The Great North American Tour of '07

[John Bridge]

Folks, in about two months Patti and I are going to head out on a very extensive travel trailer trip which will consume about four months, and $6,000 worth of gasoline (The Dodge Hemi gets 7 mpg pulling the trailer.). Tentative jump off is May 15.

We will go from here to Phoenix, where we'll visit friends. Then on to California, up through "the valley" to the Sacramento area, where my sister and one of my nephews live; on to the Seattle-Tacoma area, which is our summer headquarters. My brother has a spot in the back yard where I park the trailer free of charge. We'll spend a month or so there. :)

On to Vancouver, B.C., and north to Alaska. I'm thinking of heading west at Prince George instead of continuing slightly to the northeast to Dawson City, which is officially "Mile One" of the Alaska Highway. Taking the western route we would intersect the Alaska Highway further on at Watson Lake.

We plan to spend the better part of a month on the Alaska leg. Our twin sons will fly up for a week and join us at Anchorage. We hope to get a chance to view Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. It's an iffy proposition given the usual cloud cover in that part of Alaska.

From Alaska it's back down the Alaska Highway, this time all the way to Dawson Creek (Mile One). Then on through Edmonton, Alberta, through Saskatchewan, and to Winnepeg, Manitoba. The Company that prints Tile Your World (Hignell Book Printing) is located in Winnepeg, and I've been promised a tour.

From Winnepeg down to Minnesotta, where we'll visit Tile Guy Todd, then into Wisconsin to see Musky Mike and Tool Guy KG (Kurt). To Chicago where one of my sons lives (as well as my ex-wife, who is still a friend).

From Chicago around the bottom of Lake Michigan and up the other side to Grand Haven, where The Noble Company is located. Eric (E3) is going to give us a tour. Dave M might join us there. Then it's on across Michigan and back into Canada, where we'll try to meet up with all the Ontario tile guys in the Toronto area.

Then to Montreal, Quebec, where Schluter Systems operates its manufacturing facility and has its Canadian headquarters. We'll spend a couple days there inspecting things to make sure all is running correctly. ;)

Then to Plassburgh, N.Y. and Schluter's North American headquarters. Probably spend a couple more days ensuring they know what they're doing on this side of the border. ;)

Across Lake Champlain into Vermont and New England. Patti is from Connecticut, and she has relatives in New Hampshire, also a sister in Guilford Connecticut. I'd like to spend some time in Maine and even Nova Scotia, but I don't know that we'll have time at that point. We'll work our way down through New York, Washington D.C., Virginia and the Carolinas, Georgia and west again to Texas. . . four months and about 15,000 miles in all. :)

[Sponsored Links]

[ddmoit]

Hey John,

You'll be passing within a mile of my place in St. Joseph, Michigan. I'll try to wave as you go by. :wave:

[John Bridge]

Where is St. Joseph, Dan?

[ddmoit]

It's right on Lake Michigan, about 23 miles north of the Indiana border, and 80 miles south of Grand Haven on I-94.

[John Bridge]

I see it. It's right by Benton Harbor. I was there years ago on my way to Grand Rapids. I'll call ahead. Will you hand me a sandwich as I come rumbling through? :D

[ddmoit]

That, and a beer, if Patti's driving.

[jay f]

Can you say Corona? :yummy:

[John Bridge]

Patti doesn't drive when the trailer is attached. Hand the beer anyway. I'll save it for later. :D

[opiethetileman]

So john are you asking for a gas fund early this year. if ya come to florida ill fill ya up its on the way lol. what ever ya do stay safe and have a good time you are retarded now ya know.

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Don't forget about doitright. Musky, doitright, and I all chipped in and got a license plate made for your trailer to make this trip a little lighter on yer pocketbook. Hope you like it: :shades:

[doitright]

Hi John :)

That sounds like an outstanding trip! :tup2:

Let me know when you're in Chicago. I'm not too far from Dianne's place (if I'm not mistaken). ;)

Are you going to plaster your travel trailer with each of our business cards as you come through? :shades: :D

[cx]

I figgered out at least one reason our conversation got so confused the other day, JB. Alla time I think you were talking about Dawson Creek in British Colombia (or is it in Alberta?) when I was thinking about Dawson in the Yukon Territory. I went through both of'em going one direction or the other, though. But for sure you need to go through Dawson or you won't git to see Tok and Chicken, and if you miss that, you might as well just stay in Texas. :rolleyes:

I've pewt in an official request to my traveling companion on that trip for access to the travel maps and logs if she's still got'em. If I get holt of'em, I'll be better able to tell you the gooder places to be lost onna way. :D

That part of your trip can be as fine and pleasant a misery as a fella might find while hovel touring on this here continent. :)

[opiethetileman]

So can we put bags of thinset tied to the back and see if leaves a trail. Kinda like bread crumbs. Like i said me and stoner and the florida boys say come on over we have GAS and lots of it.

[Wiley]

:clap1: Sounds like a good plan John and Patti. I think this is going to be an awesome thread. Take lots of extra batteries for the camera. (do they even sell corona in Canada? If not, what is the weight limit of that hovel. ;) )

[P.Dieter]

John, I'll meet you (and others) here (http://www.beveridgeplacepub.com/) for some fine beers

[Jerry L A Tile]

Wow John, that sure sounds like fun. I would love to tour the north as well. When you make your way back down south and fill up at Opies, be sure to stop by my place in Alabama. I'm not too far off I-10. I'll cook ya a steak and let cha relax in my easy chair if ya want. :rolleyes: Then, we could hit a few golf balls the next morning with the wives. :tup2: Now that sounds like a great way to end your vacation :wave:

[opiethetileman]

Jerry his Hovvel just doesnt seem to want to turn left out of houston.

[John Bridge]

Paul, the only time I was ever in West Seattle I was lost. ;)

Naw, stay in touch. We'll get together one way or another.

Wiley, they keep braggin' about all their beer up there in Canada. Last time I was in BC all I could find was Budweiser. :D

Jerry, I'll be going through Columbus, Ga. I was stationed at Ft. Benning back during the Viet Nam build-up and haven't been back since. Want to check it out. Gonna take 80 over to Meridian, Miss. and then hook up with I-20. I have done I-10 so many times. Gotta go for a little variety. ;)

Opie, I'll catch ya on the winter trip one of these years. Gonna circumnavigate Florida in my land yacht. :D

CX, I was tryin' t tell you it was Dawson Creek, BC -- Mile One. And a fella doesn't have to go through Dawson (Yukon) to get to Tok. In fact, you can't get into Alaska without hitting Tok. (We used to call it Tok Junction.) :)

[muley]

I will be rambling around Anchorage the last week of June and the first week of July. Enjoying seafood, drinking frosty adult beverages, and generally reeking havoc upon the local population. Naw, wife and I are cruising up to Alaska for a couple of weeks to scout for property. The canadians won't allow my Glock .45, so I am considering how to drive that far w/o protection, last time I was in a car w/o protection was in highschool, well thats a different story for another time. :lol2:

[opiethetileman]

John ya know I only pick on ya ole buddy. but ill catch up to ya at coverings next year in orlando. Like I said before regardless of where you go be safe and have fun. and smoke a cigar fer me

[skydivr]

JB,

I don't know if you remember but I met you at Coverings in Orlando in 05' and I just wanted to let you know that your website has contributed tremendously to my knowledge base since I first started lurking here in 02'.

If you plan to spend any time in New Mexico on your first leg West please let me know. If you'll be within 100 miles of Albuquerque I would love to take you two out to dinner if you have time and if not, I'm sure I could recommend a lot of places to stay depending on your interests.

[cx]

Cruces is about as close as he'll get to you, Dave. :(

Hell, I'm gonna be right next door in Luna and he won't even stop by there and say howdy.

But maybe he likes you. :D

[skydivr]

Cruces is too far from me and there's not much to see down there anyways, Oh well.

Cx, are you talkin' Luna near Reserve or Luna near Corona? I've spent a lot of time bowhunting elk in the Gila but I've only hunted near Corona once for muley's. The Gila is one of my all time favorite places.

[tileguytodd]

So who's making the arrangements to plaster the home depot & lowes parking Lots with the News that John Bridge is coming to town........(maybe we should tell em Michael B's coming???????? and when folks show up we tell em we had to do a final minute switch cause Michael dosnt really like people?? :yeah: )

BBQ At My Place...Stay tuned for Dates (in other words, you'll know when I know :D )....Any members close enough are welcome to come RSVP please ...(OK kelly, you can come too if you can find Minnesnowta ;) )

Seems to me we have a few members for the Twin Cities and even a couple up in the north west..........And I know at least 1 tileguy in Duluth could make it :)

Corona & Dos equis (for the enlightened) Will be served along with Miller High Life ( for those who want to try to keep up while not falling Down)

We have Room for tents campers or theres a Motel in town with 7 rooms (I'd go for the tent or camper LOL )

Food will be served...Its Pot luck (if theres something in the Pot, were in Luck) :yeah:

[Scooter]

Gimme a shout when you are here. I'll buy the Coronas and treat you guys to a real Mexican restaurant.

