Driving west from Newark on I-80 - How far will I get in about 4 hrs?

[sunsetonmytown]

Originally Posted by BullyLover

Hi everyone,

In December I'm going to be driving from Newark westbound on I-80 through Pennsylvania on my way to Portland, OR. I've never driven this route and am not familiar with traffic in the region so I thought I'd ask anyone who is approximately how far I'd get in say 4 hours assuming normal road conditions and also if I left Newark around noon?

I want to book accommodations in advance but not sure where that timeline would land me. :-) I'll be on the road with a dog so any suggestions for an area with a good selection of restaurants, etc. but also close to an area for dog walks would be gratefully received. Given the time of year I'd like to stick as much as possible to main roads.

Many thanks! :-)

simple math problem- 65 mph x 4 = approx 260 miles if you are unimpeded on I-80 and go the maximum speed limit

[johnp292]

Originally Posted by sunsetonmytown

simple math problem- 65 mph x 4 = approx 260 miles if you are unimpeded on I-80 and go the maximum speed limit

Nope. The speed limit as soon as you cross the Delaware goes down to 50 and stays that way until almost 380 I think.

[BullyLover]

Originally Posted by fisheye

Sorry, I overlooked your question. For cars; Route 80 mountains (east of the Mississippi) are not high. You can do the Google “Earth” of the area. I believe that the highest elevations are around 3,000 feet.

The major eastern problems with these mountains (hills; if you are from out West); is inclement weather. As your trip gets closer; check the weather station for a ten day forecast for some of the areas that you will travel through. If they would predict bad storms that would effect northern routs; you might want to take southern routes. Trucking, when I was traveling to CA, we would take 80, 40 or 10 – depending on severe driving conditions. Of course we would take the shortest route when possible – fuel cost too much. However; it is better to keep the wheels turning - than to sit for hours or days in stopped traffic.

It is imperative that you watch the weather as you approach the Rockies. They will shut down the interstates during some storms. They can and will restrict some traffic. Under normal conditions – you should not have any problems. Just pay attention.

For a while I would cross our country and return (with a driving partner) every week.

Have a safe trip and let us know how you made out.

Thanks, Fisheye. I decided to take 80 until it merges with 90 and then take 90 westward. I chose that because I was told it wouldn't be as high an elevation as 80. I'm trying to avoid the worst mountain passes as Im afraid of heights. Hopefully it will all work out. I will check weather conditions as I go and hope I have good luck. I've never driven through places like Montana and am really looking forward to it!

[MatildaLoo]

Originally Posted by BullyLover

Thanks, Fisheye. I decided to take 80 until it merges with 90 and then take 90 westward. I chose that because I was told it wouldn't be as high an elevation as 80. I'm trying to avoid the worst mountain passes as Im afraid of heights. Hopefully it will all work out. I will check weather conditions as I go and hope I have good luck. I've never driven through places like Montana and am really looking forward to it!

Did you start out on your trip yet? How is the pup doing with the traveling?

[fisheye]

Originally Posted by BullyLover

Thanks, Fisheye. I decided to take 80 until it merges with 90 and then take 90 westward. I chose that because I was told it wouldn't be as high an elevation as 80. I'm trying to avoid the worst mountain passes as Im afraid of heights. Hopefully it will all work out. I will check weather conditions as I go and hope I have good luck. I've never driven through places like Montana and am really looking forward to it!

If you take I 90 and the weather is great and you have time; maybe you could take a look at the Badlands National Park in SD? It is a great place to take a few pics on your way out: Badlands National Park | National Parks Conservation Association

Of course you would also be close to Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore.

But don't delay your trip if there is any chance that it might put you in bad weather.

It use to take me and my partner two and a half days to cross our country in a truck governed at 62 mph. But that is almost non-stop (except for meal breaks and changing partners).

Don't push yourself if you are tired. Pull over and take a nap. Cat naps can be more refreshing than long periods of sleep. Some of the territory you are going to pass through can get monotonous. While you might not like heights; once you get to the Rocky’s your eyes will be wide open. Make sure you take your camera.

Again; have a safe trip!

[BullyLover]

Originally Posted by MatildaLoo

Did you start out on your trip yet? How is the pup doing with the traveling?

Hi Matilda,

No, not yet. The fun doesn't begin until end of December.

[BullyLover]

Originally Posted by fisheye

If you take I 90 and the weather is great and you have time; maybe you could take a look at the Badlands National Park in SD? It is a great place to take a few pics on your way out: [URL="http://www.npca.org/parks/badlands-national-park.html?adwords=1&category=park&gclid=CJu_tNPI-7MCFQyk4AoduikA2Q"]Badlands National Park | National Parks Conservation Association[/URL]

Of course you would also be close to Custer State Park and Mt. Rushmore.

But don't delay your trip if there is any chance that it might put you in bad weather.

It use to take me and my partner two and a half days to cross our country in a truck governed at 62 mph. But that is almost non-stop (except for meal breaks and changing partners).

Don't push yourself if you are tired. Pull over and take a nap. Cat naps can be more refreshing than long periods of sleep. Some of the territory you are going to pass through can get monotonous. While you might not like heights; once you get to the Rocky’s your eyes will be wide open. Make sure you take your camera.

Again; have a safe trip!

Yes, I'm hoping to do some sightseeing along the way. So my dog isn't sitting in the car for days in a row, I scheduled it so we drive a full day, then stop for two nights, and then stagger it that way for the whole trip. I'm stopping in Rapid City so, if the weather is good, might be able to see Mt. Rushmore! I'm also stopping around Yellowstone in Montana but not sure I'll be able to see much at that time of year.

[fisheye]

Originally Posted by BullyLover

Yes, I'm hoping to do some sightseeing along the way. So my dog isn't sitting in the car for days in a row, I scheduled it so we drive a full day, then stop for two nights, and then stagger it that way for the whole trip. I'm stopping in Rapid City so, if the weather is good, might be able to see Mt. Rushmore! I'm also stopping around Yellowstone in Montana but not sure I'll be able to see much at that time of year.

My wife and I saw Mt. Rushmore, the Custer State Park, the Badlands and Yellowstone. Mt. Rushmore would be the last point of interest if we did the trip again. It isn't that it is not worth seeing. It is just that nature did a magnificent job without human help.

We liked Yellowstone; but Yosemite was spectacular. However; Yosemite is out of your way.

Just watch your weather very carefully. As you get into the Rockies you are at much higher elevations - well over a mile high. Snow storms can be very serious – they can be life threatening for those that are not prepared and have not paid attention. December is a tricky month for Rocky Mt. sightseeing. They have had snow storm in July.

I don't mean to scare you. It is a wonderful trip and we wish to do it again.

Have fun.

[MatildaLoo]

Originally Posted by BullyLover

Hi Matilda,

No, not yet. The fun doesn't begin until end of December.

Just be careful and like fisheye said, keep an eye on the weather. Best of luck on your travels!