Driving from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast and back in our Toyota Corolla
One of our road trip of objectives is for Nancy to visit all 48 of the contiguous United States. All she needed was to visit Oregon and California, Bill had finished all 48 during our road trip last September (2023).
The other goal, of course, is for me to shoot photographs of interesting things we find along the way – for USPictures.com.
Week 1
Day 1, Sunday, September 8, 2024
We managed to get on the road at 7:00 AM, a full half hour before the goal. It was a beautiful day to begin a road trip, cool and clear and almost no traffic. We ended up in Elyria, Ohio about 4:30 and checked into a Hampton Inn for the night. Tomorrow we plan to head toward Iowa on Route I-80. Interesting feature today was to see foliage beginning to turn color – already – this early in September .
We needed gas and I waited to fill up until we hit Ohio. Good thing, too. Fuel along the Pennsylvania Turnpike was 3.49/Gallon – but at the first rest stop on the Ohio Turnpike it was only 3.12. Why the big difference only 40 miles apart??? Red state vs Blue state, perhaps?
Mileage today: 515
Day 2, Monday, Sept. 9
Left Ohio after breakfast at the Hampton Inn. Breakfast was good as usual, but the room was disappointing – very surprising for a Hampton. We stay at Hampton Inn properties a lot and this was definitely not up to par. I talked with the manager in the morning – she wrote down the issues but, otherwise, didn’t seem to care.
Traveled through Ohio to Indiana, which wins the trophy for the poorest roads of he trip so far. Then we continued on to Illinois and tried to stay as far from Chicago as possible but still had horrendous traffic for the better part of an hour and a half. Myriad road construction and crazy drivers but, fortunately, we did not get shot at.
We landed at a nice Comfort Inn & Suites in Rochelle, Illinois. Nice place – (nicer than the Hampton last night) and we dined at a local diner that was right next door. The Sunshine Diner was “our kind of place.” Very good food, fine service and inexpensive.
Mileage today: 457
Day 3, Tuesday, Sept. 10
Another 400+ mile day, landing at a Quality Inn at Fairmont, Minnesota, sometimes thought of as the Muslim State. It does not have the largest number of Muslims, statewide – there are states with far more. It is the “Twin Cities” that have the call-to-prayer broadcast throughout the city.
Nice drive today, some construction/constriction zones, but not too bad. Great weather and light traffic. Sightseeing begins tomorrow with the Crazy Horse Monument, near Mount Rushmore – before we head toward Washington State and Mount Rainier.
Mileage today: 420+ miles
Day 4, Wednesday, September 1]1 (Yes it is the anniversary of 9/11.)
Headed west from Fairmont on I-90, heading into and most of the way across South Dakota. We landed for the night in Wall, SD. Home of the famous (?) Wall Drug. If you are from the east coast and have travelled south on I-95, you know about Pedro’s “South of the Border” with their hundreds of advertising signs as you approach their location. Well, Wall Drug has the same advertising approach – but crams all of the merch and services into a two city block area of downtown Wall. It is, however, an interesting and worthwhile stop on one’s way east or west across South Dakota.
Wall is also only a few miles from one of the two main entrances of Badlands National Monument – truly worth an exploratory visit. We toured the whole park a year ago and visited last night to try to catch a sunset. We did catch the sun going down behind clouds. We were hoping for red skies (because of forest fire smoke from the west coast) but that did not materialize. But it was still a great place to watch the sun setting.
Mileage today: Another 420+ miles.
Day 5, Thursday, September 12.
Today we headed to the Crazy Horse Monument (near Mt. Rushmore) before heading to our first “real” goal of Mount Rainier.
While Rushmore is finished and slightly better known, the backstory of the Crazy Horse Monument is fascinating and it, likely, will not be finished in our lifetimes. But it is an impressive project and done (thus far) without federal government funding (or oversite/restrictions).
