Did I miss something? Is it already July, and nobody has started this topic yet?
What are everyone's plans for this year?
I'm trying to decide between this fall and next fall for a family vacation in Chicago. For me, this would be the first time I've been in Illinois since 2016. But that was just a passing-through between here and Tennessee to buy a car. More importantly, it would be the first time I've set foot in Chicago since 2007.
As for the driving route, it would be the first time I've taken US-36 (CKC) across Missouri. It's quite possible, in fact, that I've never been on US-36 since the CKC moniker was instituted–not even stopped at Cameron for gas on the way up to Iowa/Minnesota. So, between Cameron (MO) and the Pittsfield (IL) exit, it would be all new terrain for me. Also, now that cash on the Chicago-area tollways doesn't seem to be a thing anymore, planning how to get to the hotel would be more difficult. Only rarely have I ever shunpiked in Chicagoland, and it always used to be because of weekend traffic rather than the tolls themselves.
I do have a question for those of you who live in the Chicago area: With the recent increase in COVID infections among the unvaccinated, how likely do you think it is that Chicago museums will still be open, say, three months from now?
I doubt the museums will close again, but that state has started re-instituting travel restrictions from hotspot states.
As for a route, if you're avoiding tolls you can take US 36->I-172->IL 110->I-74->I-80
If you're hotel is downtown, you can use I-80->I-57->I-94.
If you're in a western suburb, you can use I-80->I-55 and then IL 53, IL 83, or LaGrange Rd depending on how far out.
I have already done trips with family.
One was early in the year for a trip down the St. Johns to a place called Astor in Lake County (though, I should note, it is right on the county line with Volusia). Pretty place.
I have had some serious family stuff recently and upcoming (next month and near the end of the year).
A couple of weddings, to say the least. One in Delaware and one in Staten Island.
I do small scale stuff pretty much every other week. This Friday I'll be going out hiking on Old CA 1 over Montara Mountain. On the larger side of things we have a trip to Idaho scheduled for September and for Honolulu in November. We'll be heading out to southern Oregon again in early August for a hiking trip.
In June we had a big family reunion and road trip in Florida. Notably my wife was able to knock two National Parks off her list; Everglades and Biscayne.
I might travel somewhere in August I don't know yet.
One more I forgot... We are also working on something for Michigan-DC for early October.
I just came home from a weekend in Missouri (with dips into Illinois and Kansas). I watched baseball games in KC and STL and clinched several 3dis in both metros (470 in Topeka; 435, 635, 670 in KC; 170, 255, 270 in STL) along with finishing I-70 in KS and MO, and clinching I-172 and US 218.
Thinking of the following:
Early August - three day weekend, western Maryland (Cumberland, Frostburg)
Early September - maybe a week - Outer Banks (NC)
Late December - annual trip to Florida over Christmas & New Year's.
Maybe another one if I feel like it.
Not only for sightseeing, but some roadgeeking as well. Adding to my clinched highways and counties, improving my "lowest route number not traveled" (currently 135, hope to get to 148).
Once I got a dependable vehicle running, I've done a handful of trips already this year. Most were just day trips, but a couple involved overnight stays.
I've mentioned my big upcoming trip to Montana-Idaho-Utah with my brother that is on tap for next month, but there are a couple of others I want to do, but they may end up waiting until fall. I'm planning on going to check out the new US 35 in West Virginia when it's opened to traffic (I could do that in a day, but will probably make at least one overnight stay out of it). I also want to go out to western Kentucky and see the new KY 80 southern bypass of Mayfield, the reconstructed US 45/Bypass 45 intersection, and the upgraded Bypass 45/Purchase Parkway (I-69) interchange, and might squeeze a jaunt down to Union City to see Tennessee's progress on new I-69 construction while I'm in the area.
I've been trying to work a trip to see what's going on with Kentucky's "Heartland Parkway" corridor and the new Corridor J (TN 52 between Celina and Livingston) alignment, but I keep sleeping in on weekend days and it gets too late for me to venture out when I finally do get up and around.
Quote from: cabiness42 on July 21, 2021, 06:37:44 PM
As for a route, if you're avoiding tolls you can take US 36->I-172->IL 110->I-74->I-80
If you're hotel is downtown, you can use I-80->I-57->I-94.
If you're in a western suburb, you can use I-80->I-55 and then IL 53, IL 83, or LaGrange Rd depending on how far out.
I have my eye on a hotel near Rosemont. So, coming from I-55, I think I'd probably take Route 83 up to Irving Park Road over to Mannheim. That route has served me well in the past, even during rush hour, starting from around Saint Charles Road. It's just the part south of about Oakbrook that I'm not so familiar with.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 21, 2021, 06:52:03 PM
I have already done trips with family.
One was early in the year for a trip down the St. Johns to a place called Astor in Lake County (though, I should note, it is right on the county line with Volusia). Pretty place.
I have had some serious family stuff recently and upcoming (next month and near the end of the year).
A couple of weddings, to say the least. One in Delaware and one in Staten Island.
Actually, it looks like I won't be driving later this year. Instead, a trip via Amtrak is in lieu. But I don't know which of the two Silver Service trains I'll be taking yet.
Actually just decided on this today. I have a kid on the way due in January, so my ability to do solo trips for a while will be ending. I had a trip to Laos planned in February, but had to cancel for obvious reasons. So, I'm going to fly to Philly and then road trip in the Northeast, Quebec, and the Maritimes. I work remotely, so I'm going to drive longer days on the weekends and then make smaller trips during the week when I'm done with work.
Loose plan right now:
Day 1 (Saturday)
From Philly airport, drive down to Wilmington to clinch I-495 and I-95 in Delaware.
Take I-95 back North all the way to New Haven, then I-91 all the way up to Quebec.
PQ55 North to Drummondville and spend the night.
Day 2 (Sunday)
PQ20 North to Riviere du Loup, then PQ85 into New Brunswick
TCH2 across New Brunswick
TCH104 then NS102 down to Halifax and spend the night
Day 3 (Monday)
NS101, NS103, and NS3 combination (depending on how much time I have) to Lunenburg
Day 4 (Tuesday)
NS103, TCH104, TCH105, and Cabot Trail to Ingonish
Day 5 (Wednesday)
Cabot Trail, TCH104, TCH106 and then the ferry over to PEI. TCH1 to Charlottetown
Day 6 (Thursday)
TCH1, Confederation Bridge, TCH16, NB95, and I-95 to Bangor
Day 7 (Friday)
I-95 and other interstates down to Portland
Day 8 (Saturday)
I-95, NH101, I-93 to its northern end, U-Turn, I-293, I-93, I-95, I-295 Providence, I-95 to I-195 to finish clinching Rhode Island interstates, and then somehow back to Philly. Not fully planned out how I want to go since I have most of the rest of the direct way clinched already.
I know that it's a lot of interstate driving which isn't the most exciting, but I haven't been in New England (other than a quick overnight in Boston) since I was 21, and wanted to knock out more of those highways.
If all goes well, I'll visit three new provinces (NB, PEI, and NS), clinch I-91, I-93, I-95 and then completely clinch all interstates in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Delaware. I'll also get to drive one of my bucket list roads (Cabot Trail) during peak colors.
Any suggestions always appreciated.
Chris
Not much in terms of road trips this year for me. The most I've driven in a short period of time was when I went from home to Sheboygan and then up to northwestern WI in late June, about 6 hours one way. I've only been to three states this year, one of which was by plane.
I went to Chicago in February. Got to see the I-39/90 project as it nears completion.
Went to the Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, and Appleton areas once each this spring. Went to Green Bay a couple times.
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
Actually just decided on this today. I have a kid on the way due in January, so my ability to do solo trips for a while will be ending. I had a trip to Laos planned in February, but had to cancel for obvious reasons. So, I'm going to fly to Philly and then road trip in the Northeast, Quebec, and the Maritimes. I work remotely, so I'm going to drive longer days on the weekends and then make smaller trips during the week when I'm done with work.
Loose plan right now:
Day 1 (Saturday)
From Philly airport, drive down to Wilmington to clinch I-495 and I-95 in Delaware.
Take I-95 back North all the way to New Haven, then I-91 all the way up to Quebec.
PQ55 North to Drummondville and spend the night.
