First Solo Trip, Part 1

[bluepinecones]

Thank you one and all for the sound advice and so much encouragement.

I had a great, albeit short, visit with Mitch and Liz. I am so glad my desire to see them helped overcome my fear of getting there.

While Interstates will never be my first choice for going somewhere, it is good to know I could do it if necessary. However while rural areas of Interstate don't bother me so much, having to get thru a large city on one could be cause to cancel a trip.

[Sandersmr]

The secret to driving through a big city is to take your time - again not exceeding your safe towing speed - and staying out of the left and right lanes. I try to go for the second for the right when possible. If it's only 2 lane, then stick to the right lane but watch people merging on. And trying to hit town at hours other than rush hour.

Yeah, I drive through Houston, Atlanta - but the worst for me was Baton Rouge because of the construction. Mobile and Montgomery were not bad.

[longdog2]

Oh, too funny. San Antonio and Houston are nothing... but Baton Rouge! I always hit traffic going through there. Sorry Carolyn but it is always the worst part of the trek from San Antonio to Panama City. I enjoy all the rest of Louisiana. Doesn't matter if I am towing or not.

[Acadianmom]

I guess it's what you are use to. I don't have a problem with Baton Rough except for that bottle-neck of a bridge over the Mississippi River. Try to avoid going through there at the beginning or end of a holiday weekend. I know it isn't that far across Baton Rouge. It must be about 60 miles across Houston to the other side of Katy.

Martha

[linann]

Hi Sarah, Great to hear you made the first solo trip. I laughed so hard at your description of your conversation with the trooper. We've forgotten a few things as well, easy to do when you get distracted. Last month we forgot to pull in the slide after stopping for lunch. Thank goodness it's a small slide. Didn't properly close the refrigerator (that was fun), left things sitting out that didn't stay put, didn't take up the steps, and didn't shut the door once. Forgot to crank up the feet and couldn't figure our why it wouldn't seat on the hitch (duh). We now walk around the rig very slowly, twice before moving. As far as speed, 50-55 mph is good enough for me pulling a TT. Never exceed 60 mph no matter what. Just get in the zone and enjoy the ride. Can't wait to read more of your adventures!

[Echo]

Ya know, thinking about this? As much as I've driven a big truck and all the places I've gone to and thru? The one area I will NOT drive an RV is across the George Washington Bridge in NYC and I95 in southern Connecticut. That road is just way to freaking busy and crazy!!! Don't think to much else would bother me. So I guess truck driving helped me out there for sure!

[Nasoosie]

I try to keep at 55 mph, or 60, max, when possible. On Interstates, I ust stay in the rightest lane, and no problems with anybody. When entering a city area, I move into the second lane from the right to allow merges and people can still pass me on the left.

Going through big cities on Sundays is the best, and, as others have said, I always opt for the main route straight through the center and avoid the bypass loops which always seem to be busier. If not able to go through on a Sunday, 10:00 am is a good time to hit the center of a big city, I have discovered. As long as I know which lanes to stay in (helpful to have another set of eyes for this when TomTom and Bessie have funked out) I don't sweat it much.

My favorite road to travel on on this trip, both going north and south, is route 17 that goes diagonally between I 95 and I 81. That road is rural, has a few lights here and there, four lanes, two on each side, and just all in all relaxing to drive. There is one stretch of it I could avoid if I took another Interstate west to 81, but I opt for the two-lane part of 17 through some beautiful country----not long. This changing to 81 from 95 allows me to avoid Washington and Baltimore and NY and all that mess. It takes me to Watertown NY, Camp Drum, which is a short hop east to my house----about 100 miles of back country roads.

I would not recommend going over 60 mph, ever. (Sorry, Sharon!)

[sunshinecruiserTN]

You are W O M A N!! So proud of you. I run between 60 & 65 and sometimes 55 especially when the big W hits. The US is yours girl!