Dinner tonight was at Old Chicago – we like their pizza and the HH specials are hard to beat. I usually try a “local” brew when we travel. I had an easy to drink amber beer called Sleep Speed Goat – that was “high octane” and a good taste (good enough that I had a second draft.
Mileage today was a bit over 300…
Total mileage for the first five days is 2000.1 – as parked at our hotel for tonight.
Day 6, Friday, Sept. 13.
Headed into Montana and made a brief stop at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (formerly the Custer Battlefield National Monument). We visited there last September but wanted to see the “finished” Indian Memorial (that was nearing completion last year). There were about 100 Indians killed in the battle, which was not their fault. Long backstory, but Custer was the bad guy in all of this and he was at fault for losing the five companies under his leadership.
After that stop we pushed on to Butte, Montana to spend the night as the Downtown Comfort Inn.
Mileage today: 465 (these semi-high-mileage days are getting to be a drag).
Day 7, Saturday, September 14.
We explored a bit of Historic Butte, a n area of the city where it all got started – around the copper and silver mines dating back to the 1870’s or so. We saw communities of original homes, mostly in very poor condition – but occupied. In front of a couple of houses we saw were pickup trucks likely worth more than the price of the houses.
Then we hit the road to Idaho and landed at a Quality Inn in Post Falls, ID, just west of Coeur d’Alene. Nice place, old and dated, but clean and reasonably priced.
Mileage today was 298, (including our short foray around the old mining town, Upper Butte).
Week 2
Day 8, Sunday, September 15
Continuing westward to get close to Mount Rainier National Park…but, first we stopped in Spokane to take in the “Vincent Van Gogh Immersive Experience” which was an awesome experience. If you ever have the opportunity, cough up the $30/ticket and go see it for your self. Even if you are not a big Van Gogh fan, the presentation, itself, is quite unique – and impressive.
Next we crossed most of Washington to land in Yakima for the night. We saw plenty of open high plains and also passed some of the world’s richest produce farms. Yakima County is the leading County in Washington State in the production of apples, sweet cherries, pears (including Bartlett pears).
Miles today – 315
Day 9 – Monday, September 16
We headed to Mount Rainier National Park…and, oh my, what a wonderful day to drive the switchback scenic roads of the park. We saw some totally awesome views of this majestic mountain – and shot numerous photographs.
We then pushed on to Longview, Oregon for the night at a Comfort Inn to put us within “striking distance” of the Pacific Ocean tomorrow.
Miles: 300 +/-
Day 10 – Tuesday, September 17
The first target goal today is Cannon Beach in Oregon where Nancy can chalk off her 47th state – AND – dip her toes into the Pacific. Y’know – from “sea to shining sea.”
Well, yes, we did make it to Cannon Beach and got our feet wet. Geeze, was that water COLD! But it was worth it to say we have been in the Pacific Ocean. We also grabbed some photographs of the iconic Haystack rock just off the beach. It was quite impressive to see.
Then we drove down the “coastal highway” – Route 101 – all the way to Newport, where we landed at a Comfort Inn for the night. The drive had some interesting scenery for the parts where the road paralleled the beach. But it was inland for many miles, was bouncy and narrow and it was foggy and rainy. It was not a pleasant drive at all. From the map it appears to do a better job of hugging the coast for the next portion heading south and into California.
We had a great dinner in Newport at a place on the working harbor called Moe’s. Dinner was wonderful but I should not have ordered the fresh salmon steak. I’m afraid it has now spoiled me and I will hesitate to order salmon when we return home. The salmon I had for dinner was just “off the boat” earlier in the day. I ordered it blackened, at the recommendation of our server. The blackening was perfect and the fish was about the best I’ve ever had.
Tomorrow will be another “shorter” drive – looking to head south to a “shelling” beach for Nancy – about 180 miles or so. Then we plan to hit Cali (Nancy’s 48th state) on Thursday.
Miles – 196, brining our trip total to 3326 in 10 days.
Day 11- Wednesday, September 18.
Some exploration of Newport…the Lighthouse, a shelling beach and the really cute group of shops and eateries along the 9actual) working harbor.