[jay f]

iS THAT AN IMPLICATION I'M NOT ENLIGHTENED!!! :D :D ;)

[John Bridge]

Muley, I'd really like to meet up, but we won't be in Anchorage until mid-July. I can't take my .44 Bulldog into Canada, either, so I'm going to take a pump shotgun to keep in the trailer. Shotguns are fine as long as you don't saw them off. ;)

CX is right, Skydiver, Las Cruzes it is. Man that place hasn't changed a lot since I was stationed at Bliss back in the late 50s. :D Don't know where Luna is, and as CX implys, I wouln't visit him, anyway. :D In 2008 I think we'll be taking a more direct route to Seattle. I'll take you up on the dinner then if you're still offering.

Todd, you know I love parties. Looking forward to it.

Scooter, I never did know exactly where you are in the L.A. area, but I won't be going that way this year. My son who lives in Irvine is being transferred to Seattle, and he'll be there by the time we leave, so I plan on plowing right up the Valley to Sacramento. I'll catch you on a subsequent trip, though. I never have had a chance to show Patti Hollywood Blvd. Gonna do that one of these days. :)

Dan, I hope you spend more than a day at Coverings 2008. We'll knock back some brewskies. :)

Jay, nothing is implied here. Corona forever! :D

[cx]

Cx, are you talkin' Luna near Reserve or Luna near Corona?Luna Near Reserve, Dave.

We based about 8 miles north of Luna for part of last year's work, but not sure exactly what areas they want done this year. Reserve, at 25 miles' drive, was our nearest gas and groceries. Also worked east of there, over in the Elk Mountain area. Lotta fire damage to a lotta acres there.

Didn't see a lot of game in either area, but my owling partner killed a nice 6x6 elk two years before very near our Luna camp.

John's gonna be sorry for treatin' me so bad one of these days. :tongue:

[John Bridge]

Why, were you thinkin' about puttin' me in your will?

:D

[Scooter]

Well John, we are pretty much at the corner of the 10 Interestate and the 5, near downtown, so if you stay over in the area, great shoot me a PM and I'll give you a phone number; if not, wave as you go by. You'll be able to throw a rock and hit our home.

[tileguytodd]

iS THAT AN IMPLICATION I'M NOT ENLIGHTENED!!!

I dont know Jay, I'll probobly be the guy drinking Miller to keep from falling down...........Been there drinking with John and I know if he's in the mood(and he will be on vacation) I dont stand a chance of keeping abreast of him Beer for Beer unless I Cheat :D :D :D

Now I am Keeping a look out for some Point Bock that I can stash away until John makes it here.............If I can get my hands on a couple cases there will be No need for the Miller.....at least not on my account :D

Now where the hell am I going to find Limes in Minnesnowta!!! :yeah:

[John Bridge]

Don't need no stinkin' limes. I drink my beer neat. ;)

[tileguytodd]

I was thinking more along the Lines of if I can Get Colleen Stanton (Ninemile)to ride her Bike Up here for an Overnighter.......I have yet to meet Her & her husband.

[tilerite]

Going through my neck of the woods (I-40, Winston-Salem), eh?

[John Bridge]

Within rock throwing range of Winston-Salem. Planning on veering off onto 85 to Charlotte, but I'm versatile. :)

[tilerite]

I'd love to buy you and the wife dinner, perhaps for a signed copy of your latest book?? :)

[Dave Taylor]

We'll work our way down through New York, Washington D.C., Virginia
How ya gonna do that an' skip Maryland?
Jeeeze... I don't git's no respect no mo'.
I got's a lot what' fits hovels fair well.... all you gotta' do is tell the moles to moves over. 50 miles to DC, 25 to VA.
SMD rednick' country it tis'. ... .. .:sheep: Don't step in the sheep s@it.

[John Bridge]

Rick, that sounds like a pretty good deal. Dinner for a book? You bet. :D

Dave,

Rob Z. lives in South Riding, VA, wherever the hell that is. Where is it? He's offered me the driveway for a night. And I'm supposed to put on at least a couple hundred miles every day. You figure you're that far from Rob? :D

[muley]

Sheeze, all I gotta do is whip out a book, hook up the camper to the diesel, post in advance about my travels, and I get free booze and grub from all you guys as I travel about the country? Man, I was hittin JB up for dinner in my Anchorage post, after all, him being a successful author, businessman, and site owner, and me being a poor, upstart, starving remodeler. Isn't that the way it works? Scooter?

[tileguytodd]

Muley......................SHHHHHHHHHHHHush.......were all preparing Invoices for services ifn you dont blow it!!! :devil2:
:D :rofl: :D

[tilerite]

John, let me know when you and the misses are headin this way and I'll turn you on to some Carolina Barbecue. I'd rather turn you on to a Philly cheeseteak in my old Philly stompin grounds, but down here in North Cacalacky, a cheesesteak can be almost anything. There actually are some good restaurants out here. Just gotta know where to go.

[Dave Taylor]

Mr. B said..... Rob Z. lives in South Riding, VA, wherever the hell that is. Hmmm….. How to git’s to South Riding VA from rednick‘ MD. Now let’s see. The moss grows on the north side of the house…. No… the moss seems to grow all around the house. Hmmm….. I got’s my trusty VA map but…. No South Riding….. Mebee’ it moved. Hmmmm…. Google mebee’…. zoom in my arss… this dial up is sooo sloooow that map zoom aint’ no zoom…. More like a…. Oh… there’s South Riding….. East of Chantilly VA on HWY 50…. East of Alexandria, South and East of Reston….. That right Bob Z?

Now fer’ directions from my area to Bob‘s…… wait….. Wait…. Holy sh$t… no way I would drive that-a-way. Bob lives in kinda’ a busy area of VA and them Google directions are a traffic killer, Hell I know better country roads for at least part of the way….. But traffic fer’ sure when you approaches’ Northern VA and Chantilly.

It’s bout’ a hunnert’ miles between ol’ Bob Z’s place and mine…. Give er’ take…. Check it out. Mechanicsville MD zip 20659 to South Riding VA….. The first 60 - 70 is country but them last 30 will be busy.

Jest let me know what yer’ pleasure is. I kin rig water and electrical hookups out in the front lot at my place easy…. And I have jug water and plenty of grass and turnaround room around the trees. I would prolly’ take a day offen’ work to.

The deers’ will prolly’ eat the hovel though. Hunny Bunnys’ been feedin’ em’ and they been a-gitting’ a little cheeky.

[John Bridge]

Muley, the first thing you have to learn is how to beg a little more gracefully. :D

Dave, we'll try to work it out. :)

[muley]

Neither begging nor grace are are personality traits I carry. :shades:

[Harry]

Holy smokes John ... by the time you get to Ontario you're going to be around 375 lbs. I'll watch for the RV coming down the 401 on a tilt.
;)

[John Bridge]

Harry, I might fake you out and come up the 403. Always heard about Hamilton (baseball/football). Might hook down that way. Might not, though. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys. :)

[branty1uk]

What about the old England. Come and sample some real beer.

[John Bridge]

Next year, Danny. I'll mount pontoons on the rig this winter. ;)

[branty1uk]

If you start paddling now, you might make it for next ''summer''.

[dgunnels]

Forget him Danny. I won't even talk to him until he visits my neck of the woods. You can give up on him coming to your side of the pond; he won't even come to the east side of our country.

[flatfloor]

Danny, I can just see that thing jammed halfway into the Chunnel. :lol2:

[John Bridge]

Neesie, you're at nearly the same latitude as I am. No way in summer. That's why I'm getting out of here and heading north. :)

[John Bridge]

Took a little picture of the Alaska bound rig. I'm going to modify the front of the trailer to make it more aerodynamic. I've got a NASA space engineer helping me with the numbers. Right now it's like pulling two sheets of plywood flat into the wind. Ain't good. ;)

[JTG]

JB
So you have those Houston Oil guys saying keep it the way it is and the rocket guys with a fix. What a deal.
Make sure that when you are at Coverings you Get all of those mind set ready to make donations the the 3rd Annual JB Seafood Fest :yummy: . And thank them again for last years great participation. :yeah:
JTG

[John Bridge]

I'll do my best, Jerry. You do it so well, though. :)

[flatfloor]

Hey John! :idea:

How about putting sails on it? Tacking might be a little tricky tho. :yeah:

[Davestone]

Ya don't need no rocket scientist to figger this out, ya just let Patty drive and ya climb up on the camper top and hold a half sheet of plywood at an angle....sheeeesh. :shrug: :D

[branty1uk]

Price of fuel over there, its only gonna cost about £10 for the trip. :yeah:

[John Bridge]

$7,000 if it doesn't go much over three bucks a gallon. ;)

[opiethetileman]

do you at least get a free gas can at the end of 7k. Or maybe the hot gas chick will pump ur gas the whole way. ( hot chick would be patty geesh)

[John Bridge]

Dan, that reminds me of going through Oregon last summer. Did you know that in Oregon it's against the law to pump your own gas? They have attendants at all the pumps. You pay for the gas, and the attendant pumps it in. Oregon has a few quirks. That's one of them. ;)

[opiethetileman]

Remind me not to go thru oregon. At least ya took my humor in good stride YOUNG man. shame florida the famous hurricane state aint on your GPS tracking unit for the tour. All the boys would come to the state line and sing. East bounty down or Convoy. Bandit 1 come in bandit

[branty1uk]

You'd be looking at $15,000 uk prices.

