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Help planning once in lifetime trip
Yahoo Message Number: 110570
Due to a variety of circumstances(homeschooling our 10 yr old this year and unique work circumstances) we are going to have 18 days in April,16 days in May, and most of June-August to travel(we will leave LD and fly home as required). As we live in NY we want to take this opportunity to travel the west/southwest as we can visit closer places with less time. Our emphasis will be on National Parks and Historic sites. Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone are three we definitely want to see. We really could use input on not only what else we should try to see but even more importantly what you would choose to see in the April-June window. This may be the only year we can visit these places during this time when school is out and things are not so crowded so what we would really appreciate input on is what would you use this time to visit taking into account this may be the only time we can visit them without summer crowds. This list could vary slightly from the best places to visit list as some of the best places may be good to visit in the Summer in which case we can see them another year.

Thank you

Bob
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110571
I'd add the National Parks in Utah and Big Bend in Texas. Sonora Caverns in Texas are pretty (it has an RV Park)
 Kartchner Caverns in Arizona (reservations a MUST). Then West to Hearst Castle in California. Then North on beautiful Route 1 to Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/ Then continue North Monterey, etc continuing North to CA-120 East to Yosemite. Out of Yosemite take CA-120 East over Tioga Pass (don't miss the gourmet chef in the world famous "Whoa Nellie Deli" in the Mobile Gas Station just West of CA-395) then North to Yellowstone.

best, paul ___ 'Thriving not Surviving' See our websites at
www. LazyDazers.com
www. Bike70th.net
www. SMARTERyellowpages.com &
www. ReformUSCongress.org
 Due to a variety of circumstances(homeschooling our 10 yr old this year and
 
Quote
unique work circumstances) we are going to have 18 days in April,16 days in May, and most of June-August to travel(we will leave LD and fly home as required). As we live in NY we want to take this opportunity to travel the west/southwest as we can visit closer places with less time. Our emphasis will be on National Parks and Historic sites. Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone are three we definitely want to see. We really could use input on not only what else we should try to see but even more importantly what you would choose to see in the April-June window. This may be the only year we can visit these places during this time when school is out and things are not so crowded so what we would really appreciate input on is what would you use this time to visit taking into account this may be the only time we can visit them without summer crowds. This list could vary slightly from the best places to visit list as some of the best places may be good to visit in the Summer in which case we can see them another year.
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Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110573
Quote from: bobewell175"

 As we live in NY we want to take this opportunity to travel the west/southwest as we can visit closer places with less time. Our emphasis will be on National Parks and Historic sites. Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone are three we definitely want to see. We really could use input on not only what else we should try to see but even more importantly what you would choose to see in the April-June window.

First, Bob, I think you're right to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your family.  We did something similar 25 years ago and our kids now consider that trip a highlight of their growing-up years.  (And we did it in a pop-up camper!)
 Second, the National Parks really are a treasure...you'll just have to over-look a lot of other tourists to see the natural beauty!  One mistake we made in our planning was to consider Grand Canyon primarily a "view" stop.  We didn't plan enough time to take advantage of enough of the hikes, Ranger teaching sessions, etc.  The unusual rock formations of Bryce Canyon are also worth a longer visit.
 Third, one of our stops that the kids consider a highlight was camping in Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, TX.  From June through most of August they stage an outdoor musical that gives the history of the state.  While at the performance we also got to witness confrontations with a rattle snake and a Tarantula!  Great fun! (No human lives were lost in these confrontations. As for the snake, let's just say we learned from the Texans that there is more than one way to use a garden rake and hedge trimmers.  And as for the spider, we learned that sometimes you have to clean more than cow poop off your boot.)
 Fourth, be sure to visit some of ancient pueblo sites in New Mexico.  Look for those that haven't been over commercialized.  There's great history there.

