Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
Page: 1, 2, 3 ... 13, 14, 15  Next
Jump to:
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:24 pm    Post subject: MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD Reply with quote

Well it is time to take an epic summer trip with my 12 year old son Brendan. Very Happy I am taking a sabbatical from work for three months (June, July, August 2015) and we are going to travel in the '87 Westy from Maryland thru Canada to Alaska, then down the Pacific coast via ferries thru the inland passage eventually to Vancouver Island, then thru WA, OR, CA, AZ, UT, WY, and finish in SD before heading home. Total trip time is about 12 weeks. I'll be flying Brendan out from MD to Calgary at the beginning of the trip, and then home from Sioux Falls, SD, so he can maximize his summer break and not have the long travel drives from MD out West and back.

The trip will look something like this. (Although Mapquest only allows 25 destinations and doesn't account for ferry travel).

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.




I'll be asking for lots of advice on places to stay during our travel days thru Canada and Alaska and beyond. Certainly up for driveway camping, or meet for a beer, from fellow sambanites. Very Happy Once we are in the lower 48 we have reservations at all the National Park campgrounds already. But we'll certainly look for sights to see along the way.

I'm trying to make this trip as comfortable and as interesting as possible for my computer nerd son. He does like being outdoors, and digs camping in the bus, but having access to his laptop and occasional wi-fi is a must. Very Happy

I'll be using this thread as we travel plus I'm going to break down and get a facebook account to document our travels as well.

I think I am also finally going to start a build thread but it's going to have to be going back about the last 5 to 10 years to get up to date. (Procrastination on posting what I have done is a bad habit.)

Now that I've posted this I guess it is real.... Laughing Shocked Very Happy


Added info 1/22/16......
_______________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

January 2016

Well it has taken a while but I finally put together videos of the trip. I had to break it into 4 parts. Each about 15 minutes long. (Man, it is hard to distill 72 days of travel into something reasonable...) Very Happy


Link



Link



Link



Link

_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
hopkin Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: June 25, 2012
Posts: 2469
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
hopkin is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Anywhere near Niagara Falls, you may want to check out Long Point an hour so west of there. Lots of wonderful Provincial Parks along the trans-Canada.

If you go a little east, ie Syracuse NY and cross into Canada at the top of I81, the Thousand Islands are beautiful. There is a campsite at Wellesley Island (NY) just a few minutes south of the border.

Kakabeka Falls just west of Thunder Bay is a great spot, don't miss it!

Of course you should stop in Banff and/or Lake Louise.

Have a good trip!

A couple of links to check out:
http://nysparks.com/parks/52/details.aspx
http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/kakabekafalls
_________________
1971 Super Beetle (past)
1971 Super Beetle (past)
1974 SunBug (past)
1972 914 (past)
1991 Honda Civic (Original Owner)
1996 'Open Air' Mexican Beetle (current)
2015 Golf (current)
2017 Dune Edition (daughter's car)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
djkeev
Samba Moderator


Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32432
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
djkeev is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Can I come?
I'd be very quiet..... Sit in the back......... Wink
Except..... If I took those months off in my seasonal business...... I'd be fired for sure!

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The first day out I want to get to at least the north side of Toronto. So no NY stops of note on this trip.

Thanks for the Kakabeka Falls reference, and we are staying three nights at Lake Louise. Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
hopkin Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: June 25, 2012
Posts: 2469
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
hopkin is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just a caution, check your travel times, the border crossings at Niagara Falls, Buffalo can be quite long depending on when you cross; and the QEW, 400, 401, etc. are some of busiest roads in North America (yes, even busier than LA).

There are 3 border crossings and they post wait times on I90 as you approach Buffalo.

The most direct route north from Buffalo would be to take the QEW to the 407 (toll road, expensive) and then north on the 400 into cottage country. The 400 can be extremely busy heading north and slow especially on Friday's.

