Rader85

Hey there, I previously posted a question as to whether or not we would bring our two Wiemaraners with us on our cross-country mission. Our "pups" are three years old, wound tight, and have a combined weight of about 180 pounds. We just weren't sure how a 4 week trip to the Pacific Northwest would be with them onboard. Would we pull our hair out midway through?? On the contrary, it was an absolute joy traveling with them and I kick myself for even considering kenneling them. Roxie and Bodhi would curl up together under the dinette table and be totally out of the way while driving. Occasionally, we would leave them in the rig while we picked up a bite to eat (cool temperatures, of course), and return to find someone walking past the rig, laughing out loud at the sight of one dog at the wheel and one in shotgun. Thanks go out to those of you who had made suggestions to us about how to simplify the process, and what to be ready for while on the road with dogs in tow. We owe many good memories to those two, crazy houndsJ Cheers, Aaron

Hey there, My family and I just got back from our first sizable road-trip in our 85' Rader. Wow, what an absolute blast we had! We left Michigan headed for Seattle, Washington and checked out Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone along the way. From Seattle, we went south to Hood River, Oregon and then on to the Oregon coast. Starting in Seaside, Oregon, we hugged the shore to the California border. After checking out the Redwoods, we cut back over to the 1 and headed for San Francisco and then on to Santa Cruz, California. Heading back east, we went to Lake Tahoe, Salt Lake City, and Moab, Utah. Colorado's route 70 was awesome on the way to Boulder, Colorado. Jumping onto 80 East, we made the final push home and arrived back in Michigan on the 26th day. I am so completely stoked on this rig – I cannot believe how well she did on this trip. We cleared numerous mountain passes, deserts and winding coastal stretches without one single problem. She now has 70k on the odometer and I look forward to 170k! I am so glad we decided on a Toyota… Cheers, Aaron

Michigan to Yellowstone, Seattle, Portland & San Francisco. Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara & Huntington Beach. Grand Canyon, Southern Utah & Central Colorado... Friday marks the first of 6000 miles! Slightly stoked:) Thanks for all of your help and suggestions - this is truly a great online community.

Hey Ken, I really miss the Mexican food! I can't remember the name of one I used to live near - I think it was off of Garnet?? Aside from going to boot camp in San Diego, I've surfed a few couches in the area as well:) The last place was about 5 blocks East of the beach on Law St. Good times indeed... Thanks for the heads-up on the camping spots as well... I don't know whether or not you surf, but if you do, bring a longboard. Yeah, we're a bunch of lake-surfing kooks around here and Sheboygan, Wisconsin has some good breaks. YouTube "Surf Michigan" for some good kicks:) Safe travels to you as well, my friend.

Hey pdqmovie, How do you like the tire mount system? I'm thinking this is the way I'm going to go as well but I am concerned that the bikes might ride a bit low. Any worries? Cheers, Aaron

I like the fact that a lot of people comment on doing some actual cooking in the rig. Pancakes and Spam-bacon actually sounds pretty good - I might have that for lunch today:) Ice cream? Right on! I'll give it a try... On the quick and easy side, Mountain House is a brand of camping meals that are a snap to make (just add boiling water) and usually serve two people. Surprisingly, they are very good and tend to keep me filled up when hiking or doing something active for hours at a time. * For the sake of those around you, I suggest staying away from the "Ghost Town Bean Chili" prior to hitting the rack:) Cheers, Aaron

Hey Dennis, Sounds like a good time! Please add me to the email list: ajohns31@baker.edu Cheers, Aaron

Thanks, Maineah. Yeah, the potential for rain will definitely make things challenging. We'd better bring a few extra blankets for muddy paws. They have been doing really well with staying clear of the cab while we're driving. I might want to throw a chamois cloth over my right shoulder though;) We've looked into short-term kenneling in some areas where dogs aren't allowed on hiking trails. Hopefully we won't have much trouble booking pet-friendly camping on the west coast... Cheers, Aaron

Thanks, WhidbeyDave! I am going to have to break your message down onto note cards and put it with the Rand McNally and the GPS:) What a great wealth of information! We really appreciate your insight. Thanks again, Aaron

Thanks for your input, Mikesta. I almost forgot about Mt. Rushmore along the way. Pike Place Market sounds interesting as well. Hopefully we will have time to head to Levenworth... So much to see; so little time:) Cheers, Aaron

Hi there, We're about to set off on a four-week, multi-state trip from Michigan to the west coast and back with our two Weims. I'm seeking any and all road trip wisdom from those of you with four-legged family members. Thanks so much for your help. Cheers, Aaron Johnson

Hi there, We're planning a two-Toyota caravan with friends from Michigan to Seattle, south to San Diego and back. I've been to some of these places before, but would love to hear any suggestions about the little out of the way places that should be added to the plan (especially along the coast). Also, we will be traveling with our two Weimaraners (dogs). Bad idea?? Thank you in advance for your hard-earned wisdom:) Sincerely, Aaron Johnson

Hi Dennis, The Outer Banks are an awesome place to camp and enjoy the many, many miles of beaches. It gets pretty busy out there during the peak, summer season and I usually go either during the Spring or Fall. The beachfront homes are really affordable to rent during the off-season with a few good friends. We usually plan on about $200.00 per person for a full week's rental - right on the beach. Yes, you read that correctly... From north to south: Waves is a small town with a huge kiteboarding center (Real Kiteboarding). Check them out for lessons and gear. Avon is a town with more things like a chain grocery store (Food Lion), movie theater, restaurants, tourist traps and such. Buxton is a bit less busy, and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse is right there on the point. Frisco has a small airstrip offering plane rides (which I highly recommend), a maritime museum and the ferry dock to Ocracoke Island. I hope this helps - enjoy your trip if you haven't already left:) Cheers, Aaron Johnson