We say some of the infamous sea lions that had overtaken a floating pier neat on e of the main piers. The pile of animals were interesting to see but they smalled and were very loud with their constant “barking.”
The drive south – all the way to Crescent City, California, was filled with spectacular scenery. The coast road, (101) for this portion of Oregon more closely followed the coast than did our trek the previous day.
Miles today: 250, but it was seven hours of (exhausting) travel – because of the sightseeing-style road (narrow and winding) and numerous photo stops.
Day 12, Thursday, September 19.
Nancy did some shelling on Pebble Beach in Crescent City before we began our trek east.
Our first stop was to drive among the gin Redwood Trees in a forest just east of Crescent City before pushing on to Grant’s Pass. Then we turned southeast on I-5 to Redding for the night. Of course, we got to see Mount Shasta, all 14,179 feet of it on the way – it was quite impressive.
Miles: 250 today – the first 60+ being up and around the mountains to Grant’s Pass. Beautiful scenery but tough driving.
Day 13, Friday, September 20
Heading toward the Grand Canyon and hoping to get about half way. We did manage that – with the drive from hell. Well, at least part of it was bad. About 75 miles from before the Sacramento Airport to beyond the city of Stockton, Interstate 5 was like a parking lot. Usually that means slow going and stop and go traffic. Well this was about as crowded as a parking lot but everyone was going 75-80 MPH (regardless of the posted speed limits). If I allowed a bit of space between our car and the car ahead it was immediately filled by a lane changer 0 thinking they’ll get some where faster by filling any available space.
The rest of the drive was fairly interesting but became a lot of the same – repetitive fruit/produce farms with orchards the size of some counties back home.
So, we landed for the night at a Comfort Suites at Bakersfield, CA. That was pleasant, the Comfort Suites was perfect and we had a large room (suite) with a couch and even a ceiling fan. Dinner was at the Angus Steakhouse that was within walking distance and we had a perfect meal and drinks
Miles: 450+
Day 14, Saturday, September 21, 2024
From Bakersfield, CA to Williams, AZ we had a long but very pleasant drive. The scenery today was fascinating – much better than the boring trek through California’s Sacramento Valley.
As we were leaving California we saw many windmill farms and solar farms. One of the windmill farms appeared to have several hundred windmills. The solar farms stretched for a couple miles along the interstate and went as far back as the eye could see.
Once we got into Arizona the landscape changed and became more mountainous and desert-like. The view seemed to change with every hilltop we crested.
Miles today: 450+
Week 3
Day 15, Sunday, September 22, 2024
Heading the Grand Canyon National Park – at the South Rim. It was actually an easy driving day for me – only 62 miles to the main entrance of Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim. It was also a gorgeous day – sunny and low 70s while we were there. I had been to the Grand Canyon on a helicopter excursion several years back but this was Nancy’s first ever visit. We first toured the Visitor Center and took in the introductory video, which gave wonderful background info for the entire Grand Canyon – from historical formation to modern day use and viewing.
After the “classroom” session (that’s what I called the video presentation) it was time to see the real thing. We walked along the South Rim and enjoyed Mather Point about the best. At Mather Point you can walk out on an outcropping, well protected of course, and look at the majesty that Mother Nature created over the millenniums. Wide, expansive, and panoramic To quote a guide article: “the Grand Canyon as seen from the South Rim is an almost surreal, unbelievable sight that will leave you changed forever.” I might agree.
WE admired some of the native plants and wildflowers, including the Utah Agave with its tall colorful frond and the bush-like shrub, the Rubber Rabbitbrush.
After our GC experience we headed to Flagstaff for the night at one of the nicest Comfort Inn hotels we have seen.
Miles today: 150
Day 16, Monday, September 23
Heading south through Phoenix and Tucson to visit a Fine Art America colleague/friend near the Saguaro National Park.