The 400 turns into highway 69 and meets the main part of the trans-Canada at Sudbury. There is some beautiful country all the way.
_________________
1971 Super Beetle (past)
1971 Super Beetle (past)
1974 SunBug (past)
1972 914 (past)
1991 Honda Civic (Original Owner)
1996 'Open Air' Mexican Beetle (current)
2015 Golf (current)
2017 Dune Edition (daughter's car)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
BlueNorthWesty
Samba Member


Joined: October 24, 2014
Posts: 348
Location: Calgary
BlueNorthWesty is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice. If you need advice for the Calgary, Banff, BC portions let me know. I'm a new Westy owner so I've mainly been tenting but I do know of some nice spots around BC and AB.

You are also welcome to drive my van to check out the limited slip diff, assuming it's running then. Wink
_________________
1984 Medium Blue Vanagon Westfalia 2WD w/ rebuilt Auto, Peloquin differential, 3.27 R&P gears, 2002 Subaru 2.5L engine, Girling G60 front brake upgrade, PS, power mirrors

Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=610481&highlight=
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Jeffrey Lee
Samba Member


Joined: February 04, 2014
Posts: 1488
Location: Wisconsin
Jeffrey Lee is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

We drove our Westy around Lake Superior a few years ago. We went in a clockwise fashion, opposite you, so you'll want to read Days 7, 8, and 9, but backwards:
http://www.vanthology.com/Layout/Journeys/Superior/Superior9.html

This past fall, we drove the entire OR and WA coasts, then inland to Yellowstone NP. The beautiful state parks along the Oregon coast are self-evident, but make a point to swing west at Tillamook for a pleasant drive from Cape Meares SP to Cape Lookout SP.

The drive along Hwy 14 from Yellowstone NP through the Bighorn Mountains to Mount Rushmore was surprisingly dramatic and worth a bit of extra time.

I'm on I90/94 in southern Wisconsin, so add me to your list of potential 'crash' pads.

Will be following your prep and trip!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
MacLeod Willy
Samba Member


Joined: February 18, 2014
Posts: 933
Location: Ontario Canada
MacLeod Willy is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You will be coming across the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, your only 10 min from the Niagara Falls on your way to Toronto. Show your son the Falls, one of the "Wonders of the World". Don't get caught up in the tourist stuff just do a drive by.
We live 15min from it and take it for granted everyday.

Besides >: It might still be froze over still. Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
hopkin Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: June 25, 2012
Posts: 2469
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
hopkin is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 6:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

MacLeod Willy wrote:
You will be coming across the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, ...


Willy is right, don't miss the falls. I always cross on the Rainbow bridge (in the center of Niagara Falls), once you cross into Canada go left and there is plenty of parking just past the falls.

Waiting in line on the Rainbow Bridge (looking towards Canada):
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Driving past the falls:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
1971 Super Beetle (past)
1971 Super Beetle (past)
1974 SunBug (past)
1972 914 (past)
1991 Honda Civic (Original Owner)
1996 'Open Air' Mexican Beetle (current)
2015 Golf (current)
2017 Dune Edition (daughter's car)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 6:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the Canada border crossing advice. I'll be doing it on a Saturday afternoon/evening. Brendan won't be with me for that part (he flies out to Calgary) and I've seen Niagara a couple of times so I'll just pass by the tourist area. Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 6:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BlueNorthWesty wrote:
Nice. If you need advice for the Calgary, Banff, BC portions let me know. I'm a new Westy owner so I've mainly been tenting but I do know of some nice spots around BC and AB.

You are also welcome to drive my van to check out the limited slip diff, assuming it's running then. Wink


I'll definitely ask for advice on what to see/do in that area.

BTW, I love my Peloquin. Wink
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
kamzcab86
Samba Moderator


Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7892
Location: Arizona
kamzcab86 is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Arizona Route Info:

I-15 in the "Arizona Strip" is undergoing road construction through the Virgin River Gorge; one lane restriction in both directions. This is the shortest route to the Grand Canyon's North Rim via Vegas, so be prepared for slow-moving traffic (i.e. enjoy the beautiful canyon).

