WA state to NC (any tips)

[Woodenhead]

Hi All,



In a couple of weeks I'll be heading from WA state to Robbinsville NC. Time and distance is everything on this trip and I'm not to hung up on scenery.



I've been looking at the maps and there are several routes I can take. Has anyone taken a similar trip? Any clues as to the fastest route, areas to avoid, short cuts ...



If anyone ends up on the route and needs anything picked up and delivered along the way I'm more than willing. Plenty of miles between here and there.



Thanks,

Mike

 

[MrWinkey]

I drove from Kentuckey to Washington about 2 years ago. It was a great trip. I stopped along the way to see the grand canyon and jeweled cave in ND.



It only took me 4 days and I did not have anybody to help drive as my wife was following me in another car.



The best advice is if your going to stop at motels some gas stations have little flyers of cheap motels and room rates. These are very helpfull.



Good Luck!

 

[fest3er]

I-90 to around Jackson, MN. Drop down into IA onto Rt. 3 or Rt. 18 to Mason City. Bend down around M. C. , and head south through Cedar Rapids to I-80 east. Pick up I-74 and head on to Cinci. Go around the top side of Cinci, then pick up OH Rt. 32 east to Jackson, OH. Get onto US35 south/east. Then head south on WV 34 (Teays Valley area) to I-64. Head east to I-77, and take that south into NC.

That's about the shortest distance and quickest route. Most of the 2 lane in IA will be safely 55-60. Most of I-74 will be safely 65-70. OH Rt. 32 is 60-65. The half hour two-lane from Gallipolis to I-64 is 55; even if you *can* go faster, I would recommend against it - I've seen too many accidents on that stretch. The rest of WV will be 65-75. VA will be 65-70. Note that these are reasonable safe (and LEO-allowed) cruising speeds, not speed limits. Tips and tolls are extra. Your mileage may vary.

I've driven this route a number of times. It's a fairly easy run, except for the congestion around Indy and Cinci. Even Charleston, WV, isn't bad.

N

 

[Bob Wagner]

Mike, If you find any good hot and I mean spicey bbq sauce along the way pick me up a few bottles.



I can send cash in advance if need be .



I need some HOT BBQ sauce for this summer and it aint here

 

[Woodenhead]

OFitzgerald, good advice on the hotels. In the past I've generally drove until I was tired then found the nearest hotel and pulled in. This is usually a hit and miss deal and sometimes it's a PITA to find a place. Never thought about checking at the gas station for info, this time I'll be lookin.



fest3er, thanks for the info on the route, that's exactly what I'm looking for. Sometimes I'll run a little later at night to get through the city traffic to avoid hitting it in the AM. I tend to keep the speed under control and generally only run about 5mph over. Wyoming and Montana are my favorite for making miles though 75mph and it seems nobody's looking at ya as long as you only have four wheels you keep it under 85.



Bob, I'll be back in late April/early May. I'm sure I'll come across some smokin BBQ sauce in my travels and definitely have some extra room in the truck for it. I'll keep ya posted on what I find. Got anything in mind you want me to keep and eye out for?



Mike