You're sure to get lots of other ideas from others.  Have fun! Clarkie
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110589
Even though April-June will allow you to avoid "summer" crowds it is a very beautiful, busy season in Yosemite.  Check their website to get reservations.  When they say "reservations open up at 7:00am on a given day, you need to be on the line or web at 7:00.  Our favorite spot for forty years has been the farthest back loop of Upper Pines campground in the valley.  Can be soggy in the spring and a favorite haunt of the bears but is drop dead gorgeous.
Patti

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Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110594
On Feb 28, 2010, at 4:55 AM, bobewell175 wrote:

Quote
Due to a variety of circumstances(homeschooling our 10 yr old this year and unique work circumstances) we are going to have 18 days in April,16 days in May, and most of June-August to travel...
Hi Bob,

Lucky you!  You'll certainly get lots of ideas from this group, especially the westerners.  April and May in the West can still be a bit iffy at higher elevations.  Personally, I would try to visit some of the stunning, unique national parks in Utah's Highway 12 area (Capitol Reef, Arches, Bryce to name just a few) in April while weather is mild, then visit the high places (Yosemite, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon) during your June-August time frame.

The falls in Yosemite this year will be breathtaking well into the Summer months.  There are *always* crowds at Yosemite so I would plan my visit there to take advantage of blooming azaleas, green pastures, high water in the river and watery falls -- June would be perfect! And, YMMV, but I think visiting Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Grand Canyon in July-August would work out best.  These are always popular parks, and I think crowds at any time between snow falls are a given.  I certainly wouldn't let that stop you!

Lorna Santa Cruz
 http://uppity-woman.blogspot.com/
2003 RB
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110596
Quote
Out of Yosemite take CA-120 East over Tioga Pass (don't miss the gourmet chef in the world famous "Whoa Nellie Deli" in the Mobile Gas Station just West of CA-395) then North to Yellowstone.

best, paul
Wow!  The last time I drove Tioga Pass it was dirt and only one lane wide.  Something I would NEVER want to tackle in the LD.  Are you saying Tioga has been improved to the point where an LD can negotiate it? Carol and Linda.
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110602
THAT was a LONG TIME AGO.

It was paved in 1967 and two lanes when we first came West.

best, paul ___ 'Thriving not Surviving' See our websites at
www. LazyDazers.com
www. Bike70th.net
www. SMARTERyellowpages.com &
www. ReformUSCongress.org

Quote
Out of Yosemite take CA-120 East over Tioga Pass (don't miss the gourmet chef in the world famous "Whoa Nellie Deli" in the Mobile Gas Station just West of CA-395) then North to Yellowstone.

best, paul
 Wow! The last time I drove Tioga Pass it was dirt and only one lane wide.
Something I would NEVER want to tackle in the LD. Are you saying Tioga has been improved to the point where an LD can negotiate it? Carol and Linda.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110605
wrote:
 Even though April-June will allow you to avoid "summer" crowds it is a very beautiful, busy season in Yosemite.  Check their website to get reservations.  When they say "reservations open up at 7:00am on a given day, you need to be on the line or web at 7:00.
--- The website for Yosemite NP is www.nps.gov/yose ; the NP websites provide most, if not all, of the information one needs to plan a visit to a national park. The page for "campground reservation information" is:
 http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm

It's very likely that all campsites for your preferred dates have already been reserved, but follow the instructions on the above page, then connect to www.recreation.gov to see if anything is available.
 You might want to check the NPS websites of the other parks in which you're interested and make camping reservations if you're able to.  It's true that "summer" is still the time of the heaviest amount of national park visitation, but "shoulder seasons", i.e., spring and fall, in some parks are also *very* popular.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110607
We were surprised to get a full-hookup site at Yellowstone without a reservation. A ranger told us it was because a week or so before and after Labor Day are slow times there.

best, paul ___ 'Thriving not Surviving' See our websites at
www. LazyDazers.com
www. Bike70th.net
www. SMARTERyellowpages.com &
www. ReformUSCongress.org

