Things I learned on this 10 day 2662 trip.

[murphybrown]

Before leaving I had read here that someone (a newbie) was wondering what to take on a long road trip...many suggestions surfaced and I was particularly interested because both my week trip thru Canadian Rockies and Spyderfest 2011 had way to much STUFF...so I though let's see what I can do in 2662 miles..so I wore 1 set of clothes and packed 2...but my goal was to make it on the one set of clothes and never use any of the other two and all the while not appearing or smelling like a homeless bag lady...well I am here to tell you it can be done...learned that when I shower I wash the clothes...roll them in towels and wring out as much water as possible...and they are dry by morning...sooooo based on that I should be able to travel with just 1 extra change of clothes and credit card for enough room if a quick trip to WalMart or Target is necessary!!!!
My second let's see if you can do it was to find nightly lodging for $50 nite (plus tax)....I was doing great (actually average was $45 +) until I waited to long one nite to find a room...last room in town...goodbye $100 (including tax!!)...well I was determined to recoup my average...discovered that if you make reservation on internet about 15% savings...so I even got Motel 6 for $32 (better than Sr rate)...then the OMG I can't believe it room...first the really great one was Days Inn...and then the realllllly bad one....mom & pop older motel...great location in the woodlands of WA state...perfect rate $40 including tax....but other than clean sheets & towels I would NOT even take off my shoes..literally slept in them....
So based on that I think I will adjust my motel average rate!!!! LOL LOL only my family and really close friends won't be shocked and me "trying" to squeeze that nickel until the buffalo poops!!!!!!
Had a great trip, met wonderful new folks and already looking forward to the next one...less clothes, more $ budgeted for nightly room....LIFE IS GREAT (even when sleeping in shoes!!!) :roflblack:

 

[ARtraveler]

You have surely figured out the intricicies of traveling frugal.

I travel similar--minimum changes of clothes--1 to show--1 to go and have used the rooms "laundry facilities.

I am pickey about motels--but did end up in a "motel hell" one time in New Mexico. Only place left in town, so dirty I slept in my clothes also.

Most roadside eateries are good--as long as you see lots of cars out front--beware the ones with no customers.

I also believe in--if I forgot something--I can always go to Wal-Mart or someplace similar.

 

[Paula(Butch2025)]

Murphy you are my inspiration! I agree with the clothing thing, and that is what I am trying out on my trip to Michigan. I am leaving in just a few minutes actually. Glad your trip was a good one and I hope mine goes as well. --Paula

 

[jimclarkf1]

Murphy, 1 o f the best

I remember you were going on a long trip EAST, or to cover most of the STATES, is that still in your plans. :clap:

 

[NancysToy]

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: I have heard a lot of travel tips, but taking a shower in one's clothes was never one of them before. Sounds like something out of a Laurel and Hardy movie...LOL. Seriously, though, if you rinse out your clothes as you go, and have the cash or credit cards to visit a store in a pinch, it is easy to get by with fewer clothes for the journey. Materials that dry quickly are a blessing for this approach. Think like a backpacker. After every trip, I look at what I packed when I get back. If it wasn't used (except for tools and such), it gets crossed off my checklist and doesn't make the next trip. Anything I had to purchase along the way gets added to the list.

 

[Lamonster]

:clap::thumbup:

 

[CyncySpyder]

If you wanna be really FRUGAL, you may wanna try TEDDYS way

Hey Karyl, I'm glad you had such a GREAT TRIP & thanks for sharing your learned lessons with the rest of us:thumbup:

Just thought I'd throw this out there for ya, especially after reading of your (good & BAD) hotel experiences & the cost factor involved:yikes:

I don't think you got to see TEDDYS "Dog House on Wheels" when we met at SpyderFest this year, as it was back at the camp-site. But see'n as you enjoy road-trips (as do we) you may want to check into a personal camper for your :f_spider: Adventures. Sadly, We don't have many options with staying in BRPs towing weight limits (& maintaining Warrantee) of 40 pound tongue and 400 towing capacity, but the Micro-Lite Moto-Mate Camper that Teddy has fits the bill at 37/330:thumbup: and that still leaves you 70 pounds for your "Stuff/Gear"

