed. The route stayed the same.
Day Two:
We based out route on three or four sites, Jet stream, air quality, fall colors and weather pattern. According to the fall color chart, if we continued right up the gut of Mich and turn left parallel with the Canadian board we're surely run into some fall colors and we did.
The above Yellow Trees image was just one of these image somewhere between Mich and Minnesota. Most of the colors in this area were red and yellow but mostly red.
Fortunately, Wisconsin was one of those states we had to avoid or at least not plan a stop over in. We were less than 5 miles from the Canadian boarder and found this dinner that had crispy bacon, fluffy eggs which were to die for. After eating we gassed the Jeep up and made a beline through Wisconsin
One thing we learn about this travel. is don't get a single brand gas card. We happen to have got $500.00 worth of Shell cards, and west of the Mississippi river, the shell stations were few and far between. next time we're getting a prepaid visa card to use just for gas.
The barn door image was when we entering into a small town and located a grain mill still in operation. The general manager came out and offered us a tour of the mill. The dark road view was one of those lonely roads we travel as major highways are off limits to a jeep wrangler. Little did we know, later in the trip, we would have to drive a few of those major highways just to locate a repair shop.
Oct 12, 2020 06:32:02 #
Day Three
The trip was going very smoothly and out planed stops where right on time.. small towns, and fall colors everywhere. We drove approx 10 hours per day excluding any stops for photos. One of my goals was to get to key points of interest during the morning hours or late evening hours.
Once we finally made it into North Dakota, things changed dramatically.. winds picked up and I was really struggling to keep the jeep on the road. Several times the wind blew so hard I though the jeep would flip. Thanks to all those state troopers for not pulling us over thinking I was drunk.. the jeep was all over the road, and seeing how the route we plan was a truck route also, with ruts or groves in the road and our 11.6 tires couldn't stay in those ruts.
I now understand why "most" people fly out west instead of drive.. endless flat lands for hours.. But we wouldn't have changed a thing.
Flat lands had many small towns with rail travel, endless blocks of land with small barns or boarded up homes and it wasn't uncommon for us to travel where the pavement ended.
The trip was going very smoothly and out planed stops where right on time.. small towns, and fall colors everywhere. We drove approx 10 hours per day excluding any stops for photos. One of my goals was to get to key points of interest during the morning hours or late evening hours.
Once we finally made it into North Dakota, things changed dramatically.. winds picked up and I was really struggling to keep the jeep on the road. Several times the wind blew so hard I though the jeep would flip. Thanks to all those state troopers for not pulling us over thinking I was drunk.. the jeep was all over the road, and seeing how the route we plan was a truck route also, with ruts or groves in the road and our 11.6 tires couldn't stay in those ruts.
I now understand why "most" people fly out west instead of drive.. endless flat lands for hours.. But we wouldn't have changed a thing.
Flat lands had many small towns with rail travel, endless blocks of land with small barns or boarded up homes and it wasn't uncommon for us to travel where the pavement ended.
Oct 12, 2020 06:44:25 #
Day Four
This day was going to be a surprise for the wife but it was going to be close as the drive will take us more than 16 hours.. Knowing that the Mich pottery shop closed I had contacted another shop in western North Dakota for a Tour.
Once in Beach, North Dakota I pulled up to Prairie fire pottery shop, fearing that we were too late. it was 6:00 Pm but not realizing we drove through a time zone so it was actually 5:00. We made it time to catch the artist and her husband.
Yep the wife was surprised and purchase 3 items from the artist. Then we took a tour of the shop. Little did I know that the shop owner had placed a gift bag in the other times we purchased as a happy anniversary gift. The shop tour ended and we had to drive another 2 hours north to our hotel for the night.
The average cost for a hotel while on our travels was $119.00 per night.
This day was going to be a surprise for the wife but it was going to be close as the drive will take us more than 16 hours.. Knowing that the Mich pottery shop closed I had contacted another shop in western North Dakota for a Tour.
Once in Beach, North Dakota I pulled up to Prairie fire pottery shop, fearing that we were too late. it was 6:00 Pm but not realizing we drove through a time zone so it was actually 5:00. We made it time to catch the artist and her husband.
Yep the wife was surprised and purchase 3 items from the artist. Then we took a tour of the shop. Little did I know that the shop owner had placed a gift bag in the other times we purchased as a happy anniversary gift. The shop tour ended and we had to drive another 2 hours north to our hotel for the night.
The average cost for a hotel while on our travels was $119.00 per night.
Oct 12, 2020 06:54:09 #
Day Five
One thing I was not impress with many of these hotels, was that contractor filled up the lots and we couldn't park the jeep close to our window. Then not to mention, many of these hotels didn't have elevators.. I guess it was my poor choice for hotels. The worst hotel was Lander, Wyoming. The best was in Wall, South Dakota.
We drove through Montana for a bit then turned south into Wyoming. Heading for Cody Wyoming, we wanted to travel though Yellowstone for a bit.. but with all the fires in many of these areas we drove, we were left disappointed and not impressed. We made it Cody, and stayed near the center of town and wouldn't you guess.. they were doing construction on the main highway.. My arms were growing tired of fighting with the wind while traveling.. At one point they actually went numb. So we stopped at Walmart for a pair of those copperfit gloves which helped my driving and to grip the steering wheel.