You might want to check the NPS websites of the other parks in which you're
 
Quote
interested and make camping reservations if you're able to. It's true that "summer" is still the time of the heaviest amount of national park visitation, but "shoulder seasons", i.e., spring and fall, in some parks are also *very* popular.
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Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110608
wrote: Wow!  The last time I drove Tioga Pass it was dirt and only one lane wide.  Something I would NEVER want to tackle in the LD.  Are you saying Tioga has been improved to the point where an LD can negotiate it? --- This link is to a very interesting history of the Tioga Road (1883-1961); the "reconstruction" of the road was finished in 1961, but, AFAIK, at least *stretches* of the road were paved long before that date.
 And, yes, it's a beautiful and easily-driven road; paved, two lanes in mostly good condition -- well, by California standards, which are pretty low! The road offers lovely scenery, of course! Yes, there are grades and curves, and the highest elevation is almost 10,000', but these are no big deal at all; really fun to drive it right after it opens, usually in late May. Check the "road opening dates" at www.nps.gov/yose

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110609
Paul Smith  wrote:
 We were surprised to get a full-hookup site at Yellowstone without a reservation. A ranger told us it was because a week or so before and after Labor Day are slow times there.
--- Just a FYI on full hookups in Yellowstone: the only campground within the park that offers full hookups is Fishing Bridge. The electrical system there will be undergoing renovation in 2010, and no “juice” will be available.
 http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/fishing-bridge-rv-park-255.html

or,   http://tinyurl.com/yd7pe7a

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110610
Bob,

By this time of year the reservable Yosemite campsites are almost entirely booked through the coming summer. But:

1. There are still some open, reservable spaces. They won't be prime  spaces but if you're looking for primo camping you'll have to go  somewhere else (Kings Canyon for example). Yosemite Valley camping is  generally crowded and is about a base from which to explore, not a  place to sit around camp.

2. Some spaces are held out of the reservation system for first come
 first served use. You go to the campground office, near Camp Curry I believe, early
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110611
Bob, I might suggest checking various restrictions at the venues you are going to visit; ie Grand Canyon. Several years ago, our son went on a 10 week long trip with the University of Georgia that included a trip there (Grand Canyon). You should expect the restriction of _not_ hiking in and out in one day. (Well, actually, there is a way, but I don't suggest it! Leave it to the college kids to find it :) Plus, the bottom of the canyon is _significantly_ hotter than the rim. Also note the elevation; since we are from the east, the elevation difference took some getting used to. While in the area, you might also consider Meteor Crater on I 40 and the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. (Can you tell I'm an amateur astronomer?) Ken
Former 2009 MB owner
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110612
Quote

 "Wow!  The last time I drove Tioga Pass it was dirt and only one lane wide.  Something I would NEVER want to tackle in the LD.  Are you saying Tioga has been improved to the point where an LD can negotiate it?

Carol and Linda.
I hope you're smiling as you say that! Tioga Pass has been paved since 1958, the 1st time I ever drove over it.
 And yes, it's a piece of cake for a LD. I camp every summer at June Lake and I've driven Tioga both directions in my '04 30'IB. No sweat!

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110631
Quote

wrote: Wow!  The last time I drove Tioga Pass it was dirt and only one lane wide.  Something I would NEVER want to tackle in the LD.  Are you saying Tioga has been improved to the point where an LD can negotiate it? --- This link is to a very interesting history of the Tioga Road (1883-1961); the "reconstruction" of the road was finished in 1961, but, AFAIK, at least *stretches* of the road were paved long before that date.
 And, yes, it's a beautiful and easily-driven road; paved, two lanes in mostly good condition -- well, by California standards, which are pretty low! The road offers lovely scenery, of course! Yes, there are grades and curves, and the highest elevation is almost 10,000', but these are no big deal at all; really fun to drive it right after it opens, usually in late May. Check the "road opening dates" at www.nps.gov/yose