Miles today: 200 +/-
Day 17, Tuesday, September 24
Headed back north to Winslow, Arizona to get another set of photographs of the two of us “Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona” to replace the one from 26 years ago. Neat place to visit if you are a fan of The Eagles. Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona is (sort of) their signature song. It was also the title of their very first album.
We had dinner at a locally owned and recommended bar & grill named BoJo’s. Really cool place and my Chicken Philly was fabulous.
Miles today: 280+/-
Day 18, Wednesday, September 25
Full day of driving from Winslow, AZ to Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
Miles today: 385
Day 19, Thursday, September 26
On the road again – all day and landed in Elk City, Oklahoma at a Comfort Inn & Suites for the night. At the recommendation of the check-in clerk, we dined at the Boomtown Grill – it was “our kind of place” awesome.
Miles: 400 +/-
Day 20, Friday, September 27
Heading east into Missouri, likely staying in Springfield on Friday night. We drove 405 miles from Elk City, Oklahoma to Springfield, Missouri. Not a bad drive – roads were good but the “toll” situation on various OK “turnpikes” is strange. We will likely get a bill in the mail for a couple of “plate tolls” because they do not have EzPass as we do in many/most Eastern states. We stopped at one “manned” toll booth (at an interchange to get gas) and the attendant asked where our ticket was. We had not gotten a ticket – told her we went through a couple of facilities that said license plate images would assess tolls. She acted like we didn’t understand. Asked where we were headed and where we came from. Delaware and western Oklahoma. Asked if we came from Tulsa – I said we bypassed that a half hour ago. “OK – that’ll be $1.00.” Huh? Sure, here. When we got back on the turnpike the same attendant handed us a ticket – which we never used – just kept on truckin’ eastward into Missouri.
Miles today: 405
Day 21, Saturday, September 28
Heading farther east today and made it to Effingham, Illinois to a Comfort Suites for the night. It was an uneventful drive with only one stop. We saw signs for “Candy” – that were billboards about every mile for nearly 30 miles before getting to Redmond’s Candy Factory in Phillipsburg, Missouri. The billboard that caught my eye was the first on e I noticed and simply had an ad for chocolate covered pretzels. Of course we stopped and we bought some (dark) chocolate covered pretzels, among a “few” other items.
Miles today: 320
Week 4
Day 22, Sunday, September 29
Continuing the trek homeward…and landed at a Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. Our room is a real suite – separate “living rooms area” – even has two TVs.
That was after the drive from Hell. This was my 22nd straight day of driving, anywhere from 250 to 450 miles, and the weather did not cooperate. It rained and traffic was surprisingly heavy for a Sunday.
Miles today: 315. Trip total thus far: 7360, for an average of 334 miles per day.
Day 23, Monday, September 30
On the home stretch now. This will be our last day of “driving only.” Tomorrow will be the day to arrive home – but we have a stop planned for Baltimore about half way there.
So, today was a miserable drive – it rained all the way, heavy at times. No fun at all – could see almost nothing. We always stop at the Sideling Hill road cut but while passing through could not even see the top of the cut. But we stopped, anyway, to use the restrooms – which are always well maintained and clean.
Tonight is also our “qualifying” stay to become Choice Hotels “Platinum” level customers. That take 20 stays within a year and comes with a couple of small bennies.
Miles today: 341 – with abut 325 in rain, mostly heavy. We landed in Hagerstown at the Comfort Suites Hotel at 1901 Dual hwy. The building is nice and the room is a suite but the carpet is dirty – so dirty they should be embarrassed. I did not complain because, after a grueling day, we did not want to have to relocate rooms. But I will say something to the morning manager and/or take it up with corporate vi email when we get home.
Day 24, Tuesday, October 1
Heading home today – with a brief stop in Baltimore. Should be home by nightfall (hopefully). No sightseeing needed on this last leg of the trip, obviously, because we’ve done it hundreds of times before.
Traveling is, indeed, fun – a lot of fun, but it is always good to be back home.
Miles today (first half in heavy rain, again): 206.
Total miles over our 24 day road trip: 7,916.