Here I go! Here I come? Where can I go now?

[pamerica]

Hi there.  My first post outside the newbie forum.  I will be on the road finally this weekend.  Now what? 

 As I am in central coastal Florida, I need to get out of the heat and humidity as soon as possible.  Are a lot of you folks still in Flagstaff?

 I am kind of a loner myself and do enjoy people, though.  I don't want to be all alone.  Someone here said it..."Friends within walking distance".

 Especially since this is new to me.  I need good Verizon coverage and kind of easy access to a town at least once a week for the usual things.  Hopefully with a dump station, water and propane, as I am in a class B.  A vintage class B, is a nice way to say old. 

Weather is a consideration all the time, I know, but wow this summer is wicked between the coasts.  My heart is really out West, I don't know why exactly.  My other thought is to stay in the mountains in the East for the summer and come back to Florida to those free campsites in the winter.  Maybe because I know the East somewhat.  I am being pulled West, though.

 Suggestions please.  I am heading out with not a clue to where.  Thanks.

p.s.  I am going nutty clearing out the little travel trailer I just sold and won't be able to respond much until they take it tomorrow.  I hope to never, ever acquire so much junk again.  So if I am slow to respond, I am working on this until then.

 

[wagoneer]

welcome we do have a lot of open country, check out northern AZ mid Nevada or shucks just go California dreamin.

 

[ldmccain]

I'm in an RV park just east of Elko, NV if you make it this far north. Should be here for at least 3 weeks while looking for a lot and address. Holler if you wanna stop by.

Wandering Larry

 

[skyl4rk]

You need to look for an area with high elevations, about 7,000, to keep it cool. Flagstaff would be a good place to start. There is a free RV dump and free water there. PM some of the vandwellers who were at the RTR that went bust and they can give you camping locations.

 

[rvwandering]

You're leaving on a very busy weekend. If possible try to wait out the weekend with friends or at a local campground.
Skyl4rk's suggest of PMing people is good. You can also email Bob for his location and camp near him in Colorado. His email address is on the right side of his blog- http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/

 These two sites should help with trip planning. This one will show you the weather along your route so you can avoid the hottest places - https://www.wunderground.com/wundermap#roadtrip

 This one will show you all of the free and inexpensive campsites along your route - https://freecampsites.net/#!&query=TripPlanner

 If you decide to stay in big box lots, which are very convenient stopping spots if you chose to drive on interstates, find a shady local park to relax awhile until the sun goes down then go to the lot to sleep.

 Have fun and keep us updated!
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/

 

[pamerica]

You're leaving on a very busy weekend. If possible try to wait out the weekend with friends or at a local campground.
Skyl4rk's suggest of PMing people is good. You can also email Bob for his location and camp near him in Colorado. His email address is on the right side of his blog- http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/

 These two sites should help with trip planning. This one will show you the weather along your route so you can avoid the hottest places - https://www.wunderground.com/wundermap#roadtrip

 This one will show you all of the free and inexpensive campsites along your route - https://freecampsites.net/#!&query=TripPlanner

 If you decide to stay in big box lots, which are very convenient stopping spots if you chose to drive on interstates, find a shady local park to relax awhile until the sun goes down then go to the lot to sleep.

 Have fun and keep us updated!
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/

TonyandKaren, Wagoneer, Idmccain and skyl4rk....thanks.  Still working on trailer and more to go but wanted to take time to thank you for those helpful responses.  I am thinking of all interstates and sightsee once farther out.  95 to 26 to 40 from Daytona Beach area.  Is there anything wrong with that route? 
 
Chicken girl that I am sometimes, I like the idea of staying at truck stops.  I did that for a week once and it was fine.  Until I get my bearings, I believe that will make me more comfortable starting out. 

Thanks again.  Hope to see you out there!