[John K]

Hey that's a pretty good law. Who's the ***hole who thought. " Hey lets charge them more and make them pump their own gas"? :scratch:

[John Bridge]

Danny, I've got an idea travel trailers must be a lot smaller in U.K. :)

Yeah, gas doesn't cost any more in Oregon. Don't know how that works. Didn't notice any difference from the prices in Washington and California.

[sgrandjean]

John,
Does the Oregonian Mafia have a lock on the service station attendants like New Jersey?
Cheers.

[branty1uk]

I've seen them a lot bigger than that. Which is nonsense on our tiny roads. I was going on 7 mpg. Our fuel coming in around 90 pence a litre. That's about £3.60 a gallon.

[flatfloor]

That's $7.09 USD :eek:

Around here the stations that pump for you are the cheapest, usually no names but my cars run fine on them. Same gas anyhow. :)

[John Bridge]

Wow, I hope we've got a few more years before we run into that. ;)

But think of it this way, too. You can circumnavigate the entire U.K. and only go about 1/10th the distance I'll be covering. From that perspective gas is a bargain over there. :)

[JTG]

Gas in Bangkok was about $2.89 a gallon.
JTG

[John Bridge]

Jerry, I think you know that Thailand is not a democracy. Nor is it a free economy. Goverment sets prices on just about everything. :)

[JTG]

Yep
John before I forget make sure that you talk with my Patti about the drive up to Alaska. She has done it a number of times but the trip she liked the most was the time they drove the route you are talking about taking.
JTG

[branty1uk]

Over 7000 miles to circumnavigate the UK. 70,000 miles, that's some trip. :eek:
As for governments setting prices, nearly all that money on our fuel is tax.
around 50 pence a litre.
So £3.60 [$7.09] for a gallon of fuel, £2.00 [$3.94] is tax. Then I have to pay over £165 a year, road tax. I live in London, so when I have work in the city, that's another £8 a day.
So if you do ever make it to the UK John, you may have to re-mortgage your home first. :tup2:

[John Bridge]

When I come I won't be driving. Taxis and buses for me. :)

[jjwq8]

Taxis John? You are definitely going for broke! Buses? How much time can you afford to wait? Reason pensioners get a bus pass is coz they were only 21 when they first got to the bus stop.
85 cents a gallon and loving it:D:tongue: :yeah:

[John Bridge]

85 cents a gallon and no place to go. :D

[jjwq8]

Wachoo torquing about?
From here you can go to hell in a hand basket in no time flat.......and the gateway is only 100Km's north of where I sit:D

[flatfloor]

85 cents a gallon and loving itIf there's no place to go, who cares? :nya:

[John Bridge]

I spent a week modifying the front of the Puma. I've managed to increase fuel economy by over 30 percent for starters. Pretty proud of myself. Posted a little piece with some pictures. :)

http://www.johnbridge.com/travel_trailer_aerodynamics.htm

Jump off date is about three weeks away.

[ddmoit]

Nice work, John! The potential returns of a decent marketing campaign might even put your efficiency savings to shame - if you're up for that kind of hassle.

[opiethetileman]

John not bad for a kerdi man. can ya build a shower like that as well. put one on the front of the blue beast as well. Or take some vaseline and lube up the cone maybe the air will slide rite off the whole hovel.

[belletile]

You should of tiled it

[John Bridge]

Dan W.,

I didn't put it in the article, but I actually considered Kerdi over quarter-inch plywood at one stage of the game. The problem was waterproofing the undersides of the sheets. Water will splash up underneath my creation, and because it's protected from the sun and wind, that water will hang around for a while. Also, I don't know how well Kerdi takes to paint, and I couldn't see going around the continent with an orange nose with white Versa Bond streaks all over it. :D

Dan M.,

I'm always ready. Speak to me (in private). :D

[Dave the Tile Guy]

John that whole page was absolutely amazing. The information is really helpful to a up and coming RV'er. My wife and I will be buying a trailer within the next month. Are you still happy you went with a conventional trailer as opposed to a more aerodynamic 5th wheel? That is my big question right now..5th wheel or trailer. We're looking in the 24-28 foot range so I can go either way. I dont have a truck right now so that too is another decision. heavy-half or jump to a 3/4 ton. Obviously the 3/4 would be better. But for everyday city driving with the family I find a 3/4 ton very uncomfortable. Your info is muchly appreciated John!

[John Bridge]

Dave, I went through that agony over a year ago. Knew nothing. Don't know a hell of a lot more now, but . . . :)

I picked the tow-behind for two reasons: price and the fact that once you park it you still have full use of your truck. For example, I can't have a topper and pull a fifth-wheel (fiver) at the same time. The new Puma at 32 feet with a big slide out and two bedrooms cost me less than twenty grand American.

The big problem with the tow-behind I just solved, that it's not as easily pulled as a fiver. My trailer now pulls with relative ease.

But you've got to remember that, besides the higher price, the fiver is much much higher and presents a higher target for the winds coming from the sides. I've noticed that going down the roadway (Interstate) I pass a lot of fifth-wheels. I know they're trying to conserve fuel, but I also suspect they're being careful about getting blown over. Cross-winds in our northern plains states (and in the province where you live) can be brutal. I experienced them last summer going through Wyoming and Montana. :)

They make a tow-behind in Canada that is unique. It's called the Award. Look it up on Google. They cost more, but they make more sense than the cheaper units like the one I own. I didn't want to spend the money. :)

As far as trucks are concerned, you can't make it with a half-ton. You'll need at least a three-quarter. Your wife will get used to the rougher ride when empty. Do like I do. Load the rear end with heavy tools. It'll settle right down. :D

[JTG]

Well it will be even easier this year to spot John and Patti as they head up the road. :cool:
JTG

[John Bridge]

Jerry spotted me over on the Pacific Ocean side of the Olympic Pennisula last summer. He and Patti were spending a weekend out at Moclips. I'm tooling around over there and all of sudden there's a small car behind me with arms waving out both windows. :) We spent a couple of very pleasant hours before moving on up the coast.

Yeah, you'll see the Puma. Don't think there's another RV anywhere that looks like it. :D

http://www.johnbridge.com/images/Resize%20of%20nose30.jpg

[Ron]

Excellent article John.It actually looks pretty cool. :)

So,when you are coming up this way you can park in the Tilemaster parking lot and also turn it around without backing up...lotsa room there.Let us know when you're planning to drive through the smog of Toronto . :)

[John Bridge]

Ron, looking forward to seeing you again. :) I'll stay in touch. It'll be sometime in August.

[dgunnels]

Dave we own a 5th wheel, our second. We prefer it because the towing is easier as is hitching. OK, change that we to he. Bobby usually pulls it so he got to make the choice on that one.

I do have to agree with you that driving the ton truck on city streets or even down older town lanes requires added concentration. Solution, buy a little run about car that gets a zillion mpg for regular driving. Bobby just filled us last week. $79.

[John Bridge]

I do agree that hitching a tow-behind takes some doing -- you can't see the hitch. I can do it myself, but it requires about ten trips from the pilot's position to the hitch area to see how far off I am. The last couple trips are crucial, because we're talking inches or fractions of an inch. I would say you have to be within 3/8 in. of dead center before you lower the tongue. It's really nice to have someone back there directing.

Having been a truck driver in a past life, I can attest to the ease of hitching a semi-, which is what a fifth-wheel is. You can see the "pin," and it's just a matter of getting it lined up before you engage it.

Fifth-wheels also back easier than tow-behinds. The pivot point is closer to the front (turning) wheels of the truck, and over-correcting is not as much of a problem as it is with tow-behinds -- you have better response and control. Additionally, you can jack-knife a fifth-wheel 90 degrees. Try that with a tow-behind and you're out of business. ;)

[Alto]

Suh-weet, John!

I liked the way you kept your mind open to the intuitive process, I always like my projects better when they evolve in process. It really looks good, too!