Day 2 (Sunday)
PQ20 North to Riviere du Loup, then PQ85 into New Brunswick
TCH2 across New Brunswick
TCH104 then NS102 down to Halifax and spend the night
Day 3 (Monday)
NS101, NS103, and NS3 combination (depending on how much time I have) to Lunenburg
Day 4 (Tuesday)
NS103, TCH104, TCH105, and Cabot Trail to Ingonish
Day 5 (Wednesday)
Cabot Trail, TCH104, TCH106 and then the ferry over to PEI. TCH1 to Charlottetown
Day 6 (Thursday)
TCH1, Confederation Bridge, TCH16, NB95, and I-95 to Bangor
Day 7 (Friday)
I-95 and other interstates down to Portland
Day 8 (Saturday)
I-95, NH101, I-93 to its northern end, U-Turn, I-293, I-93, I-95, I-295 Providence, I-95 to I-195 to finish clinching Rhode Island interstates, and then somehow back to Philly. Not fully planned out how I want to go since I have most of the rest of the direct way clinched already.
I know that it's a lot of interstate driving which isn't the most exciting, but I haven't been in New England (other than a quick overnight in Boston) since I was 21, and wanted to knock out more of those highways.
If all goes well, I'll visit three new provinces (NB, PEI, and NS), clinch I-91, I-93, I-95 and then completely clinch all interstates in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Delaware. I'll also get to drive one of my bucket list roads (Cabot Trail) during peak colors.
Any suggestions always appreciated.
Chris
I suggest not taking 95 through Philly and will suggest the NJ Turnpike instead. I mean, you can still do some clinching in Delaware (it is, after all, a small state in both counties and overall size) before you take my suggestion in mind.
New York City's surrounding area is always going to be a cluster- due to just how the infrastructure is where my family is from. I have not been to New Haven in years so no comment.
North of New Haven I also haven't seen in years. No comment.
Boston I haven't seen but I have been through Providence but not in years. No comment.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 21, 2021, 09:52:16 PM
I suggest not taking 95 through Philly and will suggest the NJ Turnpike instead. I mean, you can still do some clinching in Delaware (it is, after all, a small state in both counties and overall size) before you take my suggestion in mind.
New York City's surrounding area is always going to be a cluster- due to just how the infrastructure is where my family is from. I have not been to New Haven in years so no comment.
North of New Haven I also haven't seen in years. No comment.
Boston I haven't seen but I have been through Providence but not in years. No comment.
I've been on the NJTP before though and have never been on I-95 in Pennsylvania, so shitty or not, I gotta drive it sometime if I want to clinch all of the interstates (this trip should put me somewhere near 70%).
I know NYC is going to suck traffic-wise, but that's also why I'm driving it on a weekend. I know it's probably still bad on Saturdays, but I won't have to deal with any traditional rush hour. If anyone has any suggestions on which way to go (to clinch interstate mileage) that isn't I-95, I'm all ears. I'm thinking of maybe I-278 from beginning to end, but haven't 100% decided.
Chris
I have a longer-than-usual drive to the BMW dealership in Daytona this Friday. Reason is that one of the roads around here chewed up some of the tires on the Z4,
Potholes suck. Good news is that the drive will make it (hopefully) easier to kick back and relax. But this is Florida, where the potentially worst can and will happen.
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 10:01:58 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 21, 2021, 09:52:16 PM
I suggest not taking 95 through Philly and will suggest the NJ Turnpike instead. I mean, you can still do some clinching in Delaware (it is, after all, a small state in both counties and overall size) before you take my suggestion in mind.
New York City's surrounding area is always going to be a cluster- due to just how the infrastructure is where my family is from. I have not been to New Haven in years so no comment.
North of New Haven I also haven't seen in years. No comment.
Boston I haven't seen but I have been through Providence but not in years. No comment.
I've been on the NJTP before though and have never been on I-95 in Pennsylvania, so shitty or not, I gotta drive it sometime if I want to clinch all of the interstates (this trip should put me somewhere near 70%).
I know NYC is going to suck traffic-wise, but that's also why I'm driving it on a weekend. I know it's probably still bad on Saturdays, but I won't have to deal with any traditional rush hour. If anyone has any suggestions on which way to go (to clinch interstate mileage) that isn't I-95, I'm all ears. I'm thinking of maybe I-278 from beginning to end, but haven't 100% decided.
Chris
278 is worse. Bumper to bumper in Brooklyn (never took it through Queens). Try driving around via 287 or 84 (via 87). Don't try driving the parkways,
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 21, 2021, 10:07:15 PM
278 is worse. Bumper to bumper in Brooklyn (never took it through Queens). Try driving around via 287 or 84 (via 87). Don't try driving the parkways,
Similarly. I've already driven that route too, when avoiding the blackout in 2003. I want/have to drive them sometime.
Chris
278 is fun when it moves, especially westbound on the BQE. Sadly, it's not moving more often than it is.
The big trip for the year for me was a family trip in June to New England. Other than CT, I'd never been to any of the New England states so this brought my total up to 48. Got my kids' total up to 28. With family in tow, I didn't have a lot of leeway to deviate from the fastest path for road clinching purposes, but did manage to get good chunks of I-76 in OH; I-95 in NY, CT, and RI; US 6 in MA; I-95 in MA, NH, ME; and I-90 in NY, OH; along with some stretches of US and state highways.
My solo trips are focused on finishing off the Indiana state highway system. I've reached the point where what I need to cover is too far away for day trips, so I've resorted to overnight trips.
My first one was in May, covering the far SW corner of the state, which got me the last 3 county seats I hadn't been to yet.
Have one planned for two weeks from now, covering what I have left in the SE corner of the state.
That will leave me one trip back to the SW, where most of what I'm missing is between Terre Haute and Oakland City.
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
Actually just decided on this today. I have a kid on the way due in January, so my ability to do solo trips for a while will be ending. I had a trip to Laos planned in February, but had to cancel for obvious reasons. So, I'm going to fly to Philly and then road trip in the Northeast, Quebec, and the Maritimes. I work remotely, so I'm going to drive longer days on the weekends and then make smaller trips during the week when I'm done with work.
Loose plan right now:
Day 1 (Saturday)
From Philly airport, drive down to Wilmington to clinch I-495 and I-95 in Delaware.
Take I-95 back North all the way to New Haven, then I-91 all the way up to Quebec.
PQ55 North to Drummondville and spend the night.
Day 2 (Sunday)
PQ20 North to Riviere du Loup, then PQ85 into New Brunswick
TCH2 across New Brunswick
TCH104 then NS102 down to Halifax and spend the night
Day 3 (Monday)
NS101, NS103, and NS3 combination (depending on how much time I have) to Lunenburg
Day 4 (Tuesday)
NS103, TCH104, TCH105, and Cabot Trail to Ingonish
Day 5 (Wednesday)
Cabot Trail, TCH104, TCH106 and then the ferry over to PEI. TCH1 to Charlottetown
Day 6 (Thursday)
TCH1, Confederation Bridge, TCH16, NB95, and I-95 to Bangor
Day 7 (Friday)
I-95 and other interstates down to Portland
Day 8 (Saturday)
I-95, NH101, I-93 to its northern end, U-Turn, I-293, I-93, I-95, I-295 Providence, I-95 to I-195 to finish clinching Rhode Island interstates, and then somehow back to Philly. Not fully planned out how I want to go since I have most of the rest of the direct way clinched already.
I know that it's a lot of interstate driving which isn't the most exciting, but I haven't been in New England (other than a quick overnight in Boston) since I was 21, and wanted to knock out more of those highways.
If all goes well, I'll visit three new provinces (NB, PEI, and NS), clinch I-91, I-93, I-95 and then completely clinch all interstates in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Delaware. I'll also get to drive one of my bucket list roads (Cabot Trail) during peak colors.
Any suggestions always appreciated.
Chris
When is this, exactly? I thought the border isn't opening until sometime in August.
I took a trip down to Georgia and back, back at the end of June. 3 days, about 2,500 miles or so. Visited Guilford Courthouse NMP and Ocmulgee Mounds NHP. Clinched 37 new counties, bringing me up to 1,776.
Have a 3-day trip to WV at the beginning of next week to do some hiking in the Dolly Sods/Seneca Rocks area.
Then, at the end of August, I have a 3-day trip meandering through PA, OH, MI and hopefully driving across Ontario on my way back if I can figure out timing the testing correctly.
Finally, I am hoping to get to Chicago at some point in the fall and maybe a little trip to Knoebels in PA with my son before the end of the summer.