 

[cyndi]

I just left Flagstaff. There's a number of people still there. If you're on Facebook look for Enigmatic Nomadics page. There was 15 or more people there when I left on Tuesday

Bob is in Williams, about 25 miles west of Flag. He'll be there until the fine is taken care of. No clue when ths

 

[pamerica]

I just left Flagstaff. There's a number of people still there. If you're on Facebook look for Enigmatic Nomadics page. There was 15 or more people there when I left on Tuesday

Bob is in Williams, about 25 miles west of Flag. He'll be there until the fine is taken care of. No clue when ths

Thanks cyndi.  I am finally on the road.  I am making my way out towards Flagstaff so it is cooler.  Then.....  ?

 

[pamerica]

Only made it 2 hours first night....worked all day in the sun with my brother and his boys getting me ready. They built a really nice easy detachable awning for my van. And I learned how to use the marine battery and inverter. Change of route to 40 via friend's suggestion, who told me it will shave 250 miles from what I was planning. Fun!

 

[speedhighway46]

Two hours is great. I learned a convenient phrase when I first got on CRVL, and when "meandering" in my Motorhome it frequently comes to mind, mostly to slow me down and make me relax:

2-2-2

Drive two hours (some say 200 miles)

Arrive by 2:00 pm

Stay 2 days


I like to repeat it for the benefit of those who may not have heard it. It's not mine; I'm not that original or deep. But it t has served me well. Hope it does the same for you.

Or, as Alfred E. Newman used to say, "What, me hurry?"

 

[rvwandering]

Thanks for the update! I agree with Speedhighway46 (his name may be a misnomer ;-D ) - no reason to go far and fast unless it gets uncomfortably hot. Take lots of breaks and don't stress yourself out from too much driving.

Keep posting as you travel across the country. You may be passing right by some of us.

 

[pamerica]

I need help!  Today is my second day on the road and it is so very hot that I was trying to get out there as soon as possible.  So I did not see the plan of going slow until now.  I drove 7 hours today in this very hot weather and stressed my cat, me and even my van.  So I am in a motel tonight because my van's thermometer got so hot I got scared.  I had no idea I would be going up these grades in Georgia.  Surprise to me.  Now I wonder about continuing at all.  I guess I just pushed too hard.  The temp is back down now, after I stopped.  What about mountains further west?  I never saw my van slow down on mountains before, but I never pushed it hard for 7 hours in 100 degree weather, either.

But where to stop along the way....I can't even find campgrounds so quickly on the way, to take it easy, and it is just too hot to hang out at truck stops.  And I can't really pay this much for motels till then.  What to do?

I am in Douglasville, Ga.  I left from Daytona last night.  I am on I-20 going towards I-40.  Any suggestions so welcome.  Thank you.

 

[wayne49]

I need help!  Today is my second day on the road and it is so very hot that I was trying to get out there as soon as possible.  So I did not see the plan of going slow until now.  I drove 7 hours today in this very hot weather and stressed my cat, me and even my van.  So I am in a motel tonight because my van's thermometer got so hot I got scared.  I had no idea I would be going up these grades in Georgia.  Surprise to me.  Now I wonder about continuing at all.  I guess I just pushed too hard.  The temp is back down now, after I stopped.  What about mountains further west?  I never saw my van slow down on mountains before, but I never pushed it hard for 7 hours in 100 degree weather, either.

But where to stop along the way....I can't even find campgrounds so quickly on the way, to take it easy, and it is just too hot to hang out at truck stops.  And I can't really pay this much for motels till then.  What to do?

I am in Douglasville, Ga.  I left from Daytona last night.  I am on I-20 going towards I-40.  Any suggestions so welcome.  Thank you.

Off I20 west of your location.

