First cross country trip to NM.

[Theo]

Safe Travels!

Post a pic when you get there. (Geez, I sound like my mother!!)

[sherman12]

Hope the mild East Coast weather holds up for you as you make your way West. Funny the difference when DW and I camp at our two favorite nearby state parks, about 38 miles each, to hitting the road for extended trips 300 miles or more, how different it seems. Even though we have been at this for at least eleven years now I still call us novices in some ways on the long trips, though we have not yet had any problems whether with our rig and toad, camp grounds, or directions. One thing we do for every extended trip is leave the night before, usually after work, to get 250-300 miles in towards our destination instead of getting up early AM for departure. In our minds it seems like we gain an extra day. Even long weekend getaways to the Finger Lakes region of NYS, 100-150 miles I will pay for a night at the state park to arrive at 8-9 o'clock so we wake up "there" the next morning, ready to cook bacon and eggs outside. Priceless.

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by sherman12

leave the night before, usually after work, to get 250-300 miles in towards our destination instead of getting up early AM for departure. In our minds it seems like we gain an extra day. Even long weekend getaways ... so we wake up "there" the next morning. Priceless.

That's exactly the way we are. I'd rather get there at midnight than lose the next day...

[Charles Firth]

Someone mentioned a good surge suppressor. I have a progressive industries suppressor, which I always use. Just an interesting note, I am always take a walk through campgrounds and I rarely see anyone using a surge suppressor or a flow reducer on their water supply. You just see them on occaisions, not everyone using them. Better safe than sorry.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Many of us use a surge suppressor that us mounted inside. You can't see them while walking around. They are good to have though.

[jaherbst]

[SIZE="4"]

I would reconsider my destination and make it Santa Fe. Only 60 or so miles farther. IMO[ ALB. has very little to offer when compared to Santa Fe. We go there 2-3 times a year. One of the reasons we do not stay in ALB. is the rampant crime rate. One of the worst in the country. A lot of it in broad day lite.

Was there with a group of 115 people in Sept 2016 for a reunion. Several were robbed and cars were vandalized with one out right stolen. Many pan handlers are working the gas stations and parking lots. That makes us a little uneasy. We did not find that in many stays at Santa Fe.

Jack/SIZE]

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by jaherbst

[SIZE="4"]

I would reconsider my destination and make it Santa Fe. Only 60 or so miles farther. IMO[ ALB. has very little to offer when compared to Santa Fe. We go there 2-3 times a year. One of the reasons we do not stay in ALB. is the rampant crime rate. One of the worst in the country. A lot of it in broad day lite.

Was there with a group of 115 people in Sept 2016 for a reunion. Several were robbed and cars were vandalized with one out right stolen. Many pan handlers are working the gas stations and parking lots. That makes us a little uneasy. We did not find that in many stays at Santa Fe.

Jack/SIZE]

I'll admit Albuquerque is not one of my favorite towns in NM. But painting the whole town as crime infested is just inaccurate. Just like any large city, there are areas to avoid. So you have to do your research and figure out where is safe and where is not. When we stay in Albuquerque, we always stay at either American RV or Route 66 Casino, both on I40 just west of the city. Never had any problems.

As far as Santa Fe we rarely stay there as it is definitely a tourist trap with corresponding prices. But there are a lot of artsy fartsy things to do and see there, which we do, but just in day trips. I also rather spend time and $$$ in Taos. It has a lot of the same type of touristy things, but much better prices and environment.

[lbrjet]

Originally Posted by jaherbst

[SIZE="4"]



I would reconsider my destination and make it Santa Fe. Only 60 or so miles farther. IMO[ ALB. has very little to offer when compared to Santa Fe. We go there 2-3 times a year. One of the reasons we do not stay in ALB. is the rampant crime rate. One of the worst in the country. A lot of it in broad day lite.



Was there with a group of 115 people in Sept 2016 for a reunion. Several were robbed and cars were vandalized with one out right stolen. Many pan handlers are working the gas stations and parking lots. That makes us a little uneasy. We did not find that in many stays at Santa Fe.



Jack/SIZE]

We have been to ALB several times and have not noticed any of what you mention. Really enjoy old town although parking can be difficult to find.

[jaherbst]

When my son went to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs we drove up monthly for five years to visit. Santa Fe and Alb. were halfway and we spent many nights at both with our Diesel Pusher. After a few incidents in Alb. we were inclined not to stay in Alb. but rather Santa Fe.

Someone mentioned Taos and that would be another great destination. Much smaller town with many surrounding points of interest.

Alb. has a big city atmosphere now and not like it was 25 years ago. Lot's of traffic, pollution and all the other pitfalls of a large city.

I guess it is up to the individual what kind of atmosphere you want to vacation and relax in. I do have a great interest in History and Santa Fe is safe and loaded with history. Your choice.

Jack

[dblr]

Spent a week in Taos last summer and really enjoyed it, then down to Sante Fe for a few days, been there done that with no plans to return. Now Taos will return in fact was just there 2 weeks ago to ski with my sons and had a BLAST

[Charles Firth]

Our final destination is Albuquerque. My wife wants to visit a friend she taught with for years. We will only be there for 3 days then head back. From our information there should be plenty to do. Not concerned about keep really busy, just see some sights, eat some good food and believe it or not get a little rest. A little more than a short getaway but have been looking at a trip out west for 10 yrs or more, better do it time stands still for no one.

[Charles Firth]

Made the first leg of our trip, 9 hrs through lots and lots of rain. Staying at KOA Newport TN. Not much of a campground good thing just spending the night. When we pulled in a couple of Tennessee finest were engaged in an in counter with someone in the campground. Other than that f250 and Windjammer did fine. That diesel LOVES the mountains. Averaging about 12 miles per gallon. Headed to little Rock AK.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Well, it wouldn't be an adventure if you didn't have tales to tell. Lol Glad you're off to a good start. Should be nice pretty weather ahead of you now. I hope that next stop is in AR, not AK. LOL

[elchilero53]

Watch the weather ahead of you for snow showers across Eastern NM. There is a storm system coming through there Saturday thru Sunday. Expect windy conditions, snow showers, especially across the higher elevations and some rain mixed with snow as you head into New Mexico. This time of year is generally a mixed bag in New Mexico: warm and sunny one moment, a blizzard the next.

Safe travels!

[Jakieboy]

Charles Firth: If you have the opportunity after visiting Little Rock, Arkansas, try to get to Oklahoma City and visit the site of the Murtha Federal Building disaster. It will change your life when you see and hear what happened there. It is one of those places where no one speaks loudly - - all speak low and reverently, almost in whispers out of respect for the 168 innocent lives lost there.

[Charles Firth]

Did the 2nd leg of the journey today 11 hrs on the road. Sitting in little Rock AK now. Next 2 segments are hopefully 7 hrs each. Heavy traffic around Nashville, either they drive 2 fast or 70 is to slow them. To much time and distance, need to do something different on the return trip. The landscape in Tennessee was awsome.

[Charles Firth]

I mentioned little Rock Arkansas Not AK. Little tired. Fingers not working well. I do wish we had more time.

[W5CI]

Charles for what it's worth its approximately 600 miles to Amarillo from LR. I drove it a thousand times enroute to Cal. Have a safe trip I am 30 miles east of LIttle Rock WX should be good for your trip

[Charles Firth]

We made it to Elk city ok, about 8 hrs driving, very windy and a few wild fires with lots of smoke they closed part of I 40 after we went through. Everything working to many 18 wheelers that fly. Headed for NM tomorrow.

P

[dblr]

Nice to hear your moving along nicely.