Journey West

[oxide7]

This Summer, I've decided that my brother (3 of them) and I are going to do a Journey out west before life drags us all down and we never have any free time again (dreary I know hah!)

Anyway, it looks like we'll start in Tennessee. Nashville to be more precise.

So far we've come up with this:
We'll go from TN to the 4 Corners, then Vegas, followed by the Salt Flats (Bonneville most likely), then on to Vegas. From there we figured the Pacific Coast Highway in CA, head south to Hollywood and then out to Tucson AZ. After that We've got New Orleans and then either finish off heading back north to TN or to Palm Beach County FL.

We were gonna take our sh*t box (an old Mazda 323 that can't die) or a newer S10 with the back covered. We figured if we can somehow find an RV that would be great.

We don't have a destination per say, this is basically a week of non stop driving, getting out to see stuff and moving on all while getting on each others nerves haha. We want to do it as cheaply as humanly possible.
My older brother and I are Marines, so we're aren't too worried about roughing it. We want to bring shelter halves or some tens or whatever, and maybe even our own food for most of the trip. We've both traveled a TON here and abroad. I more than him, especially in a civilian capacity (Almost 50 Countries).


Any suggestions for the whole thing? Things to see, places to check out, travel ideas, anything and everything you want to share. We like it all between the 4 of us, from big cities to little middle of nowhere, from swanky eats to nasty old dives. What do you guys think?

Ask away if you need clarification too.

[briggl]

I'm a little confused here, oxide7, since you are posting from California. Did you start your trip already?
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[oxide7]

I'm not posting from California...
I'm freezing my butt off in this cold front in TN lol. Dunno how come it says CA.

My trip will probably be in June or July.

[briggl]

Well, if that's the case, I would recommend not going to the four corners -- there is really nothing there to see.

I suggest stopping at Canyon de Chelly or Grand Canyon or some place like that as you go through toward Vegas.

Bonneville Salt Flats would be way out of the way if you are traveling between TN and Vegas, unless that is something you really want to see. If you do want to go to the salt flats, the you could stop at Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
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[oxide7]

I think the four corners was a novelty my youngest brother wanted to see because of a game. I think a big part of our trip was to get to the desert as well. I do agree that it does seem a bit out the way for no reason.

As for the Salt Flats, I think it was simply because we're car nuts and all the land speed records and all that, so it was just a cool place to see and possibly wreck our vehicles there haha. I do agree that its pretty far out of the way. I think we might discuss this one more. It might just be down to whether there is an even or something worth seeing at the time.

Grand Canyon is a great Idea, we'd talked about it but I forgot to mention it. I should add it to our map real quick.

I've not heard much about Canyon the Chelly but it does look pretty cool. Do you have a preferences? (why?)

Canyon Lands is pretty amazing, I've been there before. I didn't add it to the list cus I like spending time there, Most of our stops will be pretty short. few hours at most, since we want to make the whole trip in 6-7 days.

Thanks for the info!

[briggl]

I do not have a preference between Canyon de Chelly and the Grand Canyon. For a short visit, Grand Canyon might be better.

Canyon de Chelly has lots of ancient Indian ruins and might take longer if you want to see them all. Also, you can walk down into the canyon at the White House Ruins.

You can check this out: Canyon de Chelly, February 25, 2006
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[oxide7]

Awesome pictures. I'll keep Canyon de Chelly in mind. Could make the trip up toward 4 corners actually mean something.

I think if we can avoid the salt flats we'll redirect towards the grand canyon which does make the whole thing a bit smoother.
Thanks again.

[nsldelaney]

I would say skip florida unless you are going to make it all the way down to key west.. which is waaaay down there. While you are out west it would be cool to see Sequoia National Forest in Cali--biggest trees in the world! Carlsbad caverns is a small but really cool roadside attraction in New Mexico too... Sounds like an epic trip!

[oxide7]

[oxide7]

We've come up with something like this for the time being.
Google Maps

We're maybe replacing Salt Flats for Reno. and 4 Corners with Canyon de Chelly.

I mean its all up in the air at the moment. Might even detour to 29Palms on the way to Vegas. We have to look at what our timeline is so we don't show up at certain places at odd hours haha.

[Party Las Vegas]

Well when in Las Vegas I suggest you hit up some of the clubs, shows, and try some of the great food options. I have lots of suggestions for Vegas if u like some more just let me know.

[oxide7]

[zydeco joe]

Have been to Canyon de Chelly in the winter when we had the place on our own, spookey then or what. Try and fit Monument Valley in on your way to the Four Corners and drive through the valley would be a good idea for petrol heads.
Have fun.
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