One thing I was not impress with many of these hotels, was that contractor filled up the lots and we couldn't park the jeep close to our window. Then not to mention, many of these hotels didn't have elevators.. I guess it was my poor choice for hotels. The worst hotel was Lander, Wyoming. The best was in Wall, South Dakota.
We drove through Montana for a bit then turned south into Wyoming. Heading for Cody Wyoming, we wanted to travel though Yellowstone for a bit.. but with all the fires in many of these areas we drove, we were left disappointed and not impressed. We made it Cody, and stayed near the center of town and wouldn't you guess.. they were doing construction on the main highway.. My arms were growing tired of fighting with the wind while traveling.. At one point they actually went numb. So we stopped at Walmart for a pair of those copperfit gloves which helped my driving and to grip the steering wheel.
Oct 12, 2020 07:01:37 #
Day 6
The day before we purchased passed to enter Yellowstone and the Tetons. But later I learn we really didn't need to because of the times I wanted to drive into those areas. There's no gate and the gates are only closed for bad weather or rock slides etc.
Flat land gave away to jagged rocks and ever green trees. I was disappointed in not seeing many hard woods. But this was due to all the fires over the last several years. It's easy to replant a pine tree than it is to replant birch tree. So pine trees littered the hills.
Yellowstone was a big disappointment.. With the off season in full swing.. there were still crowds. But around the corner.. finally some color and this was a hot spot for the photographers. Some had set up hours in advance. I was only there for about 10 mins. I was able to get one of a few money shots which I was hoping for.
Just in case your interested, I sent a PM to a couple of fellows within the forum that are interested in the yellow filter I was using or that I was going to use. Turns out the fixed polarization filter (which I kept on the lens all the time) offered better color and black and white images.
The day before we purchased passed to enter Yellowstone and the Tetons. But later I learn we really didn't need to because of the times I wanted to drive into those areas. There's no gate and the gates are only closed for bad weather or rock slides etc.
Flat land gave away to jagged rocks and ever green trees. I was disappointed in not seeing many hard woods. But this was due to all the fires over the last several years. It's easy to replant a pine tree than it is to replant birch tree. So pine trees littered the hills.
Yellowstone was a big disappointment.. With the off season in full swing.. there were still crowds. But around the corner.. finally some color and this was a hot spot for the photographers. Some had set up hours in advance. I was only there for about 10 mins. I was able to get one of a few money shots which I was hoping for.
Just in case your interested, I sent a PM to a couple of fellows within the forum that are interested in the yellow filter I was using or that I was going to use. Turns out the fixed polarization filter (which I kept on the lens all the time) offered better color and black and white images.
Oct 12, 2020 07:13:48 #
Day 7
Heading to Wall South Dakota. I couldn't wait, but the forecast called for clouds.. I drove up and down the Badlands looking for shadows and ideal spots for the harvest moon, sunset or sunrise. The harvest moon never happen due to the clouds. But the sun set and rise made for another set of money shots.
While staying in Wall for three days, we toured Wall drug store and other areas.. again we weren't impressed. We drove to Deadwood, Rapid city and Sturgis South Dakota. Then the unexpected.. at some point while touring these areas.. the rear brakes locked up. it was time to change up our travels and avoid these small town roads.. Heavy braking through traffic took it toll on the jeep.
It was time to head home. With money being tight, we could afford to have anyone check the rear brakes. But we had an aux plan. One of our stays was in Asheville NC. There my nephew is a mechanic and he told us what was needed, new rotor, pads and brake fluid. Thanks to Napa in the middle of nowhere for being open and having the parts.
Heading to Wall South Dakota. I couldn't wait, but the forecast called for clouds.. I drove up and down the Badlands looking for shadows and ideal spots for the harvest moon, sunset or sunrise. The harvest moon never happen due to the clouds. But the sun set and rise made for another set of money shots.
While staying in Wall for three days, we toured Wall drug store and other areas.. again we weren't impressed. We drove to Deadwood, Rapid city and Sturgis South Dakota. Then the unexpected.. at some point while touring these areas.. the rear brakes locked up. it was time to change up our travels and avoid these small town roads.. Heavy braking through traffic took it toll on the jeep.
It was time to head home. With money being tight, we could afford to have anyone check the rear brakes. But we had an aux plan. One of our stays was in Asheville NC. There my nephew is a mechanic and he told us what was needed, new rotor, pads and brake fluid. Thanks to Napa in the middle of nowhere for being open and having the parts.
Oct 12, 2020 07:20:46 #
Day 10
I've always hated driving the jeep above 65mph.. but in order for us to get from point A to B (Asheville, NC) the fastest yet use our reserved hotels, we had to get on a few major highways.. I couldn't believe the speeds on these roads.. 70mph on these roads as we drove 65mpg. I just didn't want to over tax te jeep let along the winds were still causing issues with me keeping the jeep on the road.