Quote from: Rothman on July 22, 2021, 07:52:15 AM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
Actually just decided on this today. I have a kid on the way due in January, so my ability to do solo trips for a while will be ending. I had a trip to Laos planned in February, but had to cancel for obvious reasons. So, I'm going to fly to Philly and then road trip in the Northeast, Quebec, and the Maritimes. I work remotely, so I'm going to drive longer days on the weekends and then make smaller trips during the week when I'm done with work.
Loose plan right now:
Day 1 (Saturday)
From Philly airport, drive down to Wilmington to clinch I-495 and I-95 in Delaware.
Take I-95 back North all the way to New Haven, then I-91 all the way up to Quebec.
PQ55 North to Drummondville and spend the night.
Day 2 (Sunday)
PQ20 North to Riviere du Loup, then PQ85 into New Brunswick
TCH2 across New Brunswick
TCH104 then NS102 down to Halifax and spend the night
Day 3 (Monday)
NS101, NS103, and NS3 combination (depending on how much time I have) to Lunenburg
Day 4 (Tuesday)
NS103, TCH104, TCH105, and Cabot Trail to Ingonish
Day 5 (Wednesday)
Cabot Trail, TCH104, TCH106 and then the ferry over to PEI. TCH1 to Charlottetown
Day 6 (Thursday)
TCH1, Confederation Bridge, TCH16, NB95, and I-95 to Bangor
Day 7 (Friday)
I-95 and other interstates down to Portland
Day 8 (Saturday)
I-95, NH101, I-93 to its northern end, U-Turn, I-293, I-93, I-95, I-295 Providence, I-95 to I-195 to finish clinching Rhode Island interstates, and then somehow back to Philly. Not fully planned out how I want to go since I have most of the rest of the direct way clinched already.
I know that it's a lot of interstate driving which isn't the most exciting, but I haven't been in New England (other than a quick overnight in Boston) since I was 21, and wanted to knock out more of those highways.
If all goes well, I'll visit three new provinces (NB, PEI, and NS), clinch I-91, I-93, I-95 and then completely clinch all interstates in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Delaware. I'll also get to drive one of my bucket list roads (Cabot Trail) during peak colors.
Any suggestions always appreciated.
Chris
When is this, exactly? I thought the border isn't opening until sometime in August.
Beginning of October. Trying to time it for peak fall colors (at least on Cape Breton).
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
If all goes well, I'll visit three new provinces (NB, PEI, and NS), clinch I-91, I-93, I-95 and then completely clinch all interstates in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Delaware. I'll also get to drive one of my bucket list roads (Cabot Trail) during peak colors.
You'll need to check whether your entry into those provinces will be allowed, even if the border is reopened. For example:
QuoteUSA/International travellers
Travellers entering New Brunswick from the United States or other international locations outside of North America, and whose travel has been approved by Canada Border Services Agency must also receive approval to enter New Brunswick.
See https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/travel.html for more details.
I'm not sure there are any showstopper requirements, at least for New Brunswick (haven't checked PEI and NS). But you'll need to at least register at least a few days in advance, to get provincial government approval. You'll also need to apply in advance with CBSA to get cleared to cross the border, but I don't know how much overlap there is between the federal and provincial registration requirements.
Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 06:25:46 PM
I do have a question for those of you who live in the Chicago area: With the recent increase in COVID infections among the unvaccinated, how likely do you think it is that Chicago museums will still be open, say, three months from now?
Quote from: cabiness42 on July 21, 2021, 06:37:44 PM
I doubt the museums will close again, but that state has started re-instituting travel restrictions from hotspot states.
I've seen that Chicago is reinstating travel restrictions, but only for unvaccinated people.
What state-level restrictions are being put in place?
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 11:57:46 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 06:25:46 PM
I do have a question for those of you who live in the Chicago area: With the recent increase in COVID infections among the unvaccinated, how likely do you think it is that Chicago museums will still be open, say, three months from now?
Quote from: cabiness42 on July 21, 2021, 06:37:44 PM
I doubt the museums will close again, but that state has started re-instituting travel restrictions from hotspot states.
I've seen that Chicago is reinstating travel restrictions, but only for unvaccinated people.
What state-level restrictions are being put in place?
May not have been state I saw, may have been Chicago.
Quote from: oscar on July 22, 2021, 08:45:46 AM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
If all goes well, I'll visit three new provinces (NB, PEI, and NS), clinch I-91, I-93, I-95 and then completely clinch all interstates in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Delaware. I'll also get to drive one of my bucket list roads (Cabot Trail) during peak colors.
You'll need to check whether your entry into those provinces will be allowed, even if the border is reopened. For example:
QuoteUSA/International travellers
Travellers entering New Brunswick from the United States or other international locations outside of North America, and whose travel has been approved by Canada Border Services Agency must also receive approval to enter New Brunswick.
See https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/travel.html for more details.
I'm not sure there are any showstopper requirements, at least for New Brunswick (haven't checked PEI and NS). But you'll need to at least register at least a few days in advance, to get provincial government approval. You'll also need to apply in advance with CBSA to get cleared to cross the border, but I don't know how much overlap there is between the federal and provincial registration requirements.
Yeah. I saw PEI currently has a PEI Pass where you have to register as vaccinated (which I am) so that you don't have any constraints. I plan on paying attention to all the restrictions to see if I need to change gears last minute. It was also partially the reason why I'm flying within the U.S. and then driving into Canada, so in case the border is re-closed or something along those lines, it's a relatively easy change to just stay stateside.
Chris
I wonder when we'll stop being considered 'fully vaccinated'. Do any of these restrictions have a 'within x amount of time' clause?
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 12:08:45 PM
I wonder when we'll stop being considered 'fully vaccinated'. Do any of these restrictions have a 'within x amount of time' clause?
So far, antibody rates remain high as long as a year after vaccination. We won't know when that changes until it does.
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 12:08:45 PM
I wonder when we'll stop being considered 'fully vaccinated'. Do any of these restrictions have a 'within x amount of time' clause?
Are you referring to individuals? My understanding is after they've had the second shot, they're considered fully vaccinated.
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 11:57:46 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 06:25:46 PM
I do have a question for those of you who live in the Chicago area: With the recent increase in COVID infections among the unvaccinated, how likely do you think it is that Chicago museums will still be open, say, three months from now?
Quote from: cabiness42 on July 21, 2021, 06:37:44 PM
I doubt the museums will close again, but that state has started re-instituting travel restrictions from hotspot states.
I've seen that Chicago is reinstating travel restrictions, but only for unvaccinated people.
What state-level restrictions are being put in place?
Not sure how the city would enforce it. If the hotel is outside the jurisdiction of the city, it would be hard for them to keep someone from entering the city limits if they were staying elsewhere and just venturing into town for an activity.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 22, 2021, 01:51:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 12:08:45 PM
I wonder when we'll stop being considered 'fully vaccinated'. Do any of these restrictions have a 'within x amount of time' clause?
Are you referring to individuals? My understanding is after they've had the second shot, they're considered fully vaccinated.
Yes, I'm referring to individuals. I didn't ask when people
start being considered fully vaccinated; the answer to that is "two weeks after the final shot". My answer was when that "fully vaccinated" status elapses. I was asking because I was sort of concerned it might end up being "six months after the final shot", and I would probably be traveling right around the six-month mark.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 22, 2021, 01:51:29 PM
Not sure how the city would enforce it. If the hotel is outside the jurisdiction of the city, it would be hard for them to keep someone from entering the city limits if they were staying elsewhere and just venturing into town for an activity.
It's never been about enforcement, really. Even if only 60% of potential visitors stayed away, that's still 60%.
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:10:01 PM
Yes, I'm referring to individuals. I didn't ask when people start being considered fully vaccinated; the answer to that is "two weeks after the final shot". My answer was when that "fully vaccinated" status elapses. I was asking because I was sort of concerned it might end up being "six months after the final shot", and I would probably be traveling right around the six-month mark.
I'm guessing we'll all be taking a third shot in the next 6-9 months.
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
Day 8 (Saturday)
I-95, NH101, I-93 to its northern end, U-Turn, I-293, I-93, I-95, I-295 Providence, I-95 to I-195 to finish clinching Rhode Island interstates, and then somehow back to Philly. Not fully planned out how I want to go since I have most of the rest of the direct way clinched already.
