Driving from Phoenix to Houstion? (Tempe: crime, hotel, home)

[cmist]

Originally Posted by asufan

You'll have to tell that to my cousin that lives in Austin. He thinks it's the area between Austin and San Antonio. You know, those little German towns with the green hills and lakes, etc.?

Plus, there's not much in the way of "hills" in West Texas. It's been my understanding for as long as I can remember that the Hill Country doesn't go much further West than Fredericksburg, but I've been wrong before.

I understand what you are trying to say. A drive through the heart of the hill country would be much more scenic and enjoyable than the drive along I-10 ... which may "technically" run through through the southern fringe hill country. But that I-10 drive shouldnt be used as a representation of the real hill country.

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by asufan

Here's a terrible map, but the only one I could find. Doesn't show it going too far into West Texas, although my definition and your definition of West Texas may be different.

Probably not different, that green is mostly central Texas, LOL...I would have to ask a Texan but is west of San Antonio "west Texas?" I do know that the 10 goes through a huge portion of hill country...well through most of the east-west section from San Antonio. The prettiest part of the area is north and east of the 10 thought, west of Austin...but prettiest doesn't mean most of...

[cmist]

I found this map of regions, but still I dont think you could say you've seen the real "hill country" by driving along I-10

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by cmist

I found this map of regions, but still I dont think you could say you've seen the real "hill country" by driving along I-10

The "real hill country?" I've never heard a Texan refer to the Hill Country as the real part and the fake part... And the i-10 is in much of the blue area that is called "Hill Country" on the map you supplied. But I'll leave your last map as my last "argument."

[cmist]

Originally Posted by fcorrales80

The "real hill country?" I've never heard a Texan refer to the Hill Country as the real part and the fake part... And the i-10 is in much of the blue area that is called "Hill Country" on the map you supplied.

Well I just mean HIS point was that the hill country was somehow different than what you see along I-10. So I was saying that I understand a freeway only passes through the flattest easiest passage and therefore not probably a good representation of the ENTIRE region.

As I told you before, I have no idea what it looks like either way. I passed it in the dark while halfway asleep. His point was that hill country is a nice drive, so I was trying to explain I understood the point of his remark instead of debating boundary lines.

[Peg Fife-Bell]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

Any tips? Google says it's an 18 hour drive, does that sound right?

I noticed it takes me along the mexican border for a while, I assume I will encounter check points? Will this slow me down?

Hi,
Drive time is right. Expect border checkpoint (as others posted) west of Las Cruces, usually not bad....little delay. Maybe checkpoint again east of Van Horn, TX around I-10/I-20 split.

Boring ride, not much to see, sorry, my opinion..unless you're pressed for time, I wouldn't recommend travelling at night although it would be cooler....but since there isn't much out there in the way of distraction (lights etc) anytime of the day/night, you'd be fighting sleepiness as another suggested.

I have made the trip many times..and stayed in Van Horn, TX overnight instead of Fort Stockton, but I like fort Stockton, too. Clean affordable motels both places. Last time (a number of years ago) I was through San Antonio there was a massive road construction project going on. It should be finished now, but expect delays for rush hour traffic in /around San Antonio. Can't say where I'd spend the night east of San Antonio, never had to, always took the short driving day and spent the night in San Antonio.

Hope this helps...I've pretty much repeated what others posted...
Peg

[West of Encino]

If a person has energy to drive between Arizona to Texas, it could take less than 18 hours.

[KarmaPhx]

I have driven to San Fransisco in a straight shot before, took something like 14-16 hours, and I felt fine.

My fiance can dirve half the time too, it won't be just me, I forgot to mention that.

Thanks for the replies.

[Peg Fife-Bell]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

I have driven to San Fransisco in a straight shot before, took something like 14-16 hours, and I felt fine.

My fiance can dirve half the time too, it won't be just me, I forgot to mention that.

Thanks for the replies.

Just a comment on driving to San Fran and being all right after the long drive...The scenery is way different driving that direction than driving through Texas... I-10 is a boring drive from El Paso to Houston. It's desert and barren.

Good that you have someone to share the driving with, it will cut down the amount of time you actually spend behind the wheel. I'd suggest swapping drivers every 5 hours and take about 1/2 hour break when you swap, get out and walk around, etc...makes the journey less stressful. My two cents worth.
Peg

[KarmaPhx]

I don't mind boring scenery if I have good music to listen to. I think for the last stretch I might have her drive, or just switch off every 5-6 hours.

We need to get in by 11pm-1am in Houston, actually Galveston, for a cruise to Mexico/Caribbean!