Summer road trip - LotusTalk

lotus54 · 07-28-2007, 04:51 PM

I meant to start this post the first couple of days, but didn't get around to it.
We left Wednesday from Port Angeles, WA. headed East and south- across the new Tacoma Narrows. The up 18 to I90. Bailed off that on the other side, going along Yakima Canyon road. After that we took 97 to Goldendale- then the hwy 142 that I like so much.
This runs into hwy 14 along the Columbia. Up 13 to the Dalles, then 197 to a side road taking us to the backside of Maupin. Stayed there the first night.

Mare later

lotus54 · 07-28-2007, 04:54 PM

Day two-
Head out of Maupin up the great Bakeoven road. Then road 218 to Fossil. ads to Fossil. I really like this section.
19 out of Fossil through Spray, That joins up with hwy 26 near Dayvill.
I wanted to take a side road later (245), but we just ran out of time. Kept on that road (26? to Ontario, OR. Then took the freeaway for a bit, until just past Boise.
Left that and headed up toward Stanley, ID. On 21. What a great road! All sorts of weather, rain, heat...Got into Stanley around 8pm.

Mark

lotus54 · 07-28-2007, 04:57 PM

Day three, leaving Stanley, ID toward Craters of the Moon.
Headed out 75, through Sun Valley etc.
Then 20 to Craters of the Moon.
I had some work to do there, so we spent the day. That eve we went on a 'full moon walk. Got back well after dark. Pretty fun.
Stayed in Arco, ID that night. The big claim to fame is the first town in the world to be lit by nuclear power. What they don't mention, is it was only for 2 hours!

lotus54 · 07-28-2007, 07:07 PM

Day 4- Arco to Jackson, WY.

Not too far today, took 20 to Idaho Falls, then 26 to Swan valley.
Hopped onto 31 up over the passes, 33 and 22 into Jackson.
We spend the day cruising around the Tetons, taking the little senic roads. Just putting along.
The car has run great the whole time, even with very high temps.

The warmest the water has gotten was when I was going about 20mph up to Signal Mountain with the AC on. The temp got up to 207.
I turned off the AC and it came right back down.

Great fun!

Hiking tomorow, then off through Yellowstone, staying at Bozeman.

Mark

lotus54 · 07-30-2007, 09:01 PM

Had a great hiking trip yesterday, but the road to the trailhead was horrible. 3mph along it!

Went up around Yellowstone today. We are in Bozeman, MT now.
Off to Kalispell, MT tomorrow, then around Glacier NP, then to Sandpoint, ID the next day.

Notice all the bugs on the front of the car. It is a MESS now!

mark

lotus54 · 07-31-2007, 09:03 PM

We are in Kalispell, MT now.
Got here early enough that we took a drive around Glacier NP today rather than tomorrow. Wild road! Just cruising along most of it, although on the east side there is one that you could pick up the pace a bit.
Car still running perfectly, no temperature problems and AC still doing everything it needs to do.
Took the top off for the drive around Glacier, since if finally cooled down a little. Fires all over the place, so lots and lots of smoke- sort of wrecked some of the views.
If I still have room, I'll upload a couple of pics.

Off to Sandpoint, ID tomrrow, not sure of the route. Any ideas?

Mark

Randy Chase · 07-31-2007, 09:12 PM

No ideas, but enjoying the pics and jealous of the trip.

andykeck · 07-31-2007, 09:19 PM

I would take 93 north through Whitefish, almost to the Canadian border. Then south along 37 to 2. Kind of out of the way, but otherwise it would be a very short drive.

And also: I too am jealous. I need a roadtrip soon. Possibly though that same area.

What you really need to do is screw up your whole trip and head down to Missoula and take Lolo Pass through Lewiston, hit the Spiral Highway, then head south on the Rattlesnake Grade. Yeah, that.

avantephoto · 08-01-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

...enjoying the pics and jealous of the trip.

+1, subscribed, and waiting for your next update...

lotus54 · 08-02-2007, 10:26 PM

Well, we are back home. Did around 2800 miles or so (haven't checked exactly).
I didn't have internet yesterday eve, I would have liked to take Lolo, but we had plans to stay at some freinds in Sandpoint.

