Northwest GTG 2012 - Sept 27-Oct 2

[Bethers]

Coming through Bend would be beautiful - although lots more miles, I would think. Same with 101 (down the coast). I'm intending to take 5 off and on - only because of convenience - and I usually avoid interstates entirely when I can. I will be avoiding it part of the way you're talking as I need to visit folks on my way down. I haven't taken this route with my rv before - but will take OR-47 turning into OR-18 for a bit (through McMinnville). I have to make a stop in Salem, so will probably then take the dreaded interstate south from Salem.

[Cougarfan]

Ellen,
You can cut over to I-5 from the state park you'll be at on 2 lane roads to Salem. From there, the freeway is pretty much your only option. I don't like towing on the freeway either but will do it to get to where I want to go. The positive side is that there are always at least 2 lanes (unless there is construction) and people can pass you with ease. The more I drive the freeway, the more comfortable I am with it. And, its only about 200 miles from Salem to Valley of the Rogue with rest areas along the way to stop and rest. I like to stop from time to time to pry my hand off the steering wheel and give it a rest

Laura

[Redwahine]

I know you won't speed, but watch out for that speed trap on 5 going through Salem.

[Joan]

I have driven down I5 now a couple of times on my way to California. My cruising speed is 62 (unless posted lower like in Salem) and I stay in the right lane and rarely pass. If I have to slow down because someone ahead of me is going less than 62 that is ok. I am on vacation and really in no hurry to get somewhere. I give myself plenty of room between me and the car ahead of me. I let the other drivers worry about getting ahead. Like Cougarfan said there are at least two lanes all the way. If there is construction, then everyone is going slow. Just take it easy and enjoy yourself.

[Acadianmom]

I have only driven I-5 once from Seattle to Bakersfield. What I noticed in CA was that there was a lot of truck traffic. The speed limit for trucks was 55 so I would find myself in a truck caravan. If I decided to pass there would be a long line of trucks to pass and the idiots that wanted to do 80 would be on my bumper until I could get back over.

Martha

[AlmostThere]

Question: Can anyone propose a more interesting (less scary!) route south from Portland than I-5? All I can picture is me hogging the right lane while the truckers weave in and out. When I asked Google Maps to "avoid highways," it threw me east through Bend! Ideas please? [Can you tell I'm getting excited?]

Driving I-5 once you get out of Portland will be a breeze. It's getting thru Portland that terrifies me!

[Cougarfan]

So we're just about a month away from this great gtg and thought I would throw out an idea. By my count there are about 5 rigs coming from the north (Joan, Marda, Ellen/Kari, Beth and myself). Is anyone interested in a caravan? There is a rest area south of Salem on I-5 that we could meet at and my Mom even offered to follow me down there and take a picture of all our rv's lined up LOL Since its about a 3 1/2-4hr drive from there I was thinking we could meet there around 11 am and that would get us to Valley of the Rogue about 3-ish. Check-in at the park is 4:00. We can adjust the meet time earlier if everyone wants.

There would be no rules for this caravan LOL If we get separated, well that's okay. Some of us will be fairly slow going up and down the 4 small mountain passes south of Roseburg but we could all meet up again at the rest area at the state park (same entrance for both the rest area and Valley of the Rogue) and go in together. We'll all be traveling on Thursday so the traffic shouldn't be as hectic as a Friday so a better chance we could all stay reasonably close together for the 200 mile trip.

So, if anyone is interested, I'll figure out the exact milepost for the rest area and get that posted. I think its about mp 240 but will get the exact number and post it.

Laura

[Bethers]

I will plan to meet for the caravan - but make no promises until we get close to the date. 11 works good for me and gives us lots of time to go that few hours.

[ellenw]

Speaking for Kari and me: Sounds good, Laura!

[Joan]

I will try to be there at 11 although I have a history of trying to get an early start but end up not leaving until 1 or 2. It depends on how much I can get done earlier in the week after work. If I am not there, don't wait for me.

[monik7]

Our sites are electric only, right? Will there be a potable water spot to fill up at as we go in or do we need fill up before we get there? Thanks
Sandi

[Joan]

Actually, the sites have water.

[ellenw]

Sandi - Mine (F41) has water hookup as well as electric and it's called "Standard." Check the details on your reservation. I clicked through to the reservation system and signed in to view "Current Reservations."

[OregonLuvr]

No worries. F loop has water and electric. Just no sewer. The restrooms and showers are close to us tho, so again no worries.

karen

[Cougarfan]

I will try to be there at 11 although I have a history of trying to get an early start but end up not leaving until 1 or 2. It depends on how much I can get done earlier in the week after work. If I am not there, don't wait for me.

Like I said, there are no rules for this caravan LOL I have to utilize the evenings after work as well but I'm going to go get the trailer out of storage on Friday after work and try to do as much as I can the weekend before. I will save the grocery shopping to Thursday morning as I head out of town.

When it gets closer, and we see how many are interested, we'll decide on a go-time from the rest area and those that are there will go.

Laura