Last year, 2016, I shared with you that I prefer to stay home. But other folks’ travels fascinate me. While I am venturing to the grocery store, the garden center, or the gas station, my friends are traveling far and wide. One of my favorite travel stories from 2016 was my interview with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Haul.
Bring on the Conestoga wagon and pioneers! Turns out, they loved their expedition, which you can read about, below.
To get you in the mood, you may want to croon or hum See the USA in your Chevrolet. Here is one especially creative verse:
( a commercial jingle from c. 1949, with lyrics and music by Leo Corday (ASCAP) and Leon Carr (ASCAP)
Where on the map have Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Haul been in 2017, you ask? So far, no big road trips in 2017…yet. But they continue to rack up the frequent driving miles. They travel several times a month. They hit the highways to see their kids and other relatives. They’ve also visited friends in New York City and Washington, D.C . They have flown as far as San Francisco.
I have shared with my readers that I love staying home. But it turns out that many retirees love to travel. If you have met my friends The Loopers then you know that they are seeing America by boat. I found another couple that recently (2016) traveled across America by Conestoga wagon. Ok, they actually drove a 20 foot moving truck over 3,00 miles, which is about the same as far as I am concerned. I decided to find out how they “enjoyed” their experience.
Yes, two of our married kids were moving at the same time. So, we rented a big truck, and drove to Ohio and moved the first couple. The next day we continued to Indiana, and picked up couple number two’s boxes and furniture and headed to California. The trip took 9 days, and a total of 3,017 miles. We always made sure to get hotels with good hot tubs for evening soaks!
We did wonder how the big truck would handle the long drive and the mountains. And of course, we didn’t want to break down. We did not have any mechanical issues. We had some trouble parking the truck, and maneuvering on crowded streets, but that was the only tough part. Our praises would be that we had perfect weather, our truck actually did well at 82mph in the curvy mountains and the views were more spectacular than expected!
Mrs. Haul, you Tweet about fashion. Do you have any packing and wardrobe advice?
Packing was a breeze. As it was warm summer weather the entire trip, packing was simple. For 11 days I believe I packed 6 pairs of shorts, an athletic skort which took me everywhere, 8 tanks, 4 t-shirts, 2 wrinkle free skirts, 2 wrinkle free dresses, 2 bathing suits, 1 pair of athletic shoes to drive and move furniture in, 1 pair flip flops, and 1 pair dressy black wedges. I packed 1 sweater and jacket for the cool evenings in the mountains All mixed and matched easily and it worked!
A hint to travelers changing hotels every night: we packed a large suitcase with all of clothing which served as our base and then we took what we needed for that night’s stay in a small suitcase.
Favorite site was Lake Tahoe! We stayed at the Hyatt in the northern Incline Village area. Amazing to relax on a pristine, private beach, with brilliant blue waters, and snow capped mountains in the distance!
Best breakfast with huge pancakes and what must be the world’s largest and tastiest cinnamon roll was at Mom and Pop’s Diner in Carson City.
Best dinner was 30Hop in Coralville, Iowa (amazing short ribs and crispy salmon) and most flavorful and unique was the trendy Straits on Santana Row in San Jose with Pan-Asian cuisine.
Funniest experience had to be seeing our Uhaul parked outside the very exclusive Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay! (And no, we did not stay there, just looked around)
Nine days in a 20 foot rental truck. I want to ask Mr. Haul, how did you get along?
“Yes dear.”
We got along like peas and carrots. We were stuck in a noisy, bumpy truck every day but we got along great, because we couldn’t hear a word the other was saying! Truly we had a blast and said it was the best way to celebrate our anniversary.
We would love to do another road trip. We are driving to Dahlonega, Georgia soon & Charleston in August for weddings but hope to travel back west to Yosemite and other national parks. Truly an adventure everyone should do at some point in their life.
We enjoyed finding and dining at local restaurants. We celebrated our anniversary at the Coyote Creek Steakhouse in Rock Springs, WY. We exercised by jumping rope at every rest stop along the way. Remember-just relax and enjoy the ride!
I am a writer, blogger, book reviewer, and bon vivant and encourager. I have lived my entire life in Tropical Ohio. My goal is to make friends with everyone in the world. I wrote a fiction series, The Golden Age of Charli, that presents the problems and praises, and the love and laughter of family life and retirement. My passions are blogging, reading and reviewing, and writing. My life is a WIP.
Beth Ann Chiles
July 27, 2017 at 7:53 amWhat a fun post. Thanks for the giggles this morning. Mr. Diamond and I love to travel but I am not sure about a Conestoga wagon. I prefer my Subaru Outback. 🙂
Minnesota Prairie Roots
July 27, 2017 at 10:19 amWe did a major road trip in May 2016, driving from Minnesota to Boston. We survived, but it was exhausting given there was no time to stop and explore. We were on deadline to get to our son’s graduation from Tufts University. It was interesting to see the diverse landscape of the US. I had previously been out East once, but my husband had never been east of Wisconsin.
Lack of vacation time and finances have kept us from travel. And I didn’t grow up traveling, thus it’s not easy for me. We do a lot of day trips. But now that my husband will have four weeks of vacation beginning Sept 1, there will be more freedom to travel. Up until then, he’s only had 10 days. And that’s after more than 30 years with the same company. So not right, but…
Jena Henry
July 27, 2017 at 11:14 amThanks Audrey! So, I can look forward to some travel photos from you!
Molly Stevens
July 28, 2017 at 7:35 amThe Hauls make it sound fun. I would like the hotel part but not the riding in a big truck part. I love the suggestion to pack a big suitcase but only take a small one into the hotel with one day’s needs. So smart! I am not a big fan of traveling either, but it is fun to read about it!
Jena Henry
July 28, 2017 at 10:54 amYes, I agree the hotel part is usually the best thing about traveling. That thrilling moment when you open the door and see your room! And look for any surprises like bottled water or tiny sewing kits Glad you read my post- thanks!
sally cronin
August 3, 2017 at 11:31 amWe have done a few road trips between Ireland and various parts of Europe.. I did a road trip from Ireland across England to the Eurotunnel with my dog Sam. We picked up my husband from there and drove through France, staying at a Chateau with liveried footmen.. and then onto Madrid. I also drove from Madrid to Portsmouth in the UK and back with my sister. I love road trips but I would not want to do on my own.. and I think you have to know the person you are with very well.. Great post Jena .. thank you xxx
Jena Henry
August 3, 2017 at 11:49 amThanks for your fun comments! Oh..a chateau with liveried footmen! Have you blogged about your trip? I’m glad Sam got to go! Yes, I agree, you do have to know your fellow “trippees”. I looked at your route on google maps from Ireland to Madrid. My husband and I have talked about “driving around Europe”, but he gets impatient driving around our little world, so…yep.
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