We've been loosely planning our next (and probably last) big adventure. The loose plan is leave Cape Cod Aug 1 and head west to Puget Sound mostly on US2, then south on I-5 and east on I-84 along the Columbia River, south on I-15 through Utah to the north rim, then east along I-40 to ABQ, north on I-25 to pick up US50, stop in KC to visit the DD and back home by the third week in Oct for my 50th high school reunion.I have a few "have-tos" on the trip; the Air Force Museum at Wright-Pat, Mackinac Bridge, Talesin in Wisconsin, Glacier NP, Grand Coulee Dam, the Grand Canyon.I know people here have been everywhere and this will be our first trip west where I'm not trying to make time. Anything I need to add to the list?

Definitely do the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfiend Village. Worth every second of your time. Also Custer Battlefield in Montana. If you have never been west, MtStHelens and the Oregon Coast should be on your bucket list. Along with Dry Falls not too far from Grand Coulee dam.

Agree with Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, and while you're on the U.P. (upper peninsula) visit the Whitefish Bay shipwreck museum. Both fascinating. Allow a full day for the Henry Ford. Also agree on Glacier. I highly recommend the full day "red bus" tour. If you haven't been to Yellowstone, definitely go (on your way back probably best)- I'd advise advance reservations, which may be found a little easier outside the park. (West side the best.) The Columbia River gorge along I-84 in Oregon for sure, and through Idaho, follow US 20 instead of I-84 east of Boise for a little bit different scenery; stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument - a nifty and very unique "little" park. They have a dry CG there in the park and there's a decent KOA about 20 miles east of there in Arco that makes a good homebase for Craters. (Unique little town on its own too.) Along I-15 in Utah take a detour to visit Bryce and Zion NPs. Sounds like a fantastic trip! Enjoy & safe travels!

Your last big adventure? Uh oh -- I hope that does not mean you will no longer be our moderator!!If you hike, the whole North Cascades area (Highway 2 and 20) is wonderful. If you are not a serious hiker, there are some great and easy pathways at the end of the Mt. Baker highway (542), at Artist Point. For example, this is a shot of Mt. Shuksan taken right from the road -- the lake is named "Picture Lake," for some odd reason: Click For Full-Size Image.And yes, those are glaciers tumbling off the cliffs on the mountainside.Be aware that late August and all through September is prime berry season -- not only blackberries but also huckleberries and wild mountain blueberries. Just be careful not to eat too many at one sitting. Please do not ask how I learned this.

donn0128 wrote:Definitely do the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfiend Village. Worth every second of your time. Also Custer Battlefield in Montana. If you have never been west, MtStHelens and the Oregon Coast should be on your bucket list. Along with Dry Falls not too far from Grand Coulee dam.Greenfield Village really takes 2 days. Glad we live close enough to get there in about 45 minutes. Parking a MH there might be an issue. I've never seen any MH's on the lot when we go. My wife and I are members of the Society.

profdant139 wrote:Your last big adventure? Uh oh -- I hope that does not mean you will no longer be our moderator!!No. I mean we'll probably switch to shorter trips over the summer and maybe a few winter weeks in the FL panhandle. But who knows? We made a few changes in our camping lifestyle and they may make things easier than it was on our first big adventure.Don - I have been west before and I agree the coast is great.Karen - Craters of the Moon is on the list. I spent time in Idaho Falls while I was in the Navy was planning on revisiting the area.Daryl - towing an Equinox this time so parking won't be a big issue. The DW has been to the Ford Museum. I will plan a day there. Thanks.

Starting to Get Serious | Good Sam Community

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kknowlton
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
Agree with Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, and while you're on the U.P. (upper peninsula) visit the Whitefish Bay shipwreck museum. Both fascinating. Allow a full day for the Henry Ford. Also agree on Glacier. I highly recommend the full day "red bus" tour.

If you haven't been to Yellowstone, definitely go (on your way back probably best)- I'd advise advance reservations, which may be found a little easier outside the park. (West side the best.) The Columbia River gorge along I-84 in Oregon for sure, and through Idaho, follow US 20 instead of I-84 east of Boise for a little bit different scenery; stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument - a nifty and very unique "little" park. They have a dry CG there in the park and there's a decent KOA about 20 miles east of there in Arco that makes a good homebase for Craters. (Unique little town on its own too.)

Along I-15 in Utah take a detour to visit Bryce and Zion NPs.

Sounds like a fantastic trip! Enjoy & safe travels!
donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
Definitely do the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfiend Village. Worth every second of your time. Also Custer Battlefield in Montana. If you have never been west, MtStHelens and the Oregon Coast should be on your bucket list. Along with Dry Falls not too far from Grand Coulee dam.

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