• Big Oak Hunter Camp

This is a FREE campsite.
AddressFruithurst, Alabama
GPS: 33.72139, -85.560097
Elevation: 1445'
Get Directions

Fruithurst, AL


Head west on US-78 W/2nd Ave toward 3rd St W

Continue to follow US-78 W
6.3 mi
 
Turn right onto Co Rd 66/66 Spur

Continue to follow Co Rd 66
2.0 mi
 
Slight right onto Co Rd 548
276 ft
 
Turn right to stay on Co Rd 548
3.4 mi
 
Turn right
Destination will be on the right

 

[wayne49]

Pine Glen Campground - Talladega National Forest (The Red marker in the  screen shot)

https://freecampsites.net/#!9976&query=sitedetails

This is a PAY campground. ($12 or less)
The price is $3 per night

Address
Latitude: 33.72521 Longitude: -85.60182
Heflin, Alabama
GPS: 33.724732, -85.60358
Elevation: 1016'
Get Directions

Douglasville, GA
Get on I-20 W
10 min (5.9 mi)
Follow I-20 W to AL-46 W in Cleburne County. Take exit 205 from I-20 W
34 min (39.4 mi)
Continue on AL-46 W. Take Oxford St, Co Rd 533 and Skyway Mtwy to Pine Glen Campground
28 min (12.0 mi)
Pine Glen Campground
Heflin, AL 36264


Management
Public - Forest Service (Official)
Website
The road in is Gravel and 8 miles from a paved road. Pine Glen Campground - Talladega National Forest is open All Year. There are 16-29 campsites at this location.
Amenities:

    BBQ Grill
    Fire Ring
    Near Water
    Picnic Tables
    Restrooms
    Trash Cans

Activities:

    Fishing
    Wildlife Viewing

 

[pamerica]

Thank you, wayne49. I'm happy to have some places to look at. I will need to be able to have electric for the AC. I appreciate the time you took to do this.

 

[rvwandering]

Try driving in the early morning, find a cool place like a city park to hang out in the hottest part of the day and drive a little more when it cools down a bit. Just make sure that you will arrive at your night destination before the sun goes down. It's hard to find campgrounds or even Walmarts at night.

 I plugged some information in freecampsites trip planner. This route goes from Douglasville to Flagstaff with places to stay no more than 10 miles from the route. Try to stick with the campsites or dispersed camping as much as possible. Parking lots hold the heat and it will radiate up into your vehicle even at night.  https://freecampsites.net/#!Douglas...h&routeDistance=10&routeIndex=0&optimize=true

 If you find a nice place you might want to take a day to rest. Good luck!

 

[akrvbob]

I'm afraid there just is no relief from the heat until you get to NM, but once you get to NM it has lots of high country you can gain enough elevation and shade in the forests to be very comfortable. Your are probably looking to find the tribe, but have you considered the NM Parks Pass. I think it's $220 but it lets you stay in NM State Parks for free for one year. That price does not include hook ups but for $4 a day you can get electric. Maybe pay that once or twice a week and charge your batteries. Most or all of the Parks have showers and I believe they are included. Can someone confirm that?

I've resolved my fine and I am at Leadville CO at 10,200 feet. There are zero worries of heat here! I m with a group of others and you can feel free to join us. If you are interested I will send you a map. There are probably still our people at Flagstaff, but the Rangers wre getting pretty strict and pushed some out.
Bob

 

[SternWake]

I hate to add any stress here, but If the Van was running that hot, I would suspect its engine cooling system is not up to snuff. Long term running it hotter than it should be run is not good for it and can lead to larger more expensive issues, possibly much more expensive than attending to a partially clogged radiator or a thermostat not opening all the way, or a failing water pump.

To mitigate its heat, turn off the AC, turn on the heater, and slow down, take it out of overdrive climbing hills.

If the heater does not work, you are likely low on coolant.

 

[pamerica]

tonyandkaren, Bob and SternWake....thanks all.  I should have planned this more from the beginning, but here's to another adventure!  Yes, I would like to meet the tribe and I will hopefully soon.  

The NM state parks sounds a great idea to start.  I wonder about Verizon service?  I need that to work.  Does anyone know about that?

I just need to get out of this heat as soon as I can.  Wherever and whatever that is.  

I will look at all your suggestions and go from here.  Thank you.

 

[pamerica]

I plan to follow tonyandkaren's route as per the campsites' route.