As long as you're vaccinated, I'll meet you temporarily if you want.
Quote from: 1 on July 22, 2021, 04:36:46 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
Day 8 (Saturday)
I-95, NH101, I-93 to its northern end, U-Turn, I-293, I-93, I-95, I-295 Providence, I-95 to I-195 to finish clinching Rhode Island interstates, and then somehow back to Philly. Not fully planned out how I want to go since I have most of the rest of the direct way clinched already.
As long as you're vaccinated, I'll meet you temporarily if you want.
If I have the time, absolutely!
Chris
Thinking I might take a last minute road trip to seize what's left of summer and go see Mount Rushmore, as well as adding South Dakota and Wyoming to my states list. Also hi all, I've been off awhile.
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 22, 2021, 02:24:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:10:01 PM
Yes, I'm referring to individuals. I didn't ask when people start being considered fully vaccinated; the answer to that is "two weeks after the final shot". My answer was when that "fully vaccinated" status elapses. I was asking because I was sort of concerned it might end up being "six months after the final shot", and I would probably be traveling right around the six-month mark.
I'm guessing we'll all be taking a third shot in the next 6-9 months.
Chris
Guess again. :-D
Quote from: hbelkins on July 22, 2021, 06:47:20 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 22, 2021, 02:24:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:10:01 PM
Yes, I'm referring to individuals. I didn't ask when people start being considered fully vaccinated; the answer to that is "two weeks after the final shot". My answer was when that "fully vaccinated" status elapses. I was asking because I was sort of concerned it might end up being "six months after the final shot", and I would probably be traveling right around the six-month mark.
I'm guessing we'll all be taking a third shot in the next 6-9 months.
Chris
Guess again. :-D
Not turning this into a Covid thread. Also, change your signature.
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 22, 2021, 08:48:57 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 22, 2021, 06:47:20 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 22, 2021, 02:24:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:10:01 PM
Yes, I'm referring to individuals. I didn't ask when people start being considered fully vaccinated; the answer to that is "two weeks after the final shot". My answer was when that "fully vaccinated" status elapses. I was asking because I was sort of concerned it might end up being "six months after the final shot", and I would probably be traveling right around the six-month mark.
I'm guessing we'll all be taking a third shot in the next 6-9 months.
Chris
Guess again. :-D
Not turning this into a Covid thread. Also, change your signature.
Chris
Agreed on the signature. IMO it violates the "no politics in signature" rule.
I have toyed with the idea of travelling, but haven't pulled the trigger on any specific plans:
* Much of the cost inflation we've been seeing has been in the travel sector.
* I expect it to take some time for capacity to rebuild in the hospitality industry after covid-related closures.
* Many attractions are still operating according to changed rules that are not always easy to research in advance.
In regard to Chicago, for example, the Art Institute still requires timed tickets (https://www.artic.edu/visit) (purchased in advance) for entry without a membership.
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 22, 2021, 11:27:56 PM
In regard to Chicago, for example, the Art Institute still requires timed tickets (https://www.artic.edu/visit) (purchased in advance) for entry without a membership.
I have to say that timed ticketing is one thing I would love to see remain post-COVID. While I'm not technically physically disabled, it's really difficult for me to stand in line for more than a few minutes. Having timed tickets to museums and attractions that are normally very crowded has been wonderful.
Quote from: cabiness42 on July 23, 2021, 07:08:27 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 22, 2021, 11:27:56 PM
In regard to Chicago, for example, the Art Institute still requires timed tickets (https://www.artic.edu/visit) (purchased in advance) for entry without a membership.
I have to say that timed ticketing is one thing I would love to see remain post-COVID. While I'm not technically physically disabled, it's really difficult for me to stand in line for more than a few minutes. Having timed tickets to museums and attractions that are normally very crowded has been wonderful.
Similarly, I don't understand why the reservation system for GSTR in Glacier was necessary. Were they getting overrun by people taking sightseeing trips to have something to do during the lockdowns? It's starting to look like this is something that's going to stick around for the long term.
Re: Chicago discussion, I'll be there next weekend for Lollapalooza (not a road trip, however - flying BWI-ORD). I have seen a few local headlines within the past week questioning whether the festival should continue given the recent case rise (and Lightfoot subsequently standing behind her decision to let it proceed). Admission to the festival does require proof of vaccination or negative test result within the past 72 hours, but I am curious to see how everything is handled with both the festival and city in general (among other things, I understand masks have still been required on the L this entire time).
Even if it's suddenly cancelled, we'd probably still go and just find other stuff to do given the flights & hotel have long been booked.
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 22, 2021, 11:27:56 PM
I have toyed with the idea of travelling, but haven't pulled the trigger on any specific plans:
* Much of the cost inflation we've been seeing has been in the travel sector.
* I expect it to take some time for capacity to rebuild in the hospitality industry after covid-related closures.
* Many attractions are still operating according to changed rules that are not always easy to research in advance.
In regard to Chicago, for example, the Art Institute still requires timed tickets (https://www.artic.edu/visit) (purchased in advance) for entry without a membership.
If we decide to jump on doing the trip this fall, then I'll surely be calling ahead (by telephone) to every single one of the places I intend to visit for things like that. Not just advance reservations, but also mask policies and restrictions on carrying bags inside and all that jazz.
Because Chicago is, to me, chiefly a city of museums and restaurants, I've already planned out the list of museums I want to visit–so reserving in advance is no big deal. And, because my plan is to use CTA the entire time we're there, bad traffic or parking won't make nailing down an arrival time difficult.
I do wonder how timed ticket entry works: how do they how far apart to stagger them, without knowing when people are going to
leave?
Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 10:45:36 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 22, 2021, 11:27:56 PM
I have toyed with the idea of travelling, but haven't pulled the trigger on any specific plans:
* Much of the cost inflation we've been seeing has been in the travel sector.
* I expect it to take some time for capacity to rebuild in the hospitality industry after covid-related closures.
* Many attractions are still operating according to changed rules that are not always easy to research in advance.
In regard to Chicago, for example, the Art Institute still requires timed tickets (https://www.artic.edu/visit) (purchased in advance) for entry without a membership.
If we decide to jump on doing the trip this fall, then I'll surely be calling ahead (by telephone) to every single one of the places I intend to visit for things like that. Not just advance reservations, but also mask policies and restrictions on carrying bags inside and all that jazz.
Because Chicago is, to me, chiefly a city of museums and restaurants, I've already planned out the list of museums I want to visit–so reserving in advance is no big deal. And, because my plan is to use CTA the entire time we're there, bad traffic or parking won't make nailing down an arrival time difficult.
I do wonder how timed ticket entry works: how do they how far apart to stagger them, without knowing when people are going to leave?
They know the average amount of time people stay. Generally, most places I've been to using timed entry sell x tickets for each half hour. If you get 9:00 tickets you can enter anytime between 9:00 and 9:29.
First place I went that was doing this was Rocky Mountain NP and let me tell you it was great. Every popular spot had parking available.
Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 10:45:36 AMIf we decide to jump on doing the trip this fall, then I'll surely be calling ahead (by telephone) to every single one of the places I intend to visit for things like that. Not just advance reservations, but also mask policies and restrictions on carrying bags inside and all that jazz.
I suspect that if I were trying to do a culture visit in Chicago, the restriction on bags might be the most troublesome aspect of it all. I typically carry my phone, a water bottle, and a book to read in a cloth bag that I then check on entry so I have my hands free.
Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 10:45:36 AMI do wonder how timed ticket entry works: how do they how far apart to stagger them, without knowing when people are going to leave?
You might have to call or attempt a trial booking to answer some of these questions, but I think the timed tickets are designed to limit the number of people who are admitted to the building for visits of whatever length. From the standpoint of covid exposure, it then becomes a problem (as cabiness42 says) of playing by the averages in terms of how many people are present in the same indoors environment at any given time. The requirement to buy a timed ticket does not apply to holders of annual memberships, but for a single visit the cost is significantly higher. From memory (last visit in 2017), general admission costs $25 for one person while an annual membership costs $100 for the holder and a plus-one. (A Facebook friend and her boyfriend, who went to Chicago for a citybreak about a month ago, found timed tickets all sold out when they arrived at the Art Institute and had to buy a membership.)
Before covid, the Art Institute and other major Chicago museums (such as the Field) had free days when they allowed holders of Illinois driver's licenses in without charge. Naturally, they tended to be mobbed on those days. I don't see any mention of them on the Art Institute's website currently, and suspect they have been suspended indefinitely.