Several times I felt that the hood would fly up and hit the windshield because a truck passed us which made the hood flutter. Fortunately, I had a hood lock in place. At or about this time, The jeep window got cracked.. I'm like what else will go wrong..
Sight seeing and stops where cut as we just wanted to get to the nephews house in Asheville. One of these stops for gas, I noticed an old church atop this hill. We drove up there and I was able to find a broken window to look in. Back on the road..
I've always hated driving the jeep above 65mph.. but in order for us to get from point A to B (Asheville, NC) the fastest yet use our reserved hotels, we had to get on a few major highways.. I couldn't believe the speeds on these roads.. 70mph on these roads as we drove 65mpg. I just didn't want to over tax te jeep let along the winds were still causing issues with me keeping the jeep on the road.
Several times I felt that the hood would fly up and hit the windshield because a truck passed us which made the hood flutter. Fortunately, I had a hood lock in place. At or about this time, The jeep window got cracked.. I'm like what else will go wrong..
Sight seeing and stops where cut as we just wanted to get to the nephews house in Asheville. One of these stops for gas, I noticed an old church atop this hill. We drove up there and I was able to find a broken window to look in. Back on the road..
Oct 12, 2020 07:26:42 #
Day 12
Typically we've been driving 10 hour days with a stop over night. But once the rear brake issue, we've had to push our driving time. While on the major highways, the brake wouldn't rub. Only when we had to stop or slowdown.
We made to Asheville early and the nephew repaired the jeep. So we had a cook out to make up for the missed travel day.
Leaving at the perfect time of the morning and driving the parkway.. sun rise.
Typically we've been driving 10 hour days with a stop over night. But once the rear brake issue, we've had to push our driving time. While on the major highways, the brake wouldn't rub. Only when we had to stop or slowdown.
We made to Asheville early and the nephew repaired the jeep. So we had a cook out to make up for the missed travel day.
Leaving at the perfect time of the morning and driving the parkway.. sun rise.
Oct 12, 2020 07:40:03 #
Total of 18 days on the road
Total miles: 6030
Average hotel stay $119.00
Worse Hotel: Roadway, Pronghorn, Lander, Wyoming
Best Hotel: Best Western, Wall, South Dakota
Note: Many of these hotels in Ohio, Mich, West Virginia had lot lizards or homeless hanging around which did not sit right with us and I'll be submitting a few complaints via email to those hotels shortly.
Enjoyed our trip?.. I'm on the cusp there was some good and bad long driving times, but many of the images I took are what I was hoping for.
Would we do it again?.. Sure, why not but this time, we'll have to think about our driving times, and our stop overs. driving 10 hours, then resting for the night then driving again during extreme windy weather wore me out.
As for how much gas was used.. all of the shell gas cards are gone ($500.00 worth) and we've yet to tally up how much cash was used where the shell card couldn't.
See you next year for our Epic 27th Anniversary Road Trip!
Total miles: 6030
Average hotel stay $119.00
Worse Hotel: Roadway, Pronghorn, Lander, Wyoming
Best Hotel: Best Western, Wall, South Dakota
Note: Many of these hotels in Ohio, Mich, West Virginia had lot lizards or homeless hanging around which did not sit right with us and I'll be submitting a few complaints via email to those hotels shortly.
Enjoyed our trip?.. I'm on the cusp there was some good and bad long driving times, but many of the images I took are what I was hoping for.
Would we do it again?.. Sure, why not but this time, we'll have to think about our driving times, and our stop overs. driving 10 hours, then resting for the night then driving again during extreme windy weather wore me out.
As for how much gas was used.. all of the shell gas cards are gone ($500.00 worth) and we've yet to tally up how much cash was used where the shell card couldn't.
See you next year for our Epic 27th Anniversary Road Trip!
Oct 12, 2020 10:47:26 #
BrokenCanon wrote:
Total of 18 days on the road br Total miles: 6030 ... (show quote)
Amazing trip and awesome images on your 27th. Thanks for sharing
Oct 12, 2020 14:08:46 #
BrokenCanon wrote:
Just Concluded our 26th Annual Anniversary Road Trip. More Sample Images & Report Details to Follow.
Wow .. don’t think anyone has posted a trip sequence quite like you did ..., superbly done ..as were the photos ...., I wanted a photo of “Nelly Bell” your Jeep with you standing next to the cracked windshield ..
Can’t wait for you 27th trip incorporating some of the lessons learned from the 26th trip ... and the photos you will post ... 👍👍👍👍👏👏📷
Oct 12, 2020 17:03:48 #
DrNikon
This is how our trips end up always some sort of turmoil. As for Nelly Bell, No one will ever see me beside the jeep posted online. If one does, then someone other than my wife and I took a shot of the jeep without our knowledge. yet while at a couple of truck stops, several jeep lovers did take shots of the back of the jeep because of the trailview soft top which is designed like a truck conversion.
This is how our trips end up always some sort of turmoil. As for Nelly Bell, No one will ever see me beside the jeep posted online. If one does, then someone other than my wife and I took a shot of the jeep without our knowledge. yet while at a couple of truck stops, several jeep lovers did take shots of the back of the jeep because of the trailview soft top which is designed like a truck conversion.
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