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Hard to predict weather, but on March 14, I'll be driving from Ft. Collins, CO to Wilkes-Barre, PA... & returning 1-2 wks later... & am trying to choose the best route this time of year. As a note: I spent my life driving in New England blizzards, so I'm not afraid of snowy roads, but looking for whatever might make 1 route better/faster/safer/easier than another.
Even though I-80 is a toll road, it is 120-mi shorter than taking I-70... 240 RT, which would be nice. I'll do the drive in 3-days, since I'm a girl driving alone & like to get off the road before dusk. But, would there be any better reason to take 70 instead? I figured there might be someone here who regularly travels either road. If it matters, I have a Honda CRV... it seems to drive well in any weather, so far.
Also, going out, I'm fine. But, there's a small possibility that my mum may be coming back with me on that 3-day return trip to stay in CO for 1-2 wks. She's 87, so every 2 hrs, needs to stop to stretch out and/or use the rest room. I know to stop at McD's if I need to, but it's often faster to use the rest stops for easy on-off hwy access. So for the return trip Re: Hwys 70 & 80, does 1 have more rest stops than the other or more fast food places than the other, in case she needs a bathroom?
Thank you very much! I appreciate any help... advice or websites.
2) My car will go 1250 miles between fuel / bathroom stops (Gotta hold it)
Stealth with the iron bladder!
A.Typical.Girl, I'm originally from Scranton, but I think I would check the weather, and although I-70 might me longer, you might avoid some early spring snow storms that could slow you down.
If the weather is all clear, probably take I-80, since you would hit less major cities than I-70 and not have to deal with crazy traffic, depending on the time of day of course.
We should have a sticky or something:
1.) Watch the weather forecast a day or two before traveling for bad weather predictions and use this to plan accordingly.
2.) Use google maps to plot your routes (it will plot quickest route, including traffic considerations, you can also plot out rest stops and restaurants).
3.) Start car, put in drive, travel route.
You aren't crossing the Arctic with the Scott expedition, but well maintained US highways. You will have no problem.
Those are great sites, than you so much. I had no idea 511 was available for each state.
Quote:
1) I much prefer to drive at night
2) My car will go 1250 miles between fuel / bathroom stops (Gotta hold it)
1) I understand, SR. I suppose it depends on the reliability & comfort of the vehicle. As an inner city dweller relegated to street parking most of my life, my tiny tin cans on wheels (Yugo, 2 seater Geo Metro, etc) rattled my fillings on long drives, so it was nicer to drive in daylight with a view, to relieve my brain from feeling beaten up by the time I reached my destination.
2) Wow, I believe you've won the travel award! I like to stop every 2-hrs or so anyway, just out of boredom & to provide some relief for my lower back. Only takes 5-min & bonus is there's no surprise puddle underneath the seats.
A.Typical.Girl, I'm originally from Scranton, but I think I would check the weather, and although I-70 might me longer, you might avoid some early spring snow storms that could slow you down.
If the weather is all clear, probably take I-80, since you would hit less major cities than I-70 and not have to deal with crazy traffic, depending on the time of day of course.
Thank you, cj. I'm from the area, too. When I lived in Boston, I used to visit W-B regularly... so my route was Mass Pike to 84 to 81, which I know like the back of my hand... even drove it during nor'easters & hurricanes.
The cross country northern route is different & although I've been cross country many times, I generally opt for the southern route... been across 10 through 40 more times than I can count on 2 hands.
My current GPS was an upgrade 4-5 yrs back from the most basic model Garmin in existence (like comparing stick figures to a Renoir), including traffic assist, so I'm routed around accidents, which is amazingly helpful. By the time I need a new one, I'm sure they'll be something with weather assist, if there isn't already... haven't checked out new models yet... I'll wait 'til mine needs burial at sea. There are times when being reliant on technology is very appealing... travel is one such time.
We should have a sticky or something: Start car, put in drive, travel route. You aren't crossing the Arctic with the Scott expedition....
No sticky needed... you've replied to nothing at all that I've asked. Perhaps consult GMaps yourself to navigate the vast differences of the Arctic with the good ol' USofA. Boy, it doesn't take but a moment before the prickly dowagers descend... must be cabin fever for you ol' folks.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by A.Typical.Girl
No sticky needed... you've replied to nothing at all that I've asked. Perhaps consult GMaps yourself to navigate the vast differences of the Arctic with the good ol' USofA. Boy, it doesn't take but a moment before the prickly dowagers descend... must be cabin fever for you ol' folks.
Yeah.. there probably is a 'best-weather-route' app / option for GMaps. (just like no tolls) or there SHOULD be!
(I sure miss 'Campermate' app from NZ!)
Chances are VERY good you will have clear sailing, but... weather does happen!
My parents ran (6) trucks / week from SFO to Rochester, NY. Stuff happened (even worse than weather).
I've driven both between Colorado and New England, they are both kind of boring. I would check the weather a day or two before you go and then choose your route.
3 days is plenty of time to make it an easy drive. My road trip advice is pack a cooler with sandwiches in case you are hungry and there is no good food, I also bring an alcoholic beverage to enjoy in the hotel after I grab some takeout and relax from being on the road. I do try to plot out where I plan on staying so I have a destination to focus on and am sure I'm somewhere safe.
No sticky needed... you've replied to nothing at all that I've asked. Perhaps consult GMaps yourself to navigate the vast differences of the Arctic with the good ol' USofA. Boy, it doesn't take but a moment before the prickly dowagers descend... must be cabin fever for you ol' folks.
Oh really?
Quote:
Originally Posted by A.Typical.Girl
but looking for whatever might make 1 route better/faster/safer/easier than another..
Google maps will tell you fastest and safest route.
Quote:
Originally Posted by A.Typical.Girl
So for the return trip Re: Hwys 70 & 80, does 1 have more rest stops than the other or more fast food places than the other, in case she needs a bathroom?.
Google maps search feature will tell you rest stops and fast food places.
Quote:
Originally Posted by A.Typical.Girl
Hard to predict weather, but on March 14, I'll be driving from Ft. Collins, CO to Wilkes-Barre, PA... & returning 1-2 wks later... & am trying to choose the best route this time of year. As a note: I spent my life driving in New England blizzards, so I'm not afraid of snowy roads, but looking for w
No one can predict weather a week from now, the most accurate source like I said will be weather forecast a few days before travel.
And YOU ARE WELCOME grouchy.
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