Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Trippin' on Gas

All of you collectors, hello, I think I am about to venture out into the yonderous wild blue beauty of this Great Country.... and do something that I have wanted to do my whole life - I "think-thought" I have decided to take the cross-country road trip that I have always dreamed of. I am probably not going to attempt it at the best time of the year, January-February, but that will be part of the challenge. I am going, just me and my dog Vala. Vala is the world's smartest, slickest, prettiest, and most adorably cute dachshund of all time. She will be my side, front, and back kick companion. I am writing this post for several reasons. I want to document my trip and hopefully post many tales and pictures of fellow OldGassers that may lend a yard or garage for a nights stay. I plan to take "mobil" accommodations so as to camp at least half the time either at a camp ground or at an Oldgassers yard or driveway. I will have a long drop-cord for power supply to heat my motor vessel via electric heater, and will shower a few times a week at hotels. But, to see and meet other collectors would be extremely cool, and would make the trip all the more enjoyable. I also feel meeting destination spots along the way, would give regiment and structure to the trip, so that I don't get road ravelled. So basically, from NC to Alaska, and back, in about 7 weeks give or take. I am writing to see if I can rally any support, criticism, input, or feedback. I seriously would like to see if any of you guys would really let me stay on your property..... I ask this for safety reasons as well as to save a little money, and to meet and see some great collections, and also possibly buy a cool piece or two. Some of you guys know me as BBQ Chicken here on the east coast. My name is Dave Hathaway. Any response "weather" it supportive or enlightening would be greatly appreciated. I plan to call this journey "Trippin' On Gas". And I do plan on documenting it fully. Weather does concern me; going that far into BC and Canadian territory is something that I am unfamiliar with. What do you guys think about trying to drive to Alaska that time of year? Crazy? ....or just a challenge? I am ready to hear your thoughts. Dave

Dave,
GO FOR IT ! Of course I'm biased....I was a full time RVer for 5 1/2 years. I love road trips. If you find yourself on Hwy. 1 in northern California you're more than welcome to camp in my driveway for a night or 2. If that doesn't work you can always camp out in our church parking lot. It sits up on a hill overlooking the ocean. It has a million dollar view.

On the downside I think there is only one oldgasser in the whole state of Alaska.

P.S. Say "Hi" to Sarah for me !

Driving the AL-CAN during the winter doesn't sound like too much fun to me. But if you do make the trip I'm just off I-5, 45 miles up the highway from the OR/WA state border. Stop by and you can "setup shop" in my driveway.

Driving to Alaska in the dead of winter pulling a camper .... hmm..Not sure about that one.

If you make it through northern Ohio I'm a short drive from the turnpike and you would be quite welcome here.

Before I start, please remember to bring your camera. Take pictures, and if you need a website to post them on, let me know, you can use mine. Also, please make sure you get a picture of everyone you visit.

This is so great, how about suggestions on what you should call this adventure?

Now forget about the Al-can, he needs our help just getting out of N.C. If you are heading this way depending on your directions, I will offer my driveway and a long extension cord here in St. Louis. Sorry, I live in a very small house. I would like you to see the largest collection of gas pump literature. Just a short trip from where I live is the largest Oil Bottle collection.

I just turned 74 and I wish I was the one who was making this trip, remember, pictures, pictures and keep in touch with us.

If you want, email me the pictures, I'll post them on the web and let everyone know where you are.

Good luck,

Jack Sim

ALWAYS WANTED TO DO THE ROUTE 66 TRIP. BUT POSSIBLY DOING IT BACKWARDS AND STARTING IN L.A. AND HEADING EAST/N.E.

Dave, The trip sounds great, but not in Winter. I've driven it twice in April, several years apart. It was a challenge then. Remind me at Chip's and I'll fill you in, if you'd like? Paul

Sounds like a fun idea. The going will be rough that time of year, even through Illinois. Seems like May might be better, especially once you get up into the Rockies and further up into Canada. Whenever you take the trip, feel free to stay in our driveway, just off old US 36 in the center of Illinois.

Wes

i've got a bed & shower here in Mpls. Mn for you however will be gone golfing in Tucson for 10 days in January & gone in February for a week golfing in Florida....
There is also a Gas show in Columbia Mo. that i usually attend & you may want to consider stopping @ this very good show.....
I have made many trips east,west,north & south including many on route 66, lincoln highway & many other great routes...My 2004 Van now has 201,000 miles.....I need a rest & now off to the course, lol........