We wanted something that required NO set-up, unlike a pop-up tent camper (not that they are bad) if we're out on the highway & it starts pouring, we can just pull over somewhere safe & hop in (& take a nap, play on the IPad, watch a movie, whatever) & stay nice & dry. It's only big enough for 1 average sized person (perfect for Teddy & I) or two really small & loving ppl that don't mind be'n very close:roflblack: Besides the cost factor of travel (Hotels usually $50+ a night compared to a campground $15+ or Rest-Area =Free) Perfect example was this years SpyderFest. We stayed at the LadyBug Campground for $50 for the entire Festival, HOW CAN YOU BEAT THAT?:thumbup: And our trip last week to Lake Placid New York for SITA, we shared a camp-site & stayed the 2 nights there for $80 & that was including all the home cooked food & drinks & great banter with new friends (Arntufun & Holly)

I was also worried about the Bed-Bug epidemic that's infesting the country & didn't want to subject Teddy nor myself to that, so having our own "Bed On Wheels" was a perfect solution

I believe "Little Guy" also makes a model "Joey or Rascal" (I think) that may also be within the RTs capabilities. I was able to get the Moto-Mate last December at the Indiana Camper & RV show at 50% off retail, & only paid $2300 for it, so if you look (especially on the net) around, you can usually find good deals.

Just thought I'd throw this out there for ya, cause I know Teddy & I are loving it, & to be honest, if we didn't have the Moto-Mate, there'd be no-way we could afford to make near as many road-trips as we do:helpsmilie:

Oh yeah, last point. If your easy on the throttle (which I know you are) you can still average in the upper 20's in MPGs. On last weeks trip, one tank while towing the camper, we averaged 28MPGs & I was BLOWED Away:clap:

 

[Yazz]

One way we saved on hotel expenses is stay at truck stops. Look for the ones with lots of semi's. The rates are great, the rooms clean and decent prices for a hearty meal. A bonus is the truckers will tell you what the weather, driving conditions are down the road. Also clue you in on a better / more scenic route. They never steered us wrong.

There has been so much good information going on here. Thanks MurphyBrown!

 

[murphybrown]

Paula..you go girl...have a great trip and share as I (and others) love reading other SpyderLovers adventures...thanks for the kind words...but keep your shoes handy if you find that :yikes: motel!!!!

Murphy you are my inspiration! I agree with the clothing thing, and that is what I am trying out on my trip to Michigan. I am leaving in just a few minutes actually. Glad your trip was a good one and I hope mine goes as well. --Paula

 

[murphybrown]

OH YEA

My dining room table has become my mapping "war room"...heck only eat at it 3 or 4 times a year...so now it is getting proper use...I ordered my USA map..a biggggg one that will fit on the table top...and my file is already gathering info....but I am here to tell you FORREST wins the prize....he's da man...I get exhausted just thinking about what he accomplished...but I am in his corner cheering him on...I have decided that the 70's (age that is!!) is the new youth and Spyders are the "Geritol" for us (anybody out there remember Geritol???)

I remember you were going on a long trip EAST, or to cover most of the STATES, is that still in your plans. :clap:

 

[murphybrown]

Yep Scotty I am learning that. I was a backpacker until my 60's..still have the gear...hmmm must get that listed on Craigslist..BUT I never transferred that to my Spyder packing..now I will...there is/was that part of me that said Gotta LOOK good and when I was backpacking..looking trail weary was part of the mystique..I introduced all my grandkids to backpacking and we have great memories and pics (wow not sure I would ever want to look like that on Ms Spyder :roflblack::roflblack:. I found a list here when I first got my Spyder for what to take for "her"...I am soooo not mechanical, but if and when I or someone else breaks down I've got what you need..including a small crowbar!!!!
There are wonderful new materials (tencel being one) for quick drying...and of course if all fails..there is what God gave us free...

