East Coast Caravan 2010????

[Cedar518]

I might join in for a while, keep me posted on this plan.

[cnanago]

Karen,
I was planning to do PEI , Newfoundland and Gaspe next summer. Although I'm originally from Quebec and lived in Nova Scotia for ten years, I never made it to those places and would love to go.
When in Nova Scotia you might want to see the Cabot Trail and you might want to consider taking the ferry in Bar Harbor, Mi. to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and then travel up the coast and get to take in Lunemburg (where the Blue Nose (Tall Ship) was built). lots and lots of history in the East. A real fun trip to plan.
I'd certainly be joining you for part of it, will wait to see what develops.

[cnanago]

Sorry meant to say Bar Harbor, Maine

[BirdbyBird]

I was wondering regarding overnites. I've never RV'ed in the NE but was lead to believe there are fewer boondocking areas. The appeal of traveling in a small group with the ability to take side trips of interest and catch is positive and was very do able in the open areas of Alaska. From more experienced travelers, what are some of the issues that a small group would need to consider. Especially if a few of us may not be available the entire summer but only for a few month/months....?

[Cedar518]

I'd really be interested in Lunenburg, NS,... and other places too. Re: boondocking in NE,... no not so many places, but perhaps some. especially in NFS land. But there are a lot of state campgrounds, which are reasonably priced, most with no hookups. I'm really interested in this. I might even give up a bluegrass festival or two to join up for part of the caravan! Wow,.. did I SAY that?

[BirdbyBird]

Again, those of us with smaller rigs would have an easier time of it. But never underestimate the power of determined women! What are you thinking..... Karen?

[retiredhappy]

I've asked my friend Carole to come with me but it will depend on her stock going up some so she's kind of up in the air. I would really, really, prefer to have someone riding shotgun with me on such a big trip. I would really be out of my comfort zone of traveling in the wide opens spaces of the west. I HATE driving my 30' rig plus car thru BIG cities so I tend to meander way around them if I can. I'm kind of thinking leaving in mid-June and taking about a month (or so). What's the Walmart overnight situation in the east? State parks or federal lands are also options. I would really like to go to Ottumwa Iowa and visit my birthplace and Dad's grave. They have a balloon festival the first week of June at their city park campground. Other than that I have no definite places in mind. Was kind of thinking about doing the "Let's go to ******, we're almost there" type of trip planning. Would like to see some Amish country. Will try to do a little more definite planning after Xmas. I'm open to any suggestions and don't care if we meander up and down the country to see something or someplace specific.

[BirdbyBird]

I can do a "lets go" and/or "did you notice that.." sort of trip. There are just so many things to see and so many possible places to go, no one can see them all. I just want an opportunity to see more than I have! I am thinking that you will need to plan slightly more in the East that out west b/c of the length of you rig w/car. ....Just what i have picked up reading these forums But then you also have a car so that once you found safe "parking/camping" you would be able to travel to and from the things you want to see that are "in the tighter spaces." Navigators really do help! I remember my first class C, 25 ft, first trip out with dd as navigator. She was in her early twenties and would not drive it but would carefully give me directions and read maps. She gave me all the directions through the historic streets of Charleston and Savannah! I keep thinking "I am no bigger than that UPS truck..." It was scary but I just keep going slowly and she kept giving me directions. Only this summer at our family camp out did I hear her comment...that maybe she HAD been aware of the tight streets she was directing her mother to drive through...but we saw both cities! even found a few parking places and walked around.
I would need to drive my unit b/c of the four paws that need their own house.... If you started out in Iowa in June and moved slowly east through Amish country etc, I probably wouldn't be able to pick up you trail until 1st of July! somewhere East of my SW Ohio home. Inside a little voice is whispering, "After all the waiting, It might be possible, it might be possible.....!!!" The researchers do say the anticipation of a positive thing...is the sweetest pleasure!

[Cedar518]

I think the Walmart situation here in northern NY is about 50/50 as far as ones that allow o'nite parking. Some do, some don't. I won't be able to go until school is out the end of June,... and then it's all about timing.... where you all are at. I'm keeping my mind open. I'm sure my pal Kathy would go along with me for a navigator. Actually she goes with so much that I've got her eased into driving too.

Let's just keep talking..... and talking,..... and who knows, it could really happen!

[WickedLady]

Can't do the east coast but might be able to catch you in the Dakotas for a bit.

[dpf]

Ottumwa Iowa??? Isn't that where Radar O'Reilly hailed from?

[retiredhappy]

Before Radar nobody had ever heard of Ottumwa. It was known for growing corn which they fed to the pigs until Hormel packing plant closed.

[sharon]

I don't mind helping with the navigating as long as no one yells at me if I make a wrong turn! Getting through big cities doesn't bother me as long as we stay on the freeway, but I don't want to take my rig down into big city streets. Been there, done that and Hope doesn't like it! Remember, I'm 34ft, wide butt and towing a car. You can only get away with so much with California plates and a girlie driving. LOL! Boondocking is fine as long as it's not over 5 or 6 days, altho I can do 10 if I'm careful with showers. Wandering works for me, too, done a lot of that, not always on purpose. I pretty much need to fuel in truck stops, tho, easier to get in and out of. I can always stop and fuel and catch up, I don't have a problem with that. Just tell me where you're going and I'll find you. Are you sure we can go as far as you want in a month, Karen? Sounds like a lot of miles to go and sightsee in 4 weeks. Sounds like more of a 2 month trip to me.

[retiredhappy]

If this happens I'm up for as long as it takes - no set times. I'm 30' plus 4' (?) towbar and 15' (?) car so I don't do downtown city streets either.

[sharon]

well at least we'll have 2 cars to go see stuff in. I like to get in one place and go see everything about 100 miles around and then move on to the next grid. Better gas mileage and easier to park.