[jjwq8]

Now all you have to do is improve the aerodynamics of the blue brick in front and you will really be making progress.
Both Kenworth and Mack may be calling by the way:D

[dgunnels]

John's right, Hitching a pull behind is easier with two but I've never yet seen a driver who was happy with their mates directions. I'll take my 5th wheel. It keeps the peace. :stick:

[John Bridge]

Bah! The Dodge is pretty aerodynamic -- more so than a Ford, anyway. :D

Neesie, I thought about saying something about using your mate as the back-up director, but I figured I'd lay low on that one. Then you come along starting trouble. Well, I'm not going to bite, so there! :D

[KeithinCA]

Be safe John! Best of fun and health on your trip... If you swing near Palm Springs, I'll waive to you.
Keith

PS: Thanks for this site and all it's peoples :yipee: :clap2:

[John Bridge]

Thanks, Keith.

We'll be coming over I-10 as far as Riverside. Then heading north up the Valley. So just stand out there along the Interstate. Wear something flashy so I recognize you. I'll have Patti wave at you. :D

[jjwq8]

The TYW archive and Albert thought you might like to see John's first attempt at towing something aerodynamic.

Note he retains to this day the blue theme in his vehicle of choice. Patti says it matches his language when reversing.

[John Bridge]

Wow, wonder if the Hemi can handle that baby. ;)

[John Bridge]

Thought I'd let y'all know this was my last official work day. Gonna spend a week readying the rig. Patti will be making her final administrative and banking arrangements and making sure I don't forget anything. :D

We'll be heading west next week -- Wed., the 16th, at the latest.

[Brad Denny]

Hey John,
I see you guys are going through the Carolinas. If it's not to far east and you haven't been you ought to look into the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, N.C. as a stop. The wife and I went this past Christmas and I was floored by the craftsmanship. Are you guys sticklers for itineraries?

[John Bridge]

Brad,

The itenerary is as loose as it can be. I know the route I'm taking in general. That's about it. :)

[John Bridge]

Brought the trailer from the storage yard to the house today. It's parked right out front where neighbors and other people have to slow down to get around it. The AC is running (it's never run more than a few minutes before), and the refrigerator is cold (it has run a few times previously). :)

I'll be making a few last-minute modifications in the next few days, and Patti will be loading the things we'll need for the summer -- sheets, towels, paper products, food, beer.

She also has an electric piano, a folding bench, foot pedal, some other doo-dads that need to be stowed aboard. Exercize equipment. She's ordered a "Bean" that will be sent ahead to my brother's place in Washington State. It won't make it here before we leave.

I have to remember to put my uke and harmonica aboard. ;)

[opiethetileman]

Ole Johnny boy. listen up young feller. drive safe and have fun and bring the hottie patti back home to us safe and sound. Hey why dont you do this leave keri scarps all the way .

[cx]

Don't take no naps 'cept when you're stopped. :D

[flatfloor]

CX, why would you say that? :shades:

[John Bridge]

Today is our last day of preparations. Loading the food and clothing into the rig. My computer and printer. Patti's electric keyboard, bench, stand, foot pedal. My uke and harmonica. Gotta have music. :)

This afternoon I'll hitch the trailer and get it pointed in the right direction. Right now it's parked backwards so the slide room can be over the front sidewalk and not out in the street.

Both batteries are charged. Holding tanks flushed and empty. Fridge is keeping my beer cold just fine. :)

Figure we'll be heading out around 8:00 A.M. Gonna hook up with Marge and Wiley in Arizona Friday afternoon/evening.

[ddmoit]

We vicarious travelers look forward to your updates from the road. Roam safely!

[dgunnels]

Best wishes for tail winds, good food, and cold beer.

[John Bridge]

Neesie, I've got the good food and cold beer covered. It's those tail winds that continue to elude me. Kind of like having to walk five miles uphill to get to school -- both ways. :D

[Richard Tunison]

Happy trails you two!

[MudMaker]

Have a great adventure my friend.... ;)
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

[Wiley]

Looking forward to seeing you and Patti again. Please drive carefully.

[opiethetileman]

do I get a farewell KISS POPS. drive safe OLE man. take care of MISS TEXAS

[flatfloor]

Wagons hoooooooooooooooooooooooooo! :whip:

Be well, be safe, be happy. :)

[Davy]

Have a good time John and Patti, drive carefull. :)

[JTG]

Patti & John
Travel safe.
Look forward to sitting on the deck at the Pacific Inn and catching up.
82 here in Ballard at 7:00 pm. Still have another 2 hours of daylight.
JTG

[Marge]

Patti and JB, we're thinking it still looks good for the mtns. Keep your fingers crossed and drive safe. We'll be in touch Thursday to update you on conditions.

And Jerry, that weather is supposed to be on June 23...not now! :)

[patti]

Hi everyone,

We'll be taking off in the morning as you all know. Think just about everything is packed, can look out the front window and see the truck and trailer hooked up and pointed in the right direction.

Looking forward to the mtns in Arizona and Jerry....Pacific Inn....have to get there more than once :clap1: :D

Better turn in......long trip ahead. :)

[TJ]

John and Patti - When you are going from NYC to DC, are you taking 95 down NJ or are you taking the more inland route? If you will be going through PA and would like a tour of "the mansion," let me know. Couldn't have built it without you all!

[cx]

Holler if you're goin' by Luna, NM, anytime before the weekend. We'll finish work there/here by Friday night if the weather stays as good as it's been and leave for Snow Lake.

I'll show you my new pickup. :)

[opiethetileman]

dont forget to pack johns dentures and cane and the wheelchair. haaa haaa drive safe you2. CAN I SIT BY THE WINOW ARE WE THERE YET I M HUNGRY

[Bugman]

John & Patti, We hope you have a wonderful and SAFE trip.

[Dave Taylor]

Don't stop fer' no hitchickers! I unnerstan' Ednas out there..... some where! I kinda' lost track of her where-a-bouts.

On reflection.... mebee' that's a good thing.

[John Bridge]

Today's the day:)

Gotta wait until nine to pick up a prescription I need that we forgot about yesterday. That'll be my last official act in Houston. Y'all take care of the place while we're gone, hear? Anything heavy-duty comes up, Dave M. And Flatfoor are the principals in charge. :)

I'll be posting updates every day or two depending on Internet availability.

[Marge]

We'll have a better idea in the morning, but JB and Miz Patti may get re-routed tomorrow.

We were all looking forward to an evening in the pines Friday, discussing the finer points of the new Kerdi corners.......

However, some poophead started a forest fire Sunday, about five miles as the bluebird flies (why should the crow get all the credit?), from our mountain cabin. It has escalated another mile closer and caused evacuations. While we don't believe we are in the immediate path, the highway John and Patti need to traverse may be at issue because it goes through the affected area. We'll know more tomorrow. And safety is the key point here. :)

I volunteer with our FD and will head North tomorrow AM to scope it out. We are talking with friends/neighbors to coordinate "sentimental possessions" collection. As a community, we have organized over the last couple years to face this possibility. And...it is ONLY a possibility at this time.

While many homes here are second homes...there are full time people of limited means. Please keep all the residents in this area in your thoughts, as well as the incredible people fighting this blaze (and the others fighting wildfires in our country at this time).

[dgunnels]

Have fun guys and be safe.

Marge, I feel for you. Even though it's been dropped from the news radar, things are still very bad in SE GA & NE FL.

[Bugman]

Marge, The noon news mentioned the Payson fire today. Hope it misses the cabin. Just keep John and Patti safe!

Neesie, we had heavy haze in the upstate yesterday from the GA/FL fires. We noticed it as we were coming home from the coast.

[Marge]

We've gone to Plan B. The Bridge's will be heading to our Valley home tomorrow. The smoke is so thick here at the cabin you can't even be outside. We have a lot of wind and a thunderstorm right now, but no rain. :( I'll be heading South tomorrow AM. If I can get my dial up speed to get past 34K I'll upload some fire pitchers later.

[Marge]

Hope these upload before it times out. The first view is from the entrance to our community and the other is at the base of the hill where it is burning. The smoke in the second pitcher had let up quite a bit. Amazing what the wind stirred up.

Talked to JB today and they are in New Mexico somewhere. Will arrive here tomorrow afternoon. Won't be drinking wine in the pines, but we'll make do on the desert patio. ;)

[cx]

Well, just across the border in New Mexico we're working in some very large (read huge) previously burned areas, but for this season we've had too much rain to be havin' no fars.

This is a good thing. :) Well, no fars izza good thing, rain ain't so good for walkin' inna woods all night. :(

[Tom Tee]

John,

Suggested correction; That will be a $6000 fuel allotment IF the trip is wrapped up by memorial day. Would be best if your fuel cc did not have a preset limit.

Fantastic plans! I'm jealous, best wishes.

tt

P.S. In 1967 my first year in business I seem to remember my fuel cost was 29.9 cents per gallon, yesterday I filled up at $2.999.

