Moving Cross Country
 

With my father being terminally ill, I am moving cross country to spend the time he has left with him. I would be moving from Fayetteville NC to Keizer Oregon. The goal would be drive the SVX (which some will say is probably not the best of ideas). I feel a bit confident in my SVX because I have put work into it but still am a bit worried about the drive. If anyone has an suggestions about what to do to prepare for the drive I'd appreciate it.

Here is a link to my route

If anyone has any suggestions about places to see or places to skip along the drive I'd like to hear it. Also if you'd like to meet along the way I'd be willing to do that also

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sorry to read about your dad. Can't check your route on the iPod touch, but if you're driving through Colorado, you have a place to crash.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Thanks Shelfy. I might be going through Colorado as I have had some people say to avoid Wyoming as it is so boring. Route is not decided yet but mainly looking for input

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Southern Wyoming (I-80) is where there is a break in the Rockies and it is flat and extremely windy. I-70 is a beautiful drive and I am minutes from the interstate.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sorry to hear, Nate. Are you moving out there permanently? The other option would be shipping, but if you're going to make the trip it's worth the experience to drive cross country if you have the time.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Condolences for the news about your dad, and good for you for going to be with him.

If your car has no known issues, just check the condition of belts/hoses/fluids, load some tools and spares and usual road trip gear, and hit the highway. Good luck.

dcb

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sorry to hear about your dad.....
You're passing about an hour from me in KY, I could put you up for a night if that worked out for you.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sorry to hear about your father Nate, you are doing the right thing moving back. Hope you have a safe and trouble free drive.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I add my condolences.

I also second the comment about fluids and hoses. Basically, you want to make sure nothing is low, leaking or burnt. The only other concern might be any issue with the water pump. If not, you should be fine. Also check the brakes to make sure they have enough left on them.

How old is your dad? I lost my father at 54 from lung cancer. It was devastating at the time as I was still pretty young. Since then, I have grown to realize that death is a part of life. The only way to never die is to never live. You dad lived enough to have you and share at least this much of your life with you. That's pretty good right there. Good luck.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Oh yeah, and make sure you take regular breaks for yourself and the car.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sorry to hear about you Father, good decision to go be with him.

Regarding your trip, what time of year will you be do this drive? The Grand Canyon is pretty special and the weather will be changing soon meaning you could hit some early season snow storms. I have driven across the country eighteen times, I think, and whichever way you go there is a lot to see.

If you do come thru Salt Lake City, I have a spare guest room for you.

Ray

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sorry to hear man. Gonna miss having you around (not that you are close but you seem to get everywhere that I am at times)

Good luck with the trip and be safe

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Thanks Tim, and it would be a permanent move due to actions of certain family members and situations caused because of them. But I really like the west coast so that's a plus and less then an hour from Portland. I have been out here for going on two weeks with him and have already withdrawn from school so I can start to apply and get residency here.

He is 47 and has leukemia. He has put a very good fight but unfortunately the leukemia has come out of remission for a second time and are unable to due any chemo or anything at this point for it.

as far as the car goes I do not have any know issues. The water pump / timing belt etc. Were changed less then 12k miles ago. The transmission has less then 4k miles on it and she leaks no fluids. The brakes should still have some life left on them as they were replaced less than 20k miles and I have done a lot of highway driving. I had no issues out her driving to the Dragon back in the Tennessee/ North Carolina mountains. But you never know and luckily I have AAA and a backup fund for any emergency issues.


I would be leaving here pretty sure either late September or early October. I know the weather will be changing pretty soon so I want to try and beat that. I am not sure where I will be at what times as I would just be driving until I am tired. I will probably be skipping Wyoming as some people have advised me its really really boring and long.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Firstly, my condolescences regarding your dad. I'm sure he wants you to have an eventful trip, so you'll have lots to talk about.

I took a coast-to-coast (Baltimore to Washington state) & back trip 2 years ago in a '96 Caravan (notorious for paper trannies) with 205K on it at the start. No problems whatsoever.