We left Kalispel, headed north on 93 (well, actually took 2 for a bit, since they were working on that section of 93). Went to Eureka, MT - then down hwy 37. This meets back up with 2 later.
Fun road on 37 for much of it, we even went across the lake on the other side for a bit. Mostly just to cross the bridge

I thought about going down the FS road on the other side instead- the beginning at least was paved.
But figured I'd leave that for the Multistrada some day instead.

We left this morning from Sandpoint- taking 2, then - then hwy 20 all the way to Keystone, WA. Hopped on the ferry (fortunately, it was late, so we made it) took it to Port Townsend. Then the rest of the way on 20 until it hits 101. Then home to PA.

So we went all the way across the Washington state portion of hwy 20.
No pictures today! It is a pretty long drive and later on I sort of got the 'heading for the barn' syndrom. Should have taken some on the North Cascades Hwy portion anyway- but after passing some guys before Washington Pass, we only saw one other vehicle in our lane (and he pulled over pretty quickly). Great run!
Lots of new pavement on the section just west of Kettle Falls, but also some contruction that slowed things down for awhile.

I'll get some more pics posted tomorrow.

The car ran perfectly the whole time. Used the AC much of it, and got 35-38mpg on the random ones I've checked so far. We even had enough room (I told the wife to pack like we were on the motorcycle).
Of course, I just got a 'waiver' in the mail from the insurance agent that I'm suppose to sign saying I don't exceed 5000 miles per year...
What a great trip! Of course got tons of questions on the car, the usual 'price' one (several thought it was 100k) but also some more informed ones.

Mark

lotus54 · 08-02-2007, 10:28 PM

On the way to Kalispell.

lotus54 · 08-02-2007, 10:39 PM

On the 'Road to the Sun' hiway.

lotus54 · 08-02-2007, 10:45 PM

Amphitheater lake we hiked up to (about a 10 mile round trip)

Great place to eat in Jackson

Mammoth hot springs

More to follow.
mark

lotus54 · 08-03-2007, 02:06 PM

Along the Tetons

lotus54 · 08-10-2007, 05:03 PM

Stanley, ID.
I like the light on the car in this picture.

I've been using my 'flexible' plate on the front. Might keep me from being pulled over for not having one, it is pretty small, and I can hear the plastic touch first. Since it is flexible, it doesn't hurt anything and weighs about 1oz.

07-28-2007, 04:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Summer road trip I meant to start this post the first couple of days, but didn't get around to it. We left Wednesday from Port Angeles, WA. headed East and south- across the new Tacoma Narrows. The up 18 to I90. Bailed off that on the other side, going along Yakima Canyon road. After that we took 97 to Goldendale- then the hwy 142 that I like so much. This runs into hwy 14 along the Columbia. Up 13 to the Dalles, then 197 to a side road taking us to the backside of Maupin. Stayed there the first night. Mare later Attached Images

07-28-2007, 04:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Day two- Head out of Maupin up the great Bakeoven road. Then road 218 to Fossil. ads to Fossil. I really like this section. 19 out of Fossil through Spray, That joins up with hwy 26 near Dayvill. I wanted to take a side road later (245), but we just ran out of time. Kept on that road (26? to Ontario, OR. Then took the freeaway for a bit, until just past Boise. Left that and headed up toward Stanley, ID. On 21. What a great road! All sorts of weather, rain, heat...Got into Stanley around 8pm. Mark Attached Images Last edited by lotus54 : 07-28-2007 at 07:00 PM.

07-28-2007, 04:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Day three, leaving Stanley, ID toward Craters of the Moon. Headed out 75, through Sun Valley etc. Then 20 to Craters of the Moon. I had some work to do there, so we spent the day. That eve we went on a 'full moon walk. Got back well after dark. Pretty fun. Stayed in Arco, ID that night. The big claim to fame is the first town in the world to be lit by nuclear power. What they don't mention, is it was only for 2 hours! Attached Images Last edited by lotus54 : 07-28-2007 at 07:03 PM.

07-28-2007, 07:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Day 4- Arco to Jackson, WY. Not too far today, took 20 to Idaho Falls, then 26 to Swan valley. Hopped onto 31 up over the passes, 33 and 22 into Jackson. We spend the day cruising around the Tetons, taking the little senic roads. Just putting along. The car has run great the whole time, even with very high temps. The warmest the water has gotten was when I was going about 20mph up to Signal Mountain with the AC on. The temp got up to 207. I turned off the AC and it came right back down. Great fun! Hiking tomorow, then off through Yellowstone, staying at Bozeman. Mark Attached Images Last edited by lotus54 : 07-28-2007 at 07:14 PM.