Oh yeah, I used to take advantage of the free admission days back when I had an Illinois ID. Crowded, yes, but free is free, and I was all but broke nonstop back in those days.
Typically, with homeschooled children, I can plan vacations to be during weekdays to avoid the most popular times (this helps in getting campsites at state or national parks, for example)–especially if my wife isn't going. However, I've found that it works out best for me at work if I do a Wednesday—Monday trip instead of a Monday—Saturday trip. And, in this particular case, my plan is to visit the Art Institute on a Sunday. So yeah, believe me, I'm already planning to reserve well in advance. There's no way I would expect to just show up at the Institute and expect a bunch of same-day timed tickets to still be available.
Tomorrow I will be embarking on a 7-day road trip that goes to the following cities: Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, Ottawa, North Bay, and Sudbury.
It will be the first road trip where I am the primary driver since I got my license two years ago.
Quote from: andrepoiy on July 23, 2021, 10:01:05 PM
It will be the first road trip where I am the primary driver since I got my license two years ago.
Congratulations. Let us know how you do.
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 22, 2021, 12:01:51 PM
Quote from: oscar on July 22, 2021, 08:45:46 AM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 21, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
If all goes well, I'll visit three new provinces (NB, PEI, and NS), clinch I-91, I-93, I-95 and then completely clinch all interstates in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Delaware. I'll also get to drive one of my bucket list roads (Cabot Trail) during peak colors.
You'll need to check whether your entry into those provinces will be allowed, even if the border is reopened. For example:
QuoteUSA/International travellers
Travellers entering New Brunswick from the United States or other international locations outside of North America, and whose travel has been approved by Canada Border Services Agency must also receive approval to enter New Brunswick.
See https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/travel.html for more details.
I'm not sure there are any showstopper requirements, at least for New Brunswick (haven't checked PEI and NS). But you'll need to at least register at least a few days in advance, to get provincial government approval. You'll also need to apply in advance with CBSA to get cleared to cross the border, but I don't know how much overlap there is between the federal and provincial registration requirements.
Yeah. I saw PEI currently has a PEI Pass where you have to register as vaccinated (which I am) so that you don't have any constraints. I plan on paying attention to all the restrictions to see if I need to change gears last minute. It was also partially the reason why I'm flying within the U.S. and then driving into Canada, so in case the border is re-closed or something along those lines, it's a relatively easy change to just stay stateside.
Chris
Did more research today. Looks like as of right now, Quebec doesn't have any special entry requirements, but all of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia do. Basically I just have to pre-register with my vaccination information for each province and I should be good to go. Obviously we'll see if they change their policies on the 9th, but as of now, it looks like it shouldn't be too difficult. Much easier than the trip I originally had planned for this summer where I would have been traveling between multiple countries in southern Africa needing to get a Covid test in each one before proceeding to the other. Logistical nightmare, so we cancelled that trip.
Chris
New Brunswick will be ending all of its restrictions on July 30. Not sure about the other Atlantic provinces.
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/new-brunswick-to-move-to-green-phase-on-july-30-lifting-all-public-health-restrictions-1.5520913
I guess I should log my previous trips and near-term plans here:
June - Washington Coast and Olympic Peninsula
Started in the Seattle area and went for a slow drive around US 101 to Port Angeles, with stops in Shelton, McCleary, Satsop's abandoned nuclear power station, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Seabrook, Taholah, Ruby Beach, and Rialto.
Second day was all about the east side of the peninsula, with stops in Sequim, Port Townsend, Port Gamble, and Olympia.
Third day gave me enough time to head southwest to clinch WA 4 and its child routes, with stops in Centralia, Chehalis, Winlock, Longview, Kelso, Cathlamet, Cape Disappointment, Long Beach, and Astoria, OR (first time leaving the state since COVID). Returned home that night with a long drive out. This also included my first visit to Wahkiakum County, netting the last county west of the Cascades I needed for WA.
July - Vancouver, Salem, and Eugene
More clinching over a four-day week that I just wrapped up.
Day 1 was mostly sticking to I-5 until I reached the Vancouver area, then spending an entire afternoon clinching various highways and walking small-town downtowns in Camas and Ridgefield.
Slept overnight in Portland and clinched a few urban freeways the following morning before moving on to Salem to tour the state capitol and fuel up for a journey down the OR 99W corridor to Eugene, with stops in Albany and Corvallis.
Third day included wandering around Eugene/Springfield, backtracking to Salem for cheap gas, and then continuing west over the mountains via US 20 to drive up a good chunk of the Oregon Coast. From there, it was an overnight drive back to Olympia.
Final day was to clean up some of the missed sections from the earlier Vancouver day, including a hike past Cougar on the south side of Mount St. Helens, and driving the slow way around JBLM on WA 508 and WA 7 before returning home.
Future plans
I was originally planning to head east for one of my trips, but the wildfire situation has put those plans on hold. If the smoke clears up a bit, I have two big trips planned for this summer or early fall to finish clinching WA's counties, with 7 to go, mostly in the corners.
SE Trip - Starting from Vancouver and driving the entire length of WA 14 through the Columbia Gorge (with stops to cross the river into Oregon for more counties). After reaching the Tri-Cities, I'd go around Walla Walla and continue on to Lewiston and turn northwest to explore some of the Palouse (which I have neglected for a long time).
NE Trip - After the North Cascades Highway reopens, a full-length drive of WA 20 is due for me. With fewer side trips needed (as the only intersecting highways are long north-south routes), this one should be more straightforward. Would be more interesting if the Canadian border is reopened and allows me to visit a few of the Interior BC cities I've never seen before.
Quote from: vdeane on July 26, 2021, 07:46:39 PM
New Brunswick will be ending all of its restrictions on July 30. Not sure about the other Atlantic provinces.
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/new-brunswick-to-move-to-green-phase-on-july-30-lifting-all-public-health-restrictions-1.5520913
If that's the case, then unless the others enact new rules, all of them are de facto null and void since you're allowed to travel from one Atlantic province to another without restriction.
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 26, 2021, 08:50:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 26, 2021, 07:46:39 PM
New Brunswick will be ending all of its restrictions on July 30. Not sure about the other Atlantic provinces.
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/new-brunswick-to-move-to-green-phase-on-july-30-lifting-all-public-health-restrictions-1.5520913
If that's the case, then unless the others enact new rules, all of them are de facto null and void since you're allowed to travel from one Atlantic province to another without restriction.
Chris
If that's set up similar to how they did it last year, that's not actually the case. They still had checkpoints internal to the "Atlantic Bubble" and only residents of those provinces were allowed to pass through freely.
Not sure if this is the right place for advice, but I drove over 7k miles from SF to the Hudson Valley in NY with my family (I could detail later if asked) I have to bring the car back on my own, I think I know what I'll do past St.Louis (take 70 to 50) but I'm wondering if I should take I-80 or cut down to I-68 to start the drive, which do you y'all prefer. I suppose I could also do the finger lakes region but I'd rather do the formerly mentioned routes this time, I pretty much have to drive this in a week.
Quote from: vdeane on July 26, 2021, 08:56:31 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 26, 2021, 08:50:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 26, 2021, 07:46:39 PM
New Brunswick will be ending all of its restrictions on July 30. Not sure about the other Atlantic provinces.
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/new-brunswick-to-move-to-green-phase-on-july-30-lifting-all-public-health-restrictions-1.5520913
If that's the case, then unless the others enact new rules, all of them are de facto null and void since you're allowed to travel from one Atlantic province to another without restriction.
Chris
If that's set up similar to how they did it last year, that's not actually the case. They still had checkpoints internal to the "Atlantic Bubble" and only residents of those provinces were allowed to pass through freely.
Gotcha, I misread the pages. Either way, I'll be pre-registering if it's still around when it's time to do so.
Chris
Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 06:25:46 PM
I'm trying to decide between this fall and next fall for a family vacation in Chicago. For me, this would be the first time I've been in Illinois since 2016. But that was just a passing-through between here and Tennessee to buy a car. More importantly, it would be the first time I've set foot in Chicago since 2007.