Depending on your interests, you MAY want to consider jogging northward on I-74, to I-65, (other routes available) & pick up I-90 (vs. using I-80) through S. Dakota, a state with a number of unusual attractions (Devil's Tower, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse monument etc.), & don't miss the Pioneer car museum in Murdo; really cool. You can dip down to Yellowstone in Northern Wyoming if the wheel bearings are still turning freely. Also don't forget the SVX storage facility in Burlington, WA. Proprietor E. Steele will provide B & B services, provided you bring wine.

Have a safe trip & a comforting time with dad.

Best wishes, Ron.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Very sorry for your dad, but the time you spend with each other will be good for both of you.

I see you are planning on heading through Lincoln, NE. If you are interested in heading slightly north to Omaha I have a place you can stay. Granted it is a dorm, but you would have your own room.

Again, you have my condolences for your dad, and best of luck with your trip.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I appreciate your kind words Ron, I wouldn't mind driving the northern route but not sure yet. A few factors are coming into play here. I would like to see the SVX storage facility but gotta see how this plays out.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

First let me add my condolences. I know what its like to lose a parent at a early age, My mom died of brain cancer at 44. I am very glad you can spend time with him before he goes, I did not get much time with my mom.And second I agree with Ron take the time and hit the sights in SD It is very worth it. I used to live in ND and I took those for granted, until I left the area. I took a couple of weekend trips to mount Rushmore and I am very glad I did.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

As this rate it will look like soon I wont have a time frame to worry too much about as I won't be rushing back out here:(. I think I will go the the northern route and hit SD and other things. But regardless I am moving to the west coast and if all goes well attending Oregon State University.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sorry to hear about your dad. You will be close to the area of the active Vancouver guys! :) We have several events throughout the year. Good luck with your trip. Hope to see you again in the near future. :)

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Well I will still be moving cross country but my father passed away today around noon. I should be heading back to NC and driving here early next week after services.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I am sorry to hear that, I am glad you were already there. If you dont mind my asking why you still moving? I thought the plan was to stay with him and spend time with him.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Oh man, I'm sorry.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Certain family issues and basically need to get away from that mess.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.

Taking 70 through colorado is BY FAR more interesting than 80 through wyoming. It's worth the extra distance.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I am so sorry to hear this Nate.
Out thoughts are with you.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Nate, I am very sorry to hear that. My prayers are with you. Hope to see you in the future when things get settled and you can attend a meet.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Nate, So sorry to hear about your father...

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

edit: Very sorry to hear about your loss,
Ron

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Nate, sorry to hear about your dad. Good luck with your trip.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Sad news, very sorry to hear. My condolences for you and your family.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

nate:

sorry to read about your dad. offer still stands.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I want to thank everyone for their condolences. He will be greatly missed.

As far the trip goes, the *semi-final* route will go something like this
Trip route.
I am going to do an oil change before leaving along with Spark plugs. I can't really think of anything else to do before heading out to the svx. If anyone has an suggestions I'd appreciate it. Also if you have any items that I should take along (I will have coolant, oil, gear oil) please suggest.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Belts.....

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

almost forgot replaced alt belt about 3 months ago (or something like that), But I need to replace A/C belt. So I'll grab a set of both!

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Belts!
Great idea!
Have a few before you start out to relax you.:)
There are a lot of soused drivers out there!

:rolleyes:

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I would highly recommend seeing the Grand Canyon, if you can stretch it. It's so breathtaking that I still don't believe it after seeing it.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

I had thought about that but the person riding back has to testify in court on the 11th so not sure we can manage that in he time frame. Its on my list of place to see.

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Please add my condolences for your loss. Been there. :(

Be sure to check spare tire pressure, often overlooked. Don't recall if anyone has mentioned checking front brake pad thickness. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Glenn

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Well I went out and got a brand new set of tires... Goodyear Eagle GT 225/45/17 (STi wheels). I decided traveling on summer tires was probably not a good idea. I also changed the oil and spark plugs (had Bosch Super from previous owner?, I put in NGK back in). I checked all fluids and should be ready to roll for this 3,135 mile trip :lol:

Re: Moving Cross Country
 

Good laugh, we all needed that :)
I'll have to smile everytime I hear the word 'belt'