Today I am also making about ten times as much as then. It's just that it is so hard to say that "fuel costs about the same".

But then again the miles per gallon rate is better........so are we paying LESS for gas today in overall dollars?

[John Bridge]

We have arrived at Gold Canyon (home of Marge and Dave), AZ. Checked into an RV park and am trying to catch up before we head over. Spent the night in Safford AZ at Roper's Lake State Park. Very nice little place with water and electric hookup for sixteen bucks. :)

Did great on fuel economy. Had a couple of 8 mpg runs getting away from the Houston Area. Had some wicked cross-winds and lots of hills over by San Antonio. But in West Texas the wind shifted and things started looking up. Managed to log two back-to-back 11 mpg runs, then one near 12 mpg and the most recent at 10 mpg. We are elated. It's better than I expected. :)

More in a couple days. Take care.

[John Bridge]

Hi....Patti here

Just wanted to say.....early Thursday morning in west Texas.....John thought it would be a good time for me to drive the Hemi pulling the 32 foot trailer :wtf:

There was no wind and little traffic. Anyway....I did drive for under an hour.

Actually went pretty well :D

[opiethetileman]

haa haa ya need a sign on the truck


is that a HEMI

No its PATTI with all the horsepower who needs a hemi

[Dave Taylor]

Ya', and I spose he slept the whole time too.
Ain't even started the trip an' he's tard.

It's hell to git's old.

[cx]

I guess this mean y'all ain't fixin' to stop by Luna, eh? :D


Don't matter, I gotta go to work in a few minutes anyway. Might even find us an owl or two tonight, too. :)

[TJ]

Where are the pichers??? Somebody had to say it. Safe travels.

[Marge]

cx, we got you beat. Great big old owl glided right over Patti and my heads last night on the patio! That was in addition to the bats flying all around, the cottontail baby that wandered to within a few feet of us and the howling coyotes on the other side of the gate. Mutual of Omaha night!

Had a nice dinner and visit last night. A hot day but the evening cooled off into the high 80's.

Here's a couple pitchers of Wiley and JB solving the world's problems and one of the Blues Sisters. :D

[jay f]

Now there's a pair it takes three of a kind to beat (pick a picture :nod: )!

[John Bridge]

Hi all, :)

Great pics, Marge. Appears I'm listening intently to some piece of wisdom the great Wile E. Coyote is trying to pass on to me. Can't remember what it might have been, though. Thanks for the good food and great time we had. You've got a really fantastic place out there on the desert.

Blues Sisters, don't give up your day jobs, okay? ;)

We are presently parked in front of my buddy's house in Northwest Phoenix. I think we'll probably pull out tomorrow (Monday). Heading west. Don't know where. Don't care. :D

Our radio/cd player went out in the truck about the time we entered Arizona. I'll get that fixed or replaced before we leave tomorrow. Gotta have music on the road.

Internet connections are iffy and/or nonexistent at some of the places we stop, but I will report in each time I'm able to. Y'all take care of the place. ;)

[opiethetileman]

john we can call ya and sing to ya the rest of the way

[Marge]

That should motivate him to get a new radio! :D

[opiethetileman]

marge wow looks a little salt and peppery hair there dear

[Marge]

Hey that's my very own blonde...I paid for it myself! :)

[JTG]

Four days since checking in? :scratch:

I sure hope that J&P are not stuck out there in the Southwest someplace.

JTG

[flatfloor]

Be worse if they were off the coast of Baja. :D

[John Bridge]

This is Patti

We are in Sacramento visiting John's sister and having a hard time connecting.
We will check in soon. :wave: :wave:

[Wiley]

Thank God Patti checked in tonight. I could see the headlines now -

"Police say Marge and Wiley claim that 'They were alive when they left here'. Wiley's background now being fully investigated." :eek:

[John Bridge]

Well, life has been tough Internet connection wise since we've been on the road. We've stayed in state and national parks where the Internet is non-existent. Also, some of the RV parks haven't gotten the word yet. :)

We made an overnight run to Sequoia National Park to see the giant Sequoias. Really a beautiful place, but Patti doesn't like the road in and out -- lots of tight hairpin turns. Stayed at an RV park in a the quaint little town of Three Rivers, which is right on the edge of the park. No Internet.

On to Sacramento. My sister works with a carnival and travels in the area. They gave us a free hookup as part of the operation, but nobody has Internet. I managed to connect at Starbucks this morning, but only took care of business.

Tonight we're in a very nice park in Yreka Ca. It's about 40 miles north of Mt. Shasta, which we've never been able to completely see because of clouds. Today the top was totally obscured as we went by. :)

Yreka bosts Grandma's House Restaurant. If you ever come through here don't miss it. Best breakfasts in the world. :)

We intend to make it to southern Washington State tomorrow and on into Tacoma (my brother's place and our headquarters) on Sunday. I will have unlimited Internet until we take off for Alaska the first part of July.

I'll have some pics but not tonight. Gotta get 'em reduced. Patti will be posting later.

Hope you all are getting along fine without us. Don't know if that's possible, though. :D

[patti]

Hi.........I'm actually signing in under my name. As John said....we'll be going to Grama's House tomorrow. It is such a special place.

John's sister and I went down this huge slide.....that was fun. Haven't driven again yet...need to wait for the next part of the trip when we aren't driving up and down the side of mountains.

[patti]

"Haven't driven again yet...need to wait for the next part of the trip when we aren't driving up and down the side of mountains."

That will be Alberta in August. --J.B. :D

[John Bridge]

Sitting in Starbucks in Olympia, WA. Spent last night in a rest stop down in Vancouver. Will be checking into my brother's place this afternoon. Weather turned to mostly cloudy and cool. No rain, though. :)

[John Corley]

Good luck travellin through Gods country! :nod:

[kate42]

Hi Patti

I love driving up and down mountains.Sometimes I feel like a kid on the roller coaster. Of course I'm not hauling an RV behind me. Actually I don't know if I ever will travel the way you and John are. I believe I would prefer a self contained (all in one) RV. I hope I said that right. Anyway I hope you both are having a great time. An extensive trip like you're taking is something I hope to do one day. It's got to be soon before I get much older. Right now all I plan to take are one and two week trips like the one my son and I just took to Colorado. With family all around the country, I plan to do a lot of traveling this summer.

Kathleen

[patti]

Well.........we are in Washington, parked in front of my brother-in-laws house.
It is so beautiful up here....will be here for about a month.

Have to hit Ivars and Pacific Inn. Don't have them in Texas. :crap:

[patti]

Ivars is a chain fish and chip place in the Seattle for all of you who aren't familiar with the area. Pacific Inn is in the Wallingford districts. Old place that serves the absolute best fish and chips in the world bar none.

Kathleen, I think you want a "motor home." Gotta have more bucks than we have to operate and maintain one of those babies. ;)

[John Bridge]

Once again, I posted under Patti's name above. She forgets to log out, and I forget to log in. I think we'll have the routine worked out long about September. :D

[Dave Taylor]

Are we there yet! Are we there yet!
I gotta stop.

It's hell to gits' old.

[JTG]

John & Patti
Good to hear that you are settled in down in Tacoma.
Thanks for bringing a lot of real nice weather with you.
Looking forward to getting together.
JTG

[tileguytodd]

Once again, I posted under Patti's name above. She forgets to log out, and I forget to log in. I think we'll have the routine worked out long about September.

Ahhhhhhh How about coughing up enough to get Patti her own Laptop there Big guy!! :clap2:

Have Fun You 2...........hey while your there, go ride a train.....Theres an Old narrow gauge logging train around Mount McKinley somewhere that takes a pretty nice scenic trip........Supposed to be an Old steamer too :)

[John Bridge]

There's only room for one laptop in this here hovel. :)

From what I've been hearing, there's a chance we might not even see Mt. McKinley. Clouds surround it most days. We're sure gonna try, though.

I've got some nice pics of giant sequoias and tall redwoods that I need to reduce and post. Too many chores. Right now I'm converting all the windows from mini-blinds to pull-down shades. Mini-blinds are a pain, and don't keep much light out.

[Mike2]

How's the air spoiler working out?

[Dave Taylor]

Whaddya' wann'a bet that it fell off somewhere back around Albuquerque, Mike Mike :---)

[John Bridge]

I'll be updating my aerodynamics article, but informally, we averaged a point or two over 9 mpg from Houston to Seattle. We were doing even better than that before we hit the mountains of Northern Cal and Oregon. I am well pleased.

A small piece did fall off in New Mexico. Hadn't used enough screws. It's fixed. :)

We've just returned from the Dock Street Landing bar and restaurant in Tacoma, where we drank Mack and Jack (brew) and ate steamer clams drenched in butter and garlic. Patti has been yearning for that since we departed last year. Good stuff. :)

[patti]

Had a great time at Dock Street Landing Bar!!!!!
The steamers were great !!! We'll definitely go back there a couple of times before we leave. Ivars, Pacific Inn and steamers...have to have these three when we are in Washington state......can't get them in Texas.