Joan
Joan - Now that I think back, I believe that the last time I was on Tioga Pass Rd was somewhere around 1960 and I think I remember there was construction at that time.  The beginning and end of the route were paved but the middle part was dirt and was a little wider than I remembered as a child.  The first time I was on Tioga Pass Rd was somewhere around 1950 or so, when I was around 9 years old, with my grandparents on a summer camping trip.  The middle part over the pass was unpaved with a sheer drop of what looked like thousands of feet into space and no guard rails.  I seem to remember that the road had signs which said that downhill autos had the right of way and uphill traffic should back down to the wide spots to allow downhill autos to pass.  I was so terrified during that drive that I had nightmares for weeks afterwards.  Now that it is paved I would love to drive it again in our LD.  Thanks for the info.
Cheers, Carol.
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110632
Quote



"Wow!  The last time I drove Tioga Pass it was dirt and only one lane wide.  Something I would NEVER want to tackle in the LD.  Are you saying Tioga has been improved to the point where an LD can negotiate it?

Carol and Linda.

I hope you're smiling as you say that! Tioga Pass has been paved since 1958, the 1st time I ever drove over it.
 And yes, it's a piece of cake for a LD. I camp every summer at June Lake and I've driven Tioga both directions in my '04 30'IB. No sweat!

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve - well, no, I was serious.  I last drove it in 1960 and I do not recall that it was paved over the pass.  That road was a nightmare in the 1950's and I guess it just never occurred to me that it would, of course, not be the same road today as it was then.  Duh! I was so terrified of that road when I was a kid that I've never even considered it in any driving plans ever. Until now.  Now I'll have to make a point of driving it again.  Thanks for the info.
Cheers, Carol.
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110644
Yosemite reservations open on the 15th of the month for the month in 5 months. So March 15th will open August 15-Sept. 15th. And if you haven't gotten anything by 7:15 am PST, quit trying, it ain't gonna happen. It is not a very user friendly site, so I recommend getting a user id before the big morning, and practicing searching even though everything will be reserved already. I second that last loop or Upper Pines though. Large sites in the shade. And the Happy Isles shuttle drops you off right there, don't get off at the campsite stop and walk all the way through. Bring a bike if possible.

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Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110711
I would definitely plan to visit the central coast of California. It's very beautiful. Do plan to drive up Highway one between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. On the way stop and see the Elephant Seals and Hearst Castle.

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Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110717
Bob:
 Try to not miss the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. As well, the Canyon de Chelly (all in AZ). We also thought that Walnut Canyon in AZ was quite beautiful and a bit more "understandable" than the Grand Canyon which so very incredible.
 If time and travel permit, think about the Boulder Dam...excellent tour.
 In Tucson, there's the Saguaro National Park...east and west. South of there would be Organ Pipe National Monument. Just north of Tucson is Biosphere which would also be another very excellent "teaching moment."
 South of Willcox, AZ is Chiricahua National Monument with its haunting history and spectacular views. Surprisingly interesting (to us) was Tombstone, AZ...we had a great day and didn't pay for any activity (although one can find several) except $4 p/p to see The World's Largest Rose Bush (it's a variety thereof and is big!) and Museum.
 Indeed the Central Coast of California is very beautiful and full of interesting and exciting things. We've spent the last 4 months just tinkering around and enjoying the area from San Diego to San Jose.
 The Salinas Valley is also very very interesting...the Salad Bowl of the World...and there's the Steinbeck Center in Salinas. The coastal drives are beautiful, but I truly love the "Happy California Cows" country a bit inland.
 We found the Hearst Castle to be interesting and the operation well organized, but in all honesty, it suffers from less than optimal stewardship. The tour guide we had was enthusiastic and informative, but overall, the most spectacular part of the visit was standing in the "courtyard" and looking to the West to the sea and East to the mountains. For an American castle, (of those I've seen) I'd recommend the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.
 A truly surprisingly interesting National Park is that of Harper's Ferry, WV. We tend to think generally only think of John Brown, but there was much more going on there. Of course, DC is not to be missed.
 The choices are myriad and personal preference reigns...have a great time!

TinaP 2006 MB "Wild Thing"

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
2006 MB
 
Re: Help planning once in lifetime trip
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 110846
I want to thank everyone for the inputs. There are lots of ideas that will help with our planning of this trip.

Bob