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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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 Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:24 pm Post subject: MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD |
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Well it is time to take an epic summer trip with my 12 year old son Brendan.  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).
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. 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.
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....  
Added info 1/22/16......
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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...)
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 |
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hopkin 
Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2012
Posts: 2539
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 4:39 pm Post subject: |
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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)
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32976
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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hopkin
Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2012
Posts: 2539
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:05 pm Post subject: |
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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) |
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BlueNorthWesty
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2014
Posts: 348
Location: Calgary
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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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. 
_________________
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= |
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Jeffrey Lee
Samba Member
Joined: February 04, 2014
Posts: 1510
Location: Wisconsin
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:50 pm Post subject: |
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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! |
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MacLeod Willy
Samba Member
Joined: February 18, 2014
Posts: 933
Location: Ontario Canada
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:57 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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hopkin
Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2012
Posts: 2539
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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| 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):
Driving past the falls:
_________________
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) |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 6:19 pm Post subject: |
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| 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. |
I'll definitely ask for advice on what to see/do in that area.
BTW, I love my Peloquin.
_________________
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 |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8304
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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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!
Sounds like a fun trip... wish I was going!
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~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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hans j
Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2006
Posts: 2733
Location: Salt Lake City UT
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:38 pm Post subject: |
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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!!
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181 |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:51 pm Post subject: |
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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.
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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BlueNorthWesty
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2014
Posts: 348
Location: Calgary
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:09 pm Post subject: |
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| dobryan wrote: |
| BTW, I love my Peloquin. |
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= |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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tarandusVDub
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2010
Posts: 1683
Location: Between Here and There
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:34 pm Post subject: |
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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.
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1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 8:34 pm Post subject: |
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| BlueNorthWesty wrote: |
| dobryan wrote: |
| BTW, I love my Peloquin. |
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....
_________________
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 |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16937
Location: Brookeville, MD
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