Really great to be up here, it's so beautiful!!! Great to see John's brother too.

[John Bridge]

Don't know how to add subtitles. :)

1. Patti and I entering Arizona.

2. In Sequoia National Park on the way to the giant trees.

3. "The Sentinal," in front of the museum. This tree measures about 18 feet across at the base. It was born before Jesus was born.

4. "The Round Meadow" at Sequoia.

[kate42]

John

Great pictures. I hope you and Patti are having a great time.

Kathleen

[dgunnels]

Just a word of caution...please do not post anymore of your risque photographs. These shameful public displays of affection shall not be tolerated. This is a family site after all. :lol2:

Hope y'all are having a great time. Lots of fun and be safe.

[John Bridge]

We spent a day in San Francisco and went to Muir Woods (redwoods) across the Golden Gate in Marin County.

1. View of the trail through Muir Woods.

2. Patti and my sister Colleen in front of a redwood. These are not the largest in California. Redwoods are not as wide at the base as sequoias, but they are taller. The redwood is the tallest living thing on Earth.

3. Grandma's Place Restaurant in Yreka, CA. This is the second year we've stopped here. Grandma has passed away, but her daughters and granddaughters operate the place. Yreka is in Northern California. We strongly recommend that you stop in for breakfast if you're out this way. :)

[cx]

Yea, Neesie! I'd report'im to the site owners if I were you. :D

Big ol' trees, those. Y'all see any owls up in'em?

[John Bridge]

Neesie, the really spicy shots have to be special ordered. :)

Hi Kathleen. :)

No owls. Saw a lot of yellow tailed brown bottomed whippoorwills, though. :)

[tileguytodd]

Well they may have big tree's out ther on the west coast, But WE GOT MOSQUITO'S...........

So There :p

Good to see ya'll are havin some fun...........I'm saving a Wall Mud Job for ya when you get here John.(wouldnt want you to ferget how).......I already went out and bought you a brand spanking new Hawk and put your name on it in Permanent Ink and I'll let you use the well worn wood handled steel trowel since you'll have had so much time off and your tough ol callouses will be gettin a mite soft by august..

Hope you got your own lil pointy trowel since you use em cause I dont own one.........I suppose I could cut down a Margin for ya :D

By the way, I'll be gone August 7th through the 13th to Wisconsin ( American Lemans Series Generac 500 weekend at Road America)
You'll probobly still be in alaska or just maybe just coming Into calgary's Banff/Jasper Area around then If i recall your ballpark scheduleing.

[JTG]

On Sunday we had a great party here. My birthday and good friends here in the back yard to enjoy good food and conversation.
Thanks John and Patti. I didn't get a chance to tell you that in my extended family I'm known as "Jerry Old Dog" From when my Mom would clip me to the laundry line in the back yard or when we went out I was in my harness with lead. :shrug: And what do you folks give me? Jerry's own Old Dog. How did you know?
Thanks for being here.
JTG

[opiethetileman]

wow jerry ya almost look like the old guy on the far end wow i had to put my glasses on.

[opiethetileman]

not the 3 amigos its the three gray owls

[JTG]

Hey there Amigo
Over a century and one half of experience right there on what is or isn't a good party. :)
JTG

[opiethetileman]

jerry i hope ya laughed not frowned. i do respect my elders ya know.

[John Bridge]

Dan,

Patti says she's gonna kick your ass if you call her a gray anything again. :D

Great party, Jerry. We'll be up to hear you perform on the 17th. :)

We are leaving Mt. Rainier and on our way to Port Townsend. Cloudy and cold. Reminds me a lot of my childhood. ;)

[opiethetileman]

ouch no sense of humor no more just humor.

[Davestone]

Wow, big trees.This thread makes me think i need a vaca,but i'll get over it.Speakin of big trees, i ever tell you guys about the time a biiiig oak tree fell over the day i bought a house and barely missed the house, my truck, my brother-in-laws boat and the neighbors fence?Got lucky that day i''ll tell ya.Now what's all this gray talk?I don't see any,just blondes. :D

[Dave Hessel]

I know a beautiful spot not far from where you're at John. It's Crystal Mountain. It's a ski resort in the winter time, and beautiful, scenic alpine country. Driving out there, east of Enumclaw, you go through some big stands of Douglas Fir. Did a timber cruising job out there last summer. Sounds like you appreciate big trees. That Crystal Mt. Resort has a good restaurant, and some places to crash if you tire of the R.V.. It's a tiny resort.

[John Bridge]

I'll try that one out one of these times, Dave. :)

Sitting in a Starbucks in Gig Harbor on our way back from Port Townsend. Weather was cloudy the two days we were there. Sun came out this morning. ;)

Going down to the Tacoma Dock this afternoon for steamer clams. ;)

[tomtuttle]

Dock Street Landing or Johnny's Dock or Harbor Lights or Shenanigan's? Good beer and sandwiches at the Swiss (19th and Jefferson). Did you walk around by the Bridge of Glass already? Very cool. Enjoy your trip!

[John Bridge]

Hi Tom, :)

It's the Dock Street Landing. Just got back. I think the clams are good. I understand they are farmed, though. ;)

[tileguytodd]

Hmmmmmm what kinda job is Planting lil baby clams all in rows or does John Deere Make a Clam Planter.......do they need to be weeded?? :D

[John Bridge]

Most of the seafood we eat these days is farmed. There has been so much pollution that many of the areas where shellfish are gathered are questionable. It's an unfortunate situation, but there you have it. Trouble in God's Country.

While in Port Townsend (upper east point of the Olympic Penninsula) we stayed at Fort Worden State Park, which is a pre-WW1 army camp. Many of the buildings have been restored and maintained, and they've added a couple of RV Parks. One is on the beach, and that's where we stayed. You can also rent houses there on Officers' Row. These are duplexes where the field grade officers lived. I think the nightly rate is around $160.

An RV space on the beach is $38 per night, which is a bit high, but I think it's worth it. You can wander up and down the beach and hike around the old fort. Lot's of history there. I took a pic of the old cemetary. The fort dates from the 1870s. There are folks burried there from that period all the way up to the present century.

I'm sure we'll return to Fort Worden in future years. :)

In the pics: Patti is checking names to make sure mine is not there. :D

The beach is just behind the berm at the rear of the trailer.

[opiethetileman]

nice pics john WOW PATTI LOOKS SO HOT IN THAT PIC. ask her if shes single and ready to mingle. Hey when I die I want to cremated and put in a bag of thinset and hopefully end up under tile in VICTORIAS SECERT

[kate42]

Opie....:shake:

[John Bridge]

Met up with Tom Baier (tomtuttle) this afternoon for a couple of brews and some great conversation. Hope we didn't talk your ears off, Tom. Good seeing you. ;)

[tomtuttle]

John, it was such a pleasure to share some time and nice beverages with you and Patti. Thanks so much for working me into your schedule. Any time you need a break from standing around, I'm here for you. :D Next time, you don't have to drink the Black Beer :)

[John Bridge]

That was beer?

:D

[TJ]

Have John and Patti fallen off the face of the Earth?

[Wiley]

Yea guys, what have you two been doing the last 2 weeks? :D

[patti]

Hi
No we haven't fallen off the face of the earth. We are still in the Tacoma-Federal Way area, been here about a month. It's been great. Of course the Seafood fest at Jerry and Patti's place was a lot of fun........as always :tup1: Some time next week we will begin driving north.........to Alaska :D

Wiley...one thing that's begun to be taken care of ....had the truck's radio checked. We are actually going to have music again while we are traveling.....haven't had it since before leaving Texas !!!!

[Nightbeast]

Hey John,

Tonight was the first time I saw this thread. I loved those aero mods you made. I don't know if it has actually improved your aerodynamics or not, but one thing is for sure, it's invisible to radar. You might stop by Lockheed-Martin on your way through GA and teach them a thing or two for their next-gen stealth fighter. On the other hand, they might arrest you for stealing national security secrets.

I'm realy envious about your trip and people who are able to make those kinds of trips. I've always wanted to drive all around the country like that and hope to do so some day.

Here's hoping your trip continues to be a safe and fun one. Honk your horn if you pass through Atlanta.

[John Bridge]

Jerry and I were going to go sailing today, but the forecast is for 60 percent chance of rain this afternoon, so I'm begging off. :) Maybe early next week.