As for the driving route, it would be the first time I've taken US-36 (CKC) across Missouri. It's quite possible, in fact, that I've never been on US-36 since the CKC moniker was instituted–not even stopped at Cameron for gas on the way up to Iowa/Minnesota. So, between Cameron (MO) and the Pittsfield (IL) exit, it would be all new terrain for me. Also, now that cash on the Chicago-area tollways doesn't seem to be a thing anymore, planning how to get to the hotel would be more difficult. Only rarely have I ever shunpiked in Chicagoland, and it always used to be because of weekend traffic rather than the tolls themselves.
I do have a question for those of you who live in the Chicago area: With the recent increase in COVID infections among the unvaccinated, how likely do you think it is that Chicago museums will still be open, say, three months from now?
Well, I've decided to go ahead with plans for a Chicago trip this fall. Here's my thinking:
1. Just one year after all the shutdowns, local governments seem pretty hesitant to force another shutdown on people. There may soon come a point at which they make the decision again, but hopefully that point will come later rather than sooner. The city of Chicago recently stated publicly that they have no plans at the moment to shut things down again, that they intend to simply proceed cautiously, greatly preferring another mask mandate over another shutdown. While the very fact that they issued such a statement means people have already been asking, it does illustrate the hesitancy I mentioned.
2. The delta variant going around right now appears to be handled pretty well by our current vaccines. Who knows if the same can be said of whatever variant is going around a year from now? That is to say, we might be in any better of a position in a year's time than we are right now.
3. Hotel reservations are refundable. The worst that can happen is that we have to cancel our hotel reservation and get our money back.
4. 'Plan B' is a camping trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I realize, of course, that it's in the complete opposite direction of Chicago. But it's one of only two camping/hiking locations I've had on my list that has decent fall weather, and I've already taken my boys camping at the other one. I haven't been to that part of the country since high school–maybe junior high, even.
I'm planning a road trip from Anchorage to Valdez along with my wife and my baby. Has anyone gone through this route? Is it good to travel on this route, as we have a 4 months old baby as well. We can keep some toys and a (https://ibestbabyswing.com/best-baby-swing/) baby swing to keep him entertained, but how about the route? I've never travelled on this route before.
Quote from: Rylansam on August 23, 2021, 06:10:56 AM
I'm planning a road trip from Anchorage to Valdez along with my wife and my baby. Has anyone gone through this route? Is it good to travel on this route, as we have a 4 months old baby as well. We can keep some toys and a baby swing to keep him entertained, but how about the route? I've never travelled on this route before.
I haven't done it, but my sister has. Although it's a "shorter trip" of 5-6 hours, my sister was shocked by how rural Alaska is. Be prepared for limited services by planning well beforehand.
Sounds like the baby's your first kid. Have you traveled with him already on a multi-hour trip? I remember traveling up I-81 through most of VA with my inconsolable baby daughter (after she was fine on the way down) and it can be miserable and stressful if one's patience wears thin.
Quote from: Rothman on July 22, 2021, 07:58:22 AM
I took a trip down to Georgia and back, back at the end of June. 3 days, about 2,500 miles or so. Visited Guilford Courthouse NMP and Ocmulgee Mounds NHP. Clinched 37 new counties, bringing me up to 1,776.
Have a 3-day trip to WV at the beginning of next week to do some hiking in the Dolly Sods/Seneca Rocks area.
Then, at the end of August, I have a 3-day trip meandering through PA, OH, MI and hopefully driving across Ontario on my way back if I can figure out timing the testing correctly.
Finally, I am hoping to get to Chicago at some point in the fall and maybe a little trip to Knoebels in PA with my son before the end of the summer.
Had to delay the PA/OH/MI trip to next month (September), but made it to Knoebels, unfortunately without my son since he had to work and get other stuff done related to getting his instrument rating for flying. Chicago's still on for early October.
Quote from: Rothman on August 23, 2021, 07:08:22 AM
Quote from: Rylansam on August 23, 2021, 06:10:56 AM
I'm planning a road trip from Anchorage to Valdez along with my wife and my baby. Has anyone gone through this route? Is it good to travel on this route, as we have a 4 months old baby as well. We can keep some toys and a baby swing to keep him entertained, but how about the route? I've never travelled on this route before.
I haven't done it, but my sister has. Although it's a "shorter trip" of 5-6 hours, my sister was shocked by how rural Alaska is. Be prepared for limited services by planning well beforehand.
Sounds like the baby's your first kid. Have you traveled with him already on a multi-hour trip? I remember traveling up I-81 through most of VA with my inconsolable baby daughter (after she was fine on the way down) and it can be miserable and stressful if one's patience wears thin.
Nope, it's my first multi hours trip with him. And yes, it's my first kid.
Quote from: Rylansam on August 23, 2021, 06:10:56 AM
I'm planning a road trip from Anchorage to Valdez along with my wife and my baby. Has anyone gone through this route? Is it good to travel on this route, as we have a 4 months old baby as well. We can keep some toys and a (https://ibestbabyswing.com/best-baby-swing/) baby swing to keep him entertained, but how about the route? I've never travelled on this route before.
I've done that once or twice. Check out Bridal Veil Falls and the Worthington Glacier north of Valdez (in 1994, it was a nice drive-up glacier, and I could walk up to the edge to see all the crud on the bottom of the glacier, but that could've changed in the last quarter-century), and on Alaska route 1 good distant views of the Matanuska Glacier. None of this is for your baby, but you and your wife might enjoy.
One option you might look into is taking the Alaska Marine Highway auto ferry between Whittier (closest port to Anchorage) and Valdez one-way, and the highway the other. I've never taken that ferry route on Prince William Sound, but have heard the views are spectacular, and as a bonus you get the famous one-lane auto/rail tunnel to Whittier. OTOH, there aren't that many sailings, and you might not be able to find one that fits your schedule. Also, you'll have to take the baby with you to the passenger deck, since passengers aren't allowed on the vehicle deck between ports. I have traveled a lot of ferries in other parts of Alaska, and don't recall seeing any babies on board, so I have no sense of how baby-friendly is the passenger deck.
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:29:04 PM
Well, I've decided to go ahead with plans for a Chicago trip this fall. Here's my thinking:
1. Just one year after all the shutdowns, local governments seem pretty hesitant to force another shutdown on people. There may soon come a point at which they make the decision again, but hopefully that point will come later rather than sooner. The city of Chicago recently stated publicly that they have no plans at the moment to shut things down again, that they intend to simply proceed cautiously, greatly preferring another mask mandate over another shutdown. While the very fact that they issued such a statement means people have already been asking, it does illustrate the hesitancy I mentioned.
Given recent developments, I would be more concerned about restrictions coming from the governor of Illinois than Chicago.
Quote from: Revive 755 on August 27, 2021, 10:47:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 09:29:04 PM
Well, I've decided to go ahead with plans for a Chicago trip this fall. Here's my thinking:
1. Just one year after all the shutdowns, local governments seem pretty hesitant to force another shutdown on people. There may soon come a point at which they make the decision again, but hopefully that point will come later rather than sooner. The city of Chicago recently stated publicly that they have no plans at the moment to shut things down again, that they intend to simply proceed cautiously, greatly preferring another mask mandate over another shutdown. While the very fact that they issued such a statement means people have already been asking, it does illustrate the hesitancy I mentioned.
Given recent developments, I would be more concerned about restrictions coming from the governor of Illinois than Chicago.
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.
But also, because our car threw a rod a few weeks ago and we had to suddenly buy a new one, I'm not so sure we can even afford the vacation anyway.
In the past couple of weeks, I booked plans for a semi-road trip at the end of December.
For the past several years, my wife and I have spent Christmas apart. She generally spends a month spanning Christmas with her family in Alabama, due to her family's traditions, and to give me a break from caretaking duty (she's disabled with a TBI). I spent Christmas in Memphis with my father, since he was very active in the choir at church, and I didn't like the idea of him keeping up with all the choir commitments over the holiday season...not to mention not liking the idea of his being alone over the holiday.
My father passed away recently, so I'm going to spend this Christmas with my wife's family. However, rather than do the expected thing, and just fly or drive directly to Dothan, I've instead booked flights in/out of Orlando, and I'll take one day before and after the family visit to collect several counties in Florida and Georgia.
I mentioned my proposed near end of the year NYC Metro Area excursion (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29571.msg2629064#msg2629064) on another thread, and for a recent moment, I considered taking a detour into Folkston, Georgia on this trip. But the truth is, I really don't want to make so many detours, especially in Florida and Georgia. I was hoping to at least wait until I get to the Carolinas, and those would be few and far between.