Ain't no way I would do that in those months. Those mountains are biggies brother and it ain't no super highway. Bring a big snow shovel and some tire chains. The guys in Canada and Alaska can advise you better. It's a great trip but May-June is more to my liking. I'm in northern Wis on hwy 8,stop by.

sounds like a ball, and looking forward to seeing your travels! always a little extra room in antioch,il!!!!mick

Dave, i'm in Virginia beach and don't think you'll be too tired just out of your state, but your always welcome! Chuck

You have to stop by here. When the electricians wired my shop I had them put RV plugs on both sides of the shop for this very purpose. So friends could drive in and plug right into power. There is also a bedroom and bathroom in the house if needed. Completely fenced yard so Vala has a safe place to explore.
Exit 55 on I-5. There is the Rogue River for fishing, Crater Lake and the Oregon Caves are nearby.
Mike

If you are in the Sacramento Ca. area I am off U.S. 50 about 25 miles east of Sac. on the way to Lake Tahoe.

Think you better plan on being gone for 2 years, if your wanting to rest along the way

Be sure to email me if you'll be thru the state of North Dakota! I have lots of room and always an open guest room and shower too!. Lots to look at here in North Dakota! Drop us a line, anytime. Good Luck!---KEVIN

Were in Spokane Washington And your welcome here.The road getting into our place in January may be simular to the Alaskan highway. It might be good practice!
Let us know
rick nelson

I agree with the others that time of the year roads can be extremely bad and or closed. We live on the Idaho-Washington border on highway 12 & 95. If you come through this way stop by we have lots of room.

Chicken , check yer P M's , I sent yaone Ed Shaver in Richmond Va.

Your biggest hurdle will be when you send out the wiener dog for help in 6' snow drifts. She'll have a tough time dragging back that barrel under her chin! Good luck. I'd never chance it in the wintertime.

Here are some quick "early" numbers that I've rolled in my head...... I figure a bare minimum of 5,000 miles each way due to zig-zag and driving around. And some quick dates for right now consist of 57 days. That's 57 days for you Chevy guys, Ford kicks Chevy's hiney up and down the road, and I will be in a Ford! 57 days divided into 10,000 miles is 175 miles a day - I could do that sleep driving...... I just don't think that is that far per daily average. Hell, I may not make it to Alaska due to weather, but I can sure try. We'll just have to see what the conditions present. 70 miles an hour divided into 175 daily average is 2 and a half hours a day !!! I can't drive 2 and a half hours a day? Even if you doubled that due to "freedom of the road" and rubber neckin', that's still only 5 hours a day. I can do that. And would plan to drive that anyway. At 12 miles to the gallon, driving 175 miles a day, that's 14.60 gallons of gas. (Dude I'm Trippin already !!!) 14.60 gallons times $2.75 a gallon(and it won't be that high), equals $40 a day in gas. I think that's GREAT! So just say $50 a day in gas. that's 57 times $50 equals $2850. How is my math so far?

Dave,
You're welcome to stay a night or 2 in our yard here in western Nebraska. We've got plenty of room inside the house too if you'd need a break from your camper. Email me if it works.
Rod

We've got room both outside and inside.........and a fenced yard with three dogs about the same size as Vala. Hillsboro, Ohio is about 50 miles east of Cincinnati on US route 50. You're welcome to stop by anytime!!

Richard

Hi Dave- If you want some tips on alaska check with Ed Natale of Metro petro in a few weeks- He is in Alaska- a few days ago he just crossed the Artic circle on his Bike- ??

Just three miles off I 64 in Illinois. Plenty of room and some neat local collections to view.

Good luck,

Dave, "mobilford"

If you get to come south come down to Oklahoma and spend a couple of days. Room and groceries for you and your dog.
Maurice

If you decide to come across 40 or old 66 stop in Vegas. Jack

Hey Dave, I just returned from an 8000 mile trip from Pa. throughout the midwest and upto Washington then down to California and then back to washington and of course back to Pa. As far as gas prices go, the best I found in my travels was in Iowa @ 2.09 and the highest obviously on the west coast @ 3.19, these figures were for 87 octane. If you have room for an extra bed mounted fuel tank it may be a good idea, could save alot of $$$$$ over the course of you trip. Maybe fellow oldgassers can chime in with gas prices closer to your departure, it may help in planning a route that lets you fuel up with the least expensive gas and then cruise. I also bought alot of goodies on the way that will more than pay for the gas I used. I wish you well, have an awesome trip ! Matt

I am in KY, dont know your route plan.