I figure we'll head north about the 5th and leisurely make our way up to Alaska. Western Canada is beautiful, so there's no reason to get in a rush. It's about 2,200 miles from Seattle to Anchorage. Our boys (and one girlfriend) will be joining us in Alaska for a week near the end of July, so we've got to be in Anchorage to intercept them. Otherwise, no itinerary. ;)

[ddmoit]

"No itinerary." That's living. :tup2:

[John Bridge]

Heading today to the Ballard Locks ("government locks") http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=lwsc&pagename=mainpage. Will meet up with my son John and his wife, and I'll have my brother and my niece along, too. After a couple hours at the locks we'll retire to the Pacific Inn for fish and chips and draft beer. http://www.catmanor.com/moonbeam/pacinn/ Weather today is perfect. It'll be in the low seventies with plenty of sun. :)

[kate42]

draft beer.

John :wave:

Have one (or two) for me. :yummy: Haven't had a beer since my surgery. :cry:

[patti]

Today is beautiful......I love going to the Ballard Locks and of course the Pacific Inn.
Wanted to go more than once and this will be the second time for the Inn.....so now we'll be able to leave for Alaska this week. :rofl:

Kathleen....I'll have a Merlot for you :D

[kate42]

I'll have a Merlot for you

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/ernaehrung/food-smiley-006.gif Thank you. :tup1:

[patti]

Just got back a short time ago.
Had a great time. Went to the Locks and when we were leaving we ran into Jerry and Patti .....what a nice surprise. Sorry they weren't there a little earlier, could have visited with them for a while.
Then went to Pacific Inn........great as always.
Kathleen....not only had a Merlot for you............had two !!!!!

Looking like we will be taking off on Tuesday.

[kate42]

[QUOTE]....not only had a Merlot for you............had two !!!!![/QUOTE

And boy were they good. :yummy:

I'm glad you hd a nice day. :)

[John Bridge]

I don't know if it's just me, but I think the fish portions are just a little smaller than they were last year. Still excellent, though. :)

Mack 'n Jack beer still goes down pretty well. ;)

Yes, we will be leaving Tuesday morning for Mt. Baker. Will spend a couple days there and then up to Vancouver, B.C.

[Westie]

John : While you are in Vancouver you might want to check out the following :

Capilano Suspension Bridge : Long suspension bridge over a river gorge. Lots of huge West coast rain forest Douglas firs in the valley. http://www.capbridge.com/

Grouse Mountain Gondola : Great view of the city and the ocean if it's not raining. http://www.grousemountain.com/

Granville Island.: Great seafood, and many one of a kind art galleries. Also the home of Granville island brewery. The Granville Island Lager and English Bay Pale Ale are great. http://www.gib.ca/index.php

Once you get to Alberta I'll tell you about an other great place to get beer.

[Wiley]

Wiley...had the truck's radio checked. ..going to have music again while we are traveling.....haven't had it since before leaving Texas

Patti, you have got a lot more patience than me. I would have stopped at the first Wal-mart and bought a boom box :D

Enjoy the tunes and drive safe. (really should look at sattelite radio, better than cell phones)

Good seeing you two at the seafood fest, great fun was had by all.

[tileguytodd]

That Capilano Area Is Beautiful & Full of History (there was a Narrow Gauge Logging RR that operated there run by the Capilano Timber Company. At one time there were a Couple of Log Trestles that crossed that gorge.......Its an area Ive always wanted to go explore!!

As to Suspension Bridges..........We were just at the Longest suspension bridge in Canada (not as High of the water as capilano but High enough let me tell you LOL )
There were 2 of them. one was 300 feet long (to get you warmed up) and the other 600' long ( this one moved ALOT swinging while you crossed it)
Heres a couple pictures I took while there, it may help you decide if you really WANT to try this John ;) ...........I cant believe I actually PAID for the privelage.

[John Bridge]

We'll be in Vancouver today to tour the Interstyle glass tile factory. http.www.interstyle.ca

Don't think we'll be taking in many other attractions there. I'll probably wheel through Stanley Park, though. We've been to Vancouver before. :)

Tomorrow we'll be heading north to Alaska. Probably be about a week on the road. No hurry. :)

Spent the last couple days in the Mt. Baker area west of Bellingham, WA. I'll post pics next time I get access. :)

[John Bridge]

We are in Smithers, B.C. about to take the Cassiar Highway up to the Yukon. We have very few opportunities to get on the Internet, and the cell phones are useless most of the time. We'll stay in touch as best we can and catch up when we reach Anchorage. Y'all stay out of trouble, hear? :)

[TILMSTR]

John, I was born and raised in Anchorage. I can't wait to get back someday for a visit. Have fun!







BigD

[cx]

Smithers?!! Smithers ain't even on my map, best I can tell. :rolleyes:

If you think it's bad now, wait 'till y'all get up north. Can't even see most of them satellites over the horizon from up in Tok, eh?

Y'all be careful. And don't feed the Canucks. They just look tame. :D

[kate42]

John :wave:
Y'all stay out of trouble, hear?

Why? :scratch: That's no fun. :D You know the old saying "when the cat's away, the mice will play. :lol1:

[Bugman]

cx Smithers, BC is about 35 miles NW of Houston, BC :nod:

[John Bridge]

David, looks like you got as far away from Alaska as you could and still be in the States. :)

Clyde, I smiled as I Whizzed through Houston. I think they had a gas pump, but I'm not sure. :D

We are now at Iskut on the Cassiar Highway. The road so far hasn't been too bad, but we notice that all the southbound traffic is dusty or muddy. We hit a couple of gravel patches today on the way up, but it had rained and there was no dust. You can't bitch about the road, though, because this is some of the most wondrous country in the world, and there is so much of it. I've got only a few pics because it's difficult to get off to the side of the road. I'll post them when we get settled in Anchorage. It's been a very pleasant drive so far. :)

We'll probably be out of touch for several days.

[patti]

Hi
Finally can use the computer. I'm sitting at the table in the trailer. John's cooking........lucky me. It's 7:00 PM and looking out the window, there are beautiful mountains with snow on them. Looks great !!!! Really sunny too.

Also nice to get out of truck and riding for a while.
As John said, can't use computer very much and forget about cell phones.
Hope that will be better in Alaska.

[kate42]

Patti :wave:

John's cooking.

Your husband cooks? :tup1:I hope he's good at it.:yummy:

I'm glad you're enjoying the trip so far. :) Being out of communication with the world is not that bad. Enjoy the peace and tranquility. ;)

[Bugman]

John & Patti, I can't imagine how beautiful that country must be. I'll just have to continue to enjoy it through your eyes. Looks like some interesting squiggles on the map about 18 miles north of Iskut. Hope you don't have to back the trailer up to make it around the curves! :goodluck: :D
Stay safe and enjoy the trip. We will be looking forward to an update ASAP. :tup2:

Kathleen - Watch it there! Some of us guys are purty good cooks! :nod:

[John Bridge]

We'll be leaving in an hour or so. Haven't looked on the map to determine our latitude, but the sun sets around 2300. This morning we awoke at about 0430 and it was already getting light. I installed heavy window shades in Tacoma for that reason. Otherwise we'd be trying to sleep with the sun in our eyes.

The signal here isn't strong. I'll catch up with y'all in Anchorage. ;)

[patti]

We're about to leave......but just have to say...yes John is a very good cook. :D

We don't have the use of the computer much while traveling in northern Canada
and we will still be in Canada at the end of the day.
Don't think we will be backing up during our travel up 37, happy about that!

[kate42]

Patti :wave:
John is a very good cook

That is great. :tup2: It's got to be nice when the other half can cook and give us ladies a break in the kitchen.

I am envious. :D . Happy Trails and take lots of pictures. :)



Clyde :wave:

There may be some great male cooks, but I haven't met one yet. If I want something to eat, I have to cook it myself and I do that just about very day. I do know that some of the world's best chefs are men. :yummy: It's just that the men in my life can't cook at all.:shrug: Somtimes I'd like a break, and eating out (or takeout) is not an option for me.:shake:

[ddmoit]

John & Patti,

I'm sure you know this, but I'll say it anyway. There are many more people than are posting here who are living vicariously through the two of you as you travel. Thanks for sharing your trip with us on this thread.

[Bugman]

John, Iskut Latitude: N57° 51.1'
Glad you got the dark shades. That much sun is a little tough on those of us from the south. :crazy:

Kathleen, I guess John and I are in the minority. :yeah:

[John Bridge]

Two things happened today: We arrived at a higher latitude in the Yukon, and I got an Internet connection again. Can't believe it. Cell phones haven't worked for a couple days, though. :)

[patti]

Well, traveling up 37 was awful, the roads were so bad that hangers fell in closets and a TV in the back room fell on the bed. Luckily we've never had that problem before.
It is beautiful though, and very nice to be in an RV park where we can actually use the computer.

There's a huge lake right beside the park and beyond that are trees and really high hills. Northwest Canada is awfully pretty.
Guess we won't be in Alaska til Wednesday.