Going ^that way you'll be ever so close to Zion Nat'l Park... worthy of a look-see, IMHO, but it'll be super-busy in the summer. Depending on your route to Moab, there's also Capital Reef, Bryce Canyon, San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley... lots to see in southern Utah! Wink

Sounds like a fun trip... wish I was going! Very Happy
_________________
~Kamz Anxious
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
Blue Vanagon 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kam, Thanks. We are staying in Arches for 5 nights and will use that as a base to see some of the area. I've camped a lot in that area in my youth and am anxious to get back. Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
hans j
Samba Member


Joined: May 06, 2006
Posts: 2713
Location: Salt Lake City UT
hans j is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Should have a Moab vanagon trail map worked out by that time! Might be able to head down there too if the weekend works out for us. Looks like a fun trip!!
_________________
1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ThankYouJerry
Samba Member


Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
ThankYouJerry is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

20ish years ago I crossed the boarder in a 78' Westy on a Ferry across the Great Lakes. Cool experience plus quick/easy. Not sure if that option still exists.

Make sure you plan to drive the Sea to Sky Hyw from Whistler to Vancouver. Also, Avenue of the Giants is a MUST. It parallels Hyw 101 for about 30 miles of Southern Humboldt County on your way south to SF.
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
BlueNorthWesty
Samba Member


Joined: October 24, 2014
Posts: 348
Location: Calgary
BlueNorthWesty is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

dobryan wrote:
BTW, I love my Peloquin. Wink


Funny, I thought you were just thinking about getting one and wanted to try one out first. Did you jump the gun or am I thinking of someone else who was headed to Banff this summer?

Good to hear you like it. I have yet to try mine. Hope it's worth it.
_________________
1984 Medium Blue Vanagon Westfalia 2WD w/ rebuilt Auto, Peloquin differential, 3.27 R&P gears, 2002 Subaru 2.5L engine, Girling G60 front brake upgrade, PS, power mirrors

Build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=610481&highlight=
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

hans j wrote:
Should have a Moab vanagon trail map worked out by that time! Might be able to head down there too if the weekend works out for us. Looks like a fun trip!!


I would love to get together with a group for some good 2WD (w/ Peloquin) trail runs while we are in that area. We arrive at Arches Aug 8 and depart the 13th. Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
tarandusVDub
Samba Member


Joined: August 27, 2010
Posts: 1649
Location: Between Here and There
tarandusVDub is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Depending on your timing, may be able to stay at Pukaskwa national park near Marathon, Ontario. It's an amazing place. They have a nice front country campground, and a beautiful lakeside wilderness trail. Neat visitor center too. I lived there for 3 years during my graduate research, and still miss that coastline today. There is also a great Greek restaurant right near the grocery store in town. Well worth it.
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BlueNorthWesty wrote:
dobryan wrote:
BTW, I love my Peloquin. Wink


Funny, I thought you were just thinking about getting one and wanted to try one out first. Did you jump the gun or am I thinking of someone else who was headed to Banff this summer?

Good to hear you like it. I have yet to try mine. Hope it's worth it.


Yep, you've got me confused with another traveller. I've had a Peloquin for over 8 years and love every minute of it. I hope to see you in the Calgary area. I plan to arrive 2 to 3 days before my son flies in so I have some cushion in case I need it for the drive out....Very Happy
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dobryan
Samba Member


Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16473
Location: Brookeville, MD
dobryan is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tarandusVDub wrote:
Depending on your timing, may be able to stay at Pukaskwa national park near Marathon, Ontario.


Marathon is a little far for that day. I am looking at more like Lake Superior Provincial Park just North of Sault Ste Marie.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3 ... 13, 14, 15  Next
Jump to:
Page 1 of 15

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.