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: I have heard a lot of travel tips, but taking a shower in one's clothes was never one of them before. Sounds like something out of a Laurel and Hardy movie...LOL. Seriously, though, if you rinse out your clothes as you go, and have the cash or credit cards to visit a store in a pinch, it is easy to get by with fewer clothes for the journey. Materials that dry quickly are a blessing for this approach. Think like a backpacker. After every trip, I look at what I packed when I get back. If it wasn't used (except for tools and such), it gets crossed off my checklist and doesn't make the next trip. Anything I had to purchase along the way gets added to the list.

 

[murphybrown]

Hey Everyone THANKS

Wow got new ideas and resources...thanks sooooo much....hey Dave...I need a pull along that can pull up close to the potty...you'll understand that one as age gets you OR depends are readily available :roflblack::roflblack:...seriously I will do some trailer research...
Truck stops? GREAT idea...never even thought about...just drive by or fuel up...never even asked rates!!!!
See you guys are the bestest...ok the real MurphyBrown is insisting I give her some attention...what's up with that spoiled dog????

 

[rogerb]

murphybrown

Something for you to think about when you make up your itenerary for your trip around the US next year if in Maine you have a place to stay. Even has laundry service. If your here around the 4th of July bring your passport and we'll take you to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Nova Scotia is where the Bay of Funday is. The highest tides in the world up to 50 feet. Send a message if interested. :thumbup:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I can pack lightly if I'm not taking the trailer but with the trailer I get a little carried away.

 

[nccruiser]

58 day expierence

Returned today to Raleigh NC, started from Maggie Valley 58 days ago, 10271 miles, 58 days, 23 states coast to coast. Learned a lot about what a couple needs. Couple pairs jeans, weeks worth of shirts and undies good rain gear roll everything up tight and fill every nook on the spyder, laundromat once a week and just enjoy what an incredible and diverse country we live in. What a blast. Averaged 32 mpg on US and state highways motel average $55 a nite. Spyder ran without a hitch. Only met people who were fascinated with the spyder and our adventure. Will always remember how lucky I am to live in such a great country. If given a chance always take the ride.

 

[murphybrown]

AWESOME thanks...did you get a log/journal? If so would you be willing to share? Thanks so much...mb aka Karyl

Returned today to Raleigh NC, started from Maggie Valley 58 days ago, 10271 miles, 58 days, 23 states coast to coast. Learned a lot about what a couple needs. Couple pairs jeans, weeks worth of shirts and undies good rain gear roll everything up tight and fill every nook on the spyder, laundromat once a week and just enjoy what an incredible and diverse country we live in. What a blast. Averaged 32 mpg on US and state highways motel average $55 a nite. Spyder ran without a hitch. Only met people who were fascinated with the spyder and our adventure. Will always remember how lucky I am to live in such a great country. If given a chance always take the ride.

 

[Big Arm]

I always enjoy reading about your travels, murphybrown :clap:


nccruiser, how about some pics ???

 

[nccruiser]

AWESOME thanks...did you get a log/journal? If so would you be willing to share? Thanks so much...mb aka Karyl

Murphy My wife kept a running journal of the trip on our facebook page Kathy-Greg Reynolds If you get there I will have her friend you and you can see pics of everywhere we went. Hope you have a wonderful trip ride safe

 

[murphybrown]

I do take a few pics...BUT i sure don't know how to post 'em....I am not only mechanically challenged I am totally techie challenged (ask Lamont he keeps rescuing me on this forum!!!)...:yikes:

I always enjoy reading about your travels, murphybrown :clap:


nccruiser, how about some pics ???

 

[CJ/johnnyg]

I can pack lightly if I'm not taking the trailer but with the trailer I get a little carried away.

:thumbup: I'll second that one. And now that I have my own ride. We have more room. Two :spyder2: to pack more things.