Warranty Killing Road Trip

Update: So, I just talked to management, and it looks like it shouldn't be any problem to get the time off!!

We've changed a few of our destinations to include Memphis, TN, and Savannah, GA, as well as camping in the Arizona desert.

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Ok, so I'm pretty sure that I've gone completely nuts for coming up with this idea.... but with my 30th birthday coming up in the fall, and with NASA retiring the Space Shuttle fleet at the end of this year, I've decided that to celebrate I'd like to take my truck on a little road trip to Florida to watch the last ever Space Shuttle launch.

The trip would put roughly 13,000 km (8000 miles) onto the odometer, essentially killing what's left of the manufacturers warranty. I'll probably buy the extended warranty before I leave.

I plan on starting out in Vancouver, BC, and heading to Calgary to pick up a friend. Her and I would then continue on to explore Yellowstone National Park for a day, and then drive straight through to Florida, stopping only to eat, sleep, and probably a few quick sightseeing stops (Mount Rushmore, the future birthplace of James T. Kirk (I'm a geek), and depending on the time, at least driving past the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville ).

I've planned for seven days in Florida in case there is any delay in the Shuttle launch (which there usually is), which would also give us time to hit up Disney World, tour the Kennedy Space Center, and enjoy some time on the beach. If there's no big delay, that will give us more time in other places.

On the way home we'd spend three days in New Orleans, drive through Calgary, Texas (we're both from Calgary, Alberta so it would be neat to see the only other city with that name), and then spend one or two days in Austin to visit the Hamilton Pool Preserve, and Longhorn Cavern State Park. We'd then spend a night in Roswell, New Mexico (Again, I'm a geek), then continue on to spend a day touring Tombstone, Arizona.

From there we'd spend three days in Vegas, three days in San Francisco, and probably a day somewhere in the Redwood Forest.

In all, I figure we can do the trip in 30-35 days. Now it's just a matter of seeing if we can both get the time off work, and the $$$ for the trip. We're still looking at the option of flying, but it wouldn't be nearly as fun.

To cut back on costs (and because it's the nicer way to travel), we're thinking that we might bring a tent, and camp in state/national parks where possible. The average weather shows highs of 30c (85 F), and lows of 18c (64 F) in the areas we'll be staying (in the southern states anyway), so I think this should be doable.

What I'd like to know from people who live along our travel route is recommendations for good campgrounds we could stay in (she's a little concerned about security), and any sights that might be worth seeing along the way. I've attached a map of our route, with markers for some of the sights we'd like to see.

Map Markers:
Dark Blue: Sights that would require at least one day to see.
Light Blue: Sights that would require an hour or two rest stop.
Yellow: Sights that would be neat to see if there's time, but are somewhat out of the way.
Red Bed: Kinda obvious, but places we'd spend the night.
Red Bubble: Number of nights at each stop.


http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&sour....677068&sspn=57.772232,104.941406&ie=UTF8&z=5

 

not in the taco, but in another vehicle, did an 8000 mile 32 state roadtrip around the us when i was 23, bes tthing i ever did, get the extended and get driving. maybe i will meet you there, sounds like a great raodtrip to take. if you can do it, do it, you only live once, fuck anything that gets int he way of a life lexperience, the thought of wanting to do it shoudl be all the reason you need to do it . Take off buddy

 

It sounds and looks like you're about to embark on an epic road trip!

 

sounds awesome! get yourself a CB radio before then. makes my long drives (school in florida to home in washington dc) as lot more entertaining, and at times safer

 

Well, having seen a shuttle launch in person, I can say that its absolutely worth it. Its one of the best experiences and the sound is really something amazing. If you plan to camp out down there in the park, you'd better plan to set up shop at least a few days ahead of time. Especially if this is going to be the last launch, if you want to get in to the park, I wouldnt be surprised if you needed a week + to guarantee a spot. If you just watch it from the side of one of the highways, just get there late morning/early afternoon.
I also dont think you need a full day in Tombstone. Its a really cool spot, but in reality, you could easily do it in half a day. I'd almost recommend altering the route just a little and try to hit the Grand Canyon. I think thats a must see and wouldnt add too much to the trip.

All in all, it sounds like it'll be a great trip that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

 

Freaking Epic Roadtrip! You are THE MAN! Do it!!!

You are my hero if you do this.

 

Exactly

That's what I was actually thinking. I think I have an old one somewhere at my parents place in Calgary. I'll have to see if I can dig it up while I'm there.

Yea, I'm actually thinking that it would be best to stay in a hotel while in Florida for that very reason... that, and most of the things we'll want to see there are in the city anyway. But Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, sound like great areas for camping.

 

LoL

If it works out, it will be a BLAST

 

Sorry, I should elaborate. If its an evening/night launch, get there late morning/early afternoon. If its an early morning launch, I'm not sure just how early you'd have to get there.
I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a place to camp in tx/az/nm

 

Sounds fun. I want to go on a roadtrip some day.

 

I would at LEAST spen 2 days in Yellowstone. That place is amazing. Also, consider the grand canyon, yosemite, and maybe some nice beaches on the way up the california coast.

 

Take a look at staying at the Old Faithful Lodge in the park, the craftmaship is soooooo cool! Besides, them bears there like tents, unless the buffalo stomp on u first. JK
Sounds like an awesome thing to do! Hope you can make it work out!
Not that I'm in your loop, but it would be cool to get a network of Taco folks to meet &/or if you have trouble, to help you out.

 

when are you going to be doing this? Or did I totally overlook where you mentioned that?

 

i think i thread should be started seeing who would be up to meet on this road trip, i am down almost 100%, maybe people along the way can provide some wheelin trails and whatever would be good times. lots of pictures

 

No, you didn't over look it... I just mentioned that it would be in the fall. The launch is on Sept 16, so I figure if we left Calgary a week prior, we'd get there with a day to spare before the launch... Might be wise to leave a day or two earlier, just to be safe.

Unfortunately, my truck isn't exactly up for any major off roading (base model 4x2), though I'm sure she could handle some lighter trails....

 

nothing hardcore, i would have a stock trd sport dbl cab myself, but light trails mainly for scenery and somewhere new are good as welll.

 

I thought about staying 2 days in Yellowstone, and still might. My main concern is getting to Florida as quick as possible since the launch date is set, then taking our time on the way home... but that may change too.

 

Cant you just go to Yellowstone on the way back?

 

Don't forget Cleghorn!!!

 

or foghorn leghorn