[JTG]

Patti
Count yourself lucky to learn the lesson about securing everything prior to travel on those roads without having anything break of importance.
Out in the middle of nowwhere and have an internet connection surprose surprise :scratch:
Have you gotten into the land of bugs yet?
Stay safe.
JTG

[Marge]

A lake? It's beautiful? I don't see no stinkin' pitchers! :D

[Bugman]

After all those bumpepty roads they probably can't hold the camera still yet! :sick:

[cx]

The roads where they've been aren't really bumpy or otherwise bad at all as I remember it, Clyde.

Hell, they live right next to Louisiana. Don't git much worse than that, eh? :D

[Bugman]

Patti said Well, traveling up 37 was awful, the roads were so bad that hangers fell in closets and a TV in the back room fell on the bed.

CS said The roads where they've been aren't really bumpy or otherwise bad at all as I remember it

CX - I guess your idea of bumpy and Patti's idea of bumpy are a little different :D

I would love to see that part of the world. So glad John and Patti are letting us share it with them. :tup2:

[cx]

Yeah, well, she's just a whimp. Besides, I thought she meant 37 down in south Texas. :D

[Bugman]

OOOoooooo Boy! CX is one brave man when Miss Patti is almost 3,000 miles away. :D

[Bonus]

Careful of those lakes, guys. I went up to Dawson city once in late June. North of Muncho Lake somewhere, forget now, it was blistering hot, we come over this pass and see this BEEEEEEAUTIFUL lake way down there, bright blue and so inviting. Drove down, parked, jumped out of the car and into the lake. Heart attack!!!! We were out of there so fast we hardly got wet, found out from talking to the people on the shore that break-up had happened several days earlier!!

Tks for sharing your travels with us, it brings back memories for me.

[John Bridge]

CX, Patti says we're gonna drive two hundred miles out of our way to come over to your place so she can kick your ass for calling her a wimp. ;)

Folks, We were in Fairbanks this morning but decided it's not all that scenic, so we headed down to Denali Park to take a shot at viewing the mountain. No luck. Clouds all over the place. It was the sam with Mt. Logan in Canada. There are very few occasions when either of the mountains can be seen from afar. We'll stay after Mt. McKinley, though. :) Tomorrow we'll settle in the Anchorage area for a while, so we'll be in touch more frequently. Today we're in an RV park at Cantwell, about 30 miles south of the Denali park entrance. Beautiful country.

Marge is after me for pictures. I've resized just a few that I'll post now. Will post more when we're established at Base Camp Anchorage. :)

1. Fraser River between Vancouver, B.C. and Hope. Reminded me of Wyoming. Looked a little like desert. :)

2. Cassiar Highway. Beautiful country, but Patti wasn't exagerating about the road. Very tough going with a trailer. Lots of mud, rock and gravel. Much of it is paved but heaved up by winter frost.

3. Mt. Baker area of Washington State, just south of the Canadian border. We spent a couple days there.

4. The final mile of the Alaska Highway at Delta Junction, Alaska. We were on our way to Fairbanks.

Patti will post later. Y'all take care. ;)

[patti]

Ok CX........I'm really not a wimp. I had just said that the TV fell off...it really fell onto the table top and broke it and landed on the bed. A couple drawers back there fell out onto the floor and a curtain and rod fell from the wall in the main part of the trailer and the medicine cabinet opened and things fell out.
We were bouncing up and down even going slow and vibrating up and down.

Since last summer, we have probably gone 10,000 miles in trailers and have never come across roads like that.
The bad part is, when we go south, we will have to go over some of the same roads :o not all of them. But really, for the most part, it's been alot of fun. The area around Denali is really beautiful, that's where we were today, heading toward Anchorage.

[cx]

CX, Patti says we're gonna drive two hundred miles out of our way to come over to your place so she can kick your ass for calling her a wimp.Well, damn the luck! I'm gonna be gone that day. :D TV fell off...it really fell onto the table top and broke it and landed on the bed.One more reason not to own a TV. :)so we headed down to Denali Park to take a shot at viewing the mountain. No luck. Clouds all over the place.Yep, seen that trick, too. I think we hung out near the park entrance for two full days and still ain't seen the top. Bashful little bugger. :(

Glad y'all havin' a large time. Shame y'all didn't get to see downtown Chicken, but maybe it's for the best. The roads do get bad up there sometimes. :D

[Marge]

About time we got some pitchers. :)

The roads are a heck of a lot better now than many moons ago (many, many moons) when I drove them. We used to put plywood on the front of the car to keep rocks from denting/ruining the paint. I remember sections through Canada where 40mph was a really good stretch of highway.

Keep those pitchers coming.

[bbcamp]

I'd like to see some video of you running in front of your car, slapping plywood down on the road, all at 40 MPH! :crazy:

[John Bridge]

I met a guy in Yukon who had gone all the way up to Prudhoe on the Dalton Hwy. He had made a pretty neat looking plexiglass cover for the front of his truck. Other than that, though, the only covers I saw were on the fronts of turtles that motor homes were pulling. I protected the front of my truck by staying well back from anyone who might be in front of me. This pisses off the drivers of pilot cars, but they don't count anyway, do they? ;) There are no perfect roads north of Prince George (the Yellowhead Route leading over to Prince Rupert). Beyond that point, whether you head up to Dawson Creek or over to the Cassiar Hwy, as we did, you're going to find stretches where you have to slow down. Of all the roads traveled, though, the Cassiar is the most challenging.

There is one brand new stretch of highway coming out of Fairbanks toward Denali (the Parks Highway). It only runs for about 20 miles and is the only piece of road that is similar to anything you might expect in the South 48. They tell me there are freeways in Anchorage now. They are building them in Fairbanks. Can't figure out why. There still aren't many people up here. I guess when they get about a hundred cars on the road at the same time they figure they have traffic problems. :D

[JTG]

Good to hear that you guy's have rattled yourself up there and everything went well.
John you are going to find that Anchorage has changed quite a bit since you were there last. Starting with the road starting near Palmer.
When I saw that you were posting near at Cantwell I thought of this:

The book is "Into the Wild" and in Sept there will be a movie, Sean Penn bought the rights. The book is a great read. All of this took place real close to where John and Patti are right now.

After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life. This kid hitches a ride from Fairbanks down to Cantwell area and hikes into the woods so he can live on his own in the frontier. He keep are detailed journal. He was found dead in his sleeping bag in his cabin. Facinating story of how he died.

John & Patti Enjoy Anchorage and visiting all of John's old haunts. It will be fun to hear what is there now.

JTG

[flatfloor]

They tell me there are freeways in Anchorage now. They are building them in Fairbanks. Can't figure out why.

Does the word pork ring a bell? :D

[JTG]

You do know that Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens is the only legislator with an airport named after himself.
He really knows how to bring home the bacon
JTG

[kate42]

John and Patti :wave:

I too am glad that your trip is going so well and that you are enjoying youselves. I'm enjoying reading about your travel adventures. :)
Patti - I do not think you're a whimp. :shake: When you kick that person's butt, :lol1: please make sure someone is taking pictures. :yeah: I want to see them. :)

[Mountain Tile]

yea, really, where are the pics?

[John Bridge]

Yep, there is a major freeway running through Anchorage. Pork, you say? What is that? They have about a quarter-million people living in this area, and they actually have traffic jams. :D

We are currently camped in Wasilla, about forty miles east of downtown. Freeway all the way. :)

Monday we'll be moving into Anchorage, where we'll remain until we leave at the end of the month. We'll make one- and two-day forays out of there. I'll be taking pictures.

We've had a heck of a time gaining access to the Internet, but after Monday we should have a more or less continuous connection. :)

[cx]

I wish I had took me a picher of the sign that's onna road just where you turn west off the paved road just south of Beaverhead, New Mexico. Says somthing to the effect of, No Road Maintenance Next 121 Miles. And they ain't pewtin' you on, neither.

Ill put that first fifty mile stretch of County Road betwix Beaverhead and Snow Lake up against the worst roads y'all find up there in Alasky. Drove that in my hovel towin' the little truck in not much over four hours, seems like. :shake:

The fifty onna other side of Snow lake ain't nearly as bad, though. Maybe ol' Senator Stevens gots him a ranch on that side, eh? :D

Ooops, ol' JB snuck in there whilst I was typin.

Glad y'all found you a nice place to park. Have you tried any of the nice ferry service betwix places up there, yet?

[Davy]

Kelly, and you wonder why the windshield won't stay in the thing. :yeah:

[cx]

No, no, Davy! The windshields tried to fall out before that hovel ever got a taste of the kinda places it was gonna be expected to work. :shades:

Just a whimp hovel is what it is. :D

[Davy]

Gotta keep plenty of :ducttape: around. :)

[cx]

And rebar tie war, Davy. :D

My partner broke a spring on his travel trailer on that same stretch of road when we came across. :(

My little cordless Makita angle grinder paid for it'sownself takin' off them shackles for the repair, by the way. :)