07-30-2007, 09:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Had a great hiking trip yesterday, but the road to the trailhead was horrible. 3mph along it! Went up around Yellowstone today. We are in Bozeman, MT now. Off to Kalispell, MT tomorrow, then around Glacier NP, then to Sandpoint, ID the next day. Notice all the bugs on the front of the car. It is a MESS now! mark Last edited by lotus54 : 08-02-2007 at 10:42 PM.

07-31-2007, 09:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	We are in Kalispell, MT now. Got here early enough that we took a drive around Glacier NP today rather than tomorrow. Wild road! Just cruising along most of it, although on the east side there is one that you could pick up the pace a bit. Car still running perfectly, no temperature problems and AC still doing everything it needs to do. Took the top off for the drive around Glacier, since if finally cooled down a little. Fires all over the place, so lots and lots of smoke- sort of wrecked some of the views. If I still have room, I'll upload a couple of pics. Off to Sandpoint, ID tomrrow, not sure of the route. Any ideas? Mark

07-31-2007, 09:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,174 Images: 761	No ideas, but enjoying the pics and jealous of the trip. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

07-31-2007, 09:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
andykeck Meow talk lotus one day? Join Date: May 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 4,929 Images: 1	I would take 93 north through Whitefish, almost to the Canadian border. Then south along 37 to 2. Kind of out of the way, but otherwise it would be a very short drive. And also: I too am jealous. I need a roadtrip soon. Possibly though that same area. What you really need to do is screw up your whole trip and head down to Missoula and take Lolo Pass through Lewiston, hit the Spiral Highway, then head south on the Rattlesnake Grade. Yeah, that. Attached Images

08-02-2007, 10:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Well, we are back home. Did around 2800 miles or so (haven't checked exactly). I didn't have internet yesterday eve, I would have liked to take Lolo, but we had plans to stay at some freinds in Sandpoint. We left Kalispel, headed north on 93 (well, actually took 2 for a bit, since they were working on that section of 93). Went to Eureka, MT - then down hwy 37. This meets back up with 2 later. Fun road on 37 for much of it, we even went across the lake on the other side for a bit. Mostly just to cross the bridge I thought about going down the FS road on the other side instead- the beginning at least was paved. But figured I'd leave that for the Multistrada some day instead. We left this morning from Sandpoint- taking 2, then - then hwy 20 all the way to Keystone, WA. Hopped on the ferry (fortunately, it was late, so we made it) took it to Port Townsend. Then the rest of the way on 20 until it hits 101. Then home to PA. So we went all the way across the Washington state portion of hwy 20. No pictures today! It is a pretty long drive and later on I sort of got the 'heading for the barn' syndrom. Should have taken some on the North Cascades Hwy portion anyway- but after passing some guys before Washington Pass, we only saw one other vehicle in our lane (and he pulled over pretty quickly). Great run! Lots of new pavement on the section just west of Kettle Falls, but also some contruction that slowed things down for awhile. I'll get some more pics posted tomorrow. The car ran perfectly the whole time. Used the AC much of it, and got 35-38mpg on the random ones I've checked so far. We even had enough room (I told the wife to pack like we were on the motorcycle). Of course, I just got a 'waiver' in the mail from the insurance agent that I'm suppose to sign saying I don't exceed 5000 miles per year... What a great trip! Of course got tons of questions on the car, the usual 'price' one (several thought it was 100k) but also some more informed ones. Mark

08-02-2007, 10:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	On the way to Kalispell. Last edited by lotus54 : 08-02-2007 at 10:43 PM.

08-02-2007, 10:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	On the 'Road to the Sun' hiway.

08-02-2007, 10:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Amphitheater lake we hiked up to (about a 10 mile round trip) Great place to eat in Jackson Mammoth hot springs More to follow. mark

08-03-2007, 02:06 PM	#14 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Along the Tetons

08-10-2007, 05:03 PM	#15 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 593	Stanley, ID. I like the light on the car in this picture. I've been using my 'flexible' plate on the front. Might keep me from being pulled over for not having one, it is pretty small, and I can hear the plastic touch first. Since it is flexible, it doesn't hurt anything and weighs about 1oz.

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