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 28, 2021, 01:41:31 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 26, 2021, 08:56:31 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on July 26, 2021, 08:50:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 26, 2021, 07:46:39 PM
New Brunswick will be ending all of its restrictions on July 30. Not sure about the other Atlantic provinces.
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/new-brunswick-to-move-to-green-phase-on-july-30-lifting-all-public-health-restrictions-1.5520913
If that's the case, then unless the others enact new rules, all of them are de facto null and void since you're allowed to travel from one Atlantic province to another without restriction.
Chris
If that's set up similar to how they did it last year, that's not actually the case. They still had checkpoints internal to the "Atlantic Bubble" and only residents of those provinces were allowed to pass through freely.
Gotcha, I misread the pages. Either way, I'll be pre-registering if it's still around when it's time to do so.
Chris
Just going to bump this here as opposed to making another thread, but it looks like the only province I'm visiting that has special entry requirements at this point is PEI from everything I'm seeing. Can anyone confirm or deny that? (Again, I'll be entering Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI, and Nova Scotia).
I tried to do my ArriveCan registration today just to get a head start, but you can't even fill it out until 72 hours before arrival, which I find a little strange. I know the Covid test has to be done within 72 hours, but you'd think they'd let you enter your plans ahead of time. Additionally, I'm trying to do my PEI Pass, and the website is down, so I don't know
when I have to sign up for that, but hopefully I can keep trying throughout the day.
EDIT - Finally got PEI Pass to load and I submitted. No approval yet, however.
Chris
Tomorrow morning I'm taking another Port Richey to Polk County excursion, but the Great New York Tri-State crusade of 2021 is still on for late-November. I've even considered an exact date now, but I'm not telling anybody just yet.
We bought a new Tucson in April, but we also have a preschooler who can't last more than a few hours in the car without a break. We did drive to the Madison, WI area and Wisconsin Dells over Father's Day weekend, and Plan A was to drive up to the Mackinac Bridge walk and then drive home via the UP and Wisconsin (all of this would have taken place over the course of about a week), but we rented a cottage in Grand Haven instead.
I realize these probably don't meet the definition of "road trips" for many of you.
I still have plans to drive to Asheville in November, but I'm driving by myself, which will make driving straight through much easier.
As for kphoger's plans to drive here, unfortunately I don't have a crystal ball, but I wouldn't expect any additional COVID-related precautions beyond masking up indoors, and I believe the only venues that are requiring timed entry are the ones that were doing so prior to COVID. A number of venues are planning to require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test for entry, though, so make sure you bring your proof of vaccination or a photo of it.
In a few weeks, I will be driving from Atlanta up to Durham for a mini-family reunion of sorts. I'll have pretty much a whole day to get up there, so my plan is to take the longer, more scenic route for the day out. I'm thinking US 19 from Atlanta up to Asheville and then basically I-40 across the state, with likely a few minor detours to grab 3dis or little segments of US routes I've never been on at all.
I will be a little more pressed for time on the return trip, so I'm just going to take 85 the whole way back down. Which is fine as I'm missing some 85 segments in SC and I still haven't been to a lot of the counties along that stretch. I should be able to take a short detour into downtown Charlotte though and probably clinch I-277.
The 2021 NYC Road Trip is two days from now, and I'm uploading the first four albums from Rush onto my PC for my external hard drive.
I could upload other CDs there. but I'll have to check for others that I don't have.
Quote from: oscar on August 26, 2021, 09:52:12 PM
Quote from: Rylansam on August 23, 2021, 06:10:56 AM
I'm planning a road trip from Anchorage to Valdez along with my wife and my baby. Has anyone gone through this route? Is it good to travel on this route, as we have a 4 months old baby as well. We can keep some toys and a (https://ibestbabyswing.com/best-baby-swing/) baby swing to keep him entertained, but how about the route? I've never travelled on this route before.
I've done that once or twice. Check out Bridal Veil Falls and the Worthington Glacier north of Valdez (in 1994, it was a nice drive-up glacier, and I could walk up to the edge to see all the crud on the bottom of the glacier, but that could've changed in the last quarter-century), and on Alaska route 1 good distant views of the Matanuska Glacier. None of this is for your baby, but you and your wife might enjoy.
One option you might look into is taking the Alaska Marine Highway auto ferry between Whittier (closest port to Anchorage) and Valdez one-way, and the highway the other. I've never taken that ferry route on Prince William Sound, but have heard the views are spectacular, and as a bonus you get the famous one-lane auto/rail tunnel to Whittier. OTOH, there aren't that many sailings, and you might not be able to find one that fits your schedule. Also, you'll have to take the baby with you to the passenger deck, since passengers aren't allowed on the vehicle deck between ports. I have traveled a lot of ferries in other parts of Alaska, and don't recall seeing any babies on board, so I have no sense of how baby-friendly is the passenger deck.
I've been through Prince William Sound on a cruise ship and I will confirm the scenery was magnificent.
I'm hoping to go see the new US 35 in West Virginia and want to incorporate that into a bit of a longer trip (three nights). I want to wait until the road is fully open in both directions before I do it, though, which hopefully will happen before Thanksgiving.
I'm not sure what I want to do to lengthen the trip. I'm figuring on taking WV 2 out of Huntington to Pt. Pleasant, then driving the road in both directions and also checking out the tie-ins to the old route. After that, I've given some thought to heading over to Parkersburg and then trying to follow the old routing of US 50 over to Clarksburg, then heading south. I'd like to end up in southern WV, southwestern VA, east Tennessee, or northwestern North Carolina, but I don't have a lot of unexplored US routes in the area (and I have all of West Virginia's state route system and all but a handful of Virginia routes in that area of the state).
In North Carolina I have all of US 421, US 321 all the way south to I-85, US 221 to the Grandfather Mountain area, and all of the 19s, 23, 25. I'm not sure if there's an interesting state route that runs from the Mt. Airy area west toward the Mountain City area or not.
Potential overnight stops include Parkersburg, Beckley, Princeton, Abingdon/Bristol/Johnson City/Kingsport.
It's 3:45 AM, and I'm leaving for NYC soon. But I may have to cut my trip shorter because of other commitments in Florida. Either way, I'm going to turn my PC off after this, which I've been afraid to do, due to Microsoft's risky updates. If I can't get back into the site after this, you can blame them.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 19, 2021, 09:41:50 AM
In North Carolina I have all of US 421, US 321 all the way south to I-85, US 221 to the Grandfather Mountain area, and all of the 19s, 23, 25. I'm not sure if there's an interesting state route that runs from the Mt. Airy area west toward the Mountain City area or not.
If you're coming down VA 8:
You can use either VA 103 or VA 103-SR 773-NC 103 to Mt. Airy, then NC 89-NC 18-NC 88 to US 421 just inside Tennessee
or
VA/NC 8 to NC 89 to NC 268 to either US 421 in Wilkesboro or US 321 before the mountain ascent. If you go to US 321 you could do the unpaved NC 90 and secondary routes to get to either Blowing Rock or Linville
I came across some routes in northern NC, the numbers of which I can't remember now, to reach NC 8 on a past trip. I drove NC/VA 8 all the way to Christiansburg.
I'll give the maps a closer look, but I was mainly looking for recommendations or suggestions.
Is the waste-of-money grade-separated interchange at US 221 and US 421 done yet?
(re-posted from the TM Forum)
I don't normally post updates here, especially for daytrips, but this one is special. Today I took a clinching trip to southwestern Chautauqua County from my parents house, despite the weather. I went up I-390 north, looped over NY 390 to exit 22, south to exit 19, north again to exit 21, and south again to exit 19 to fully experience the new southbound configuration of the 390/490 interchange. After that, I took I-490 west to the Thruway and headed west, my first time out west since the AET project was recently completed (for Ripley, the first time since it started, even!). I got off at exit 61 and took Shortman Road and US 20 to NY 76 (clinching a reference route in the process, since I already had it north of there). This is where I was certainly not impressed with Region 5's plowing effort, and was dealing with snow-covered roads for the next couple hours. I took NY 76 south, NY 474 east, looped NY 426 to the PA border, looped NY 474 to the PA border, and took NY 426 north. The entire time I was averaging 30-40 mph, sometimes down to 20 or below, trying to avoid skids (mostly but not always successfully, though I only had one of significance, fortunately with nobody else around). From Findley lake, I looped NY 426 to it's other end at the PA border (in many ways, it's really a PA route that happens to dip though NY long enough to change shields, much like NY 440 in the other side of the state). I then looped NY 430 to the PA border, and noticed that it seems like PennDOT was doing a better job of plowing than NYSDOT! Interesting. I took NY 430 east, and around Mayville (at noon) the snow on the road finally melted and I was able to drive normally again. It sure felt like I was making good time at 55 after so long on snow-covered roads! I looped Fluvanna Avenue (former NY 430, before a recent re-route) and completed NY 430, taking NY 394 east. I stopped at the Wegmans east of Jamestown for a quick lunch and also finished my Christmas shopping nearby as well. I took a slight detour to loop the remainder of NY 474, noting how much better it was from just a few hours ago (and noticing the reference markers all said "74"; it must have been renumbered around the same time NY 73 was split into NY 73 and NY 74; on NY 394, they all said "17" or "17J"). After that, I resumed taking NY 394 west and hopped back on the Thruway to Rochester.
