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.