Now, what makes this one special? Well, not only did I finish Chautauqua County or Region 5, this also finished off the TM-clinchable routes in NY for me, making me the third TM user to finish it (right now TM is only showing one person with NY done, but I'm sure the other is only showing as less than 100% due to changes that happened after he entered all his data for NY). That said, there are a few notes on some routes that may make finishing it debatable, depending on one's clinching standards:
-US 11: This is by far the most egregious note. I haven't actually crossed the Canadian border here. I've gone as far as is possible without going through customs and then turned around, which unfortunately is US 2. This isn't the only route I've turned around before the border on, but the others have customs closer to the border and have better sight lines. I have at least virtual clinched it with the real-time roadwaywiz video, but when or if I'll be able to clinch it properly is unknown. IIRC, at least one other person has claimed US 11 in NY clinched prior to crossing there properly, so it's not completely unprecedented.
-NY 9A: Going by signage, there's technically a short piece between Battery Park and where FDR Drive comes in. It's not inventoried as part of NY 9A, so I'm currently counting it as clinched under "one point per interchange". What TM will ultimately do about this is unknown; claiming a sight clinch is hard there as I was going NB when I clinched it, rather than SB. Might need to find an excuse to go back, depending on how TM handles it. Might need to anyways, if the group trying to remove FDR Drive gets their way.
-Long Island Parkways: I treated a couple of these parkways similar to border crossings. In both cases, I've driven at least part of the segment (given the way TM sets points and the interchange configurations) and had a sight clinch to the booths. Then there's Sunken Meadow State Parkway, which is inventoried as ending at the booths (in fact, the road in the park isn't inventoried as a public road at all, unlike the Bay Parkway, where the remainder acts as a local extension of the reference route); signage is ambiguous as to what actually occurs. I've never been on the road in the park here, but fortunately, it doesn't appear likely that TM will re-extend the route to include it.
-NY 206: Technically, the route goes to the WB ramps, while I've only used the EB ramps here. TM has it one point per interchange, and I've probably at least sight clinched the rest.
-NY 232: Similar to NY 206, it technically goes to the NB ramps; the road to the SB ramps is a reference route. TM has it one point per interchange. I think I might have looped this portion (I used the SB ramps when clinching it, I'm pretty sure), but I don't recall for certain.
Not sure it counts as a "road trip," but I note it here because a particular member of this forum insists that nobody rides the Acela and nobody commutes between New York and DC. I will be commuting from DC to New York for part of this week via the combination of the Acela and the 7th Avenue IRT. (While I could drive, it doesn't make any sense to do so because the Acela takes 2 hours 50 minutes to make the trip and I can get home in time to watch the hockey game on TV on Wednesday night, which I could not do by car.)
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 13, 2021, 08:57:33 AM
nobody commutes between New York and DC.
I can't imagine that the number of people commuting DAILY between NY and DC is any more than a handful, but the Acela is certainly used by many people who have to take occasional work trips between the two cities. During the year I lived near DC, I used Acela once for a work trip to NY and once for a leisure trip.
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 13, 2021, 08:57:33 AM
Not sure it counts as a "road trip," but I note it here because a particular member of this forum insists that nobody rides the Acela and nobody commutes between New York and DC. I will be commuting from DC to New York for part of this week via the combination of the Acela and the 7th Avenue IRT. (While I could drive, it doesn't make any sense to do so because the Acela takes 2 hours 50 minutes to make the trip and I can get home in time to watch the hockey game on TV on Wednesday night, which I could not do by car.)
I wouldn't want to commute by mass transit for any period of time, because the convenience of having your own vehicle and being able to follow your own schedule is very important to me, but at the same time, I cannot imagine trying to commute via private auto between NYC and DC because of the congestion.
Quote from: hbelkins on December 13, 2021, 10:11:16 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 13, 2021, 08:57:33 AM
Not sure it counts as a "road trip," but I note it here because a particular member of this forum insists that nobody rides the Acela and nobody commutes between New York and DC. I will be commuting from DC to New York for part of this week via the combination of the Acela and the 7th Avenue IRT. (While I could drive, it doesn't make any sense to do so because the Acela takes 2 hours 50 minutes to make the trip and I can get home in time to watch the hockey game on TV on Wednesday night, which I could not do by car.)
I wouldn't want to commute by mass transit for any period of time, because the convenience of having your own vehicle and being able to follow your own schedule is very important to me, but at the same time, I cannot imagine trying to commute via private auto between NYC and DC because of the congestion.
DC to NYC as a daily thing is quite rare. As a short term thing (less than six months), you definitely hear of people doing it like 1995hoo. But if it's long term, one is more likely to move to the other city.
Another issue, of course, is the expense. If you earn a lot at your job, or your employer is covering travel costs, then it may make sense to be a supercommuter on the Northeast Corridor Amtrak train. Pres. Biden did it as a senator, commuting regularly from Wilmington to DC.
More personally, I studied for a master's degree at NYU in a very specified field. Many who attend the program are working professionals. If you are a full time student, you can get the degree in one year, but for those who are part-time students with full-time jobs, it is more typical to do the program in 3 years. Anyway, while I was living in Queens to attend the program, I met two students who were super-commuters. One was a part-time student who commuted by Amtrak from Philadelphia. If they used the Acela, the commute would only be slightly more than an hour, which was about the same time as my shorter commute that consisted of buses and subways.
Another was a full-time student who commuted from Lawrence, MA. Her commute was unbelievable, as she drove from Lawrence, MA to New Haven, then took the Metro-North Railroad to Grand Central and then walked a few blocks to the 6th Ave subway and took the B/D trains to W4th. In her case, she was a single mother whose family lived in Lawrence and simply could not afford to move to NYC. Her family took care of her kids while she took classes and commuted twice a week and kept a part-time job in Lawrence the other days of the week. Later, I found out that the commute was so grueling so she was able to stay with a friend during the week in the city and stayed home on the days she did not have class. Well, at least she got her degree in a year and no longer had to do that commute.
I can certainly see why Sen. Biden commuted this way (I'm on the Acela now). It's only 80 minutes between DC and Wilmington. I know people who drive more than 80 minutes each way every day.
Doing this every day to NYP would get tiresome very quickly, of course. I did have a former boss who was making three roundtrips between WAS and NYP every week for a year or so. I wonder how many Amtrak Guest Rewards points that netted her.
I will most likely be embarking on a short road trip to Ottawa next week, taking the more scenic Highway 7. This will allow me to clinch a large part of it.
Then I will be heading to Cornwall ON, allowing a Highway 138 clinch.
Finally going back I take the 401, however, I did plan on going on the US side till Kingston (get some mileage on NY 37) but I was going to get a beer haul in Gatineau so nevermind that
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 14, 2021, 09:17:56 AM
I can certainly see why Sen. Biden commuted this way (I'm on the Acela now). It's only 80 minutes between DC and Wilmington. I know people who drive more than 80 minutes each way every day.
Doing this every day to NYP would get tiresome very quickly, of course. I did have a former boss who was making three roundtrips between WAS and NYP every week for a year or so. I wonder how many Amtrak Guest Rewards points that netted her.
I was very pleased to be on the Acela last night: The Northeast Regional I might have taken instead was running an hour late.
Tell you what, though–while it's fine to do the trip for a couple of days, it's nice when it's over and you can get up at the normal time in the morning instead of having to set the alarm two hours early to get to Union Station.