I will soon be embarking upon my journey West. From Erie PA, through Mack Hoover’s shop in Colorado, greeting a friend in Provo Utah and then up to Boise. I am posting to welcome advice about cross country travel, interesting places between here and there (though I will be moving at a good clip in order to maximize whistle visiting time), motel chains admired or shunned, and where a single female should NOT stop when it’s dark out. Messages are welcomed here or through email. Thanks!
–Beth
[Edit: Well, not THROUGH the shop - I will be stopping the car before entering.]
[ This Message was edited by: avanutria on 2002-05-14 12:52 ]
“though I will be moving at a good clip in order to maximize whistle visiting time”
Avanutria,
As the veteran of 3 EXHAUSTING cross country drives, none of which took more than 6 days coast to coast, I highly recommend that you schedule in some sight seeing every day. Even the Dakotas have things to see, I’m told. I don’t know from personal experience, you understand, but I did stare longingly out the window at the Badlands as we shot by. That 748 mile day was a killer.
Fortunately for me, not for you, the trips were all too long ago for me to be able to recommend for/against anything in particular, except the Montana state/county parks restrooms which were foul. =:( Luckily you’re taking the southern route.
I’ve done two trips myself, but none alone. Once was to Oregon in a group of four cars, and it took us five days. We stopped once to see a movie (mission impossible 2) and twice to go to the mall - just because. Also went camping in the Rockies. =) But I didn’t get to stop and take pictures whenever I wanted, which I intend to do this time (being an Amateur Photo Bug). But Mack has offered to tweak my Generation high G and I fully intend to spend as much time as possible in his shop (till he throws me out, most likely!) because I’ve never been to anyplace that had more than clarkes, waltons, and generations.
The reason I want to hustle is because I want to have plenty of time in CO and UT to hang out, and I am leaving on a Monday morning and trying to arrive before the apartment offices close on Friday. And then I start work on the next Monday!
–Beth
(PS - on the way back I think I will visit Thom… )
On 2002-05-14 13:16, thomlarson wrote:
I didn’t see a stop at The Whistle Shop on your agenda…
Hehehe…I hadn’t seen this post when I wrote my response! You’ll be seeing me shortly before Thanksgiving, Thom, on the return trip. I only have enough money for one shop at a time, you see!
Edit: and when the shop is near to the end of the trip I will be more motivated to keep moving instead of playing my new toys. No Driving While Whistling for me!
[ This Message was edited by: avanutria on 2002-05-14 13:23 ]
There are a couple of Denver sessions on your way, depending of course on your own travel schedule:
New Irish music Session in Greeley. Especially designed with “learners” in mind. Tuesday nights 7-10pm at Essential Coffee & More, 822 9th St. Info call 970-356-7422.
Boulder Irish Music Session meets at Conor O’Neill’s pub at 1929 13th Street,
(off the Pearl Street Mall). Session runs from about 5 til 8:30 PM every Sunday. Players and listeners welcome. For info Michael Reshetnik at 303-527-0970. (This pub’s non-smoking, too.)
Last Night’s Fun leads a session every Sunday + Monday 5pm-8pm, at Fadó Irish Restaurant, 19th and Wynkoop, Denver. (This is a great session - Fadó is right next to Coors Field, in downtown Denver.)
If you happen to end up in Des Moines or Omaha (Omaha is best) let me know and I’ll drive up. I know of a couple of places that may be of interest for music and/or good food…McFosters for natural foods and McGuires for Celtic/Irish music. I’m about 80 miles away but drive into Omaha regularly.
There is a professor in Social Work who has rented a cottage/house in Ireland this summer who is really a neat person…perhaps he could join people wishing to listen to music and talk about the experience of Ireland.
One of the most spectacular drives possibly is through Rocky Mountain National Park. It is beyond comprehension. Every time I make the trip, I am amazed.
I second Thom’s recommendation of Hampton Inns. They are very consistent, moderately priced and you get a decent breakfast for free (well, at no extra charge). Any Hampton will give you a directory that lists all their location nationwide. Pick up a directory from a Best Western too. They are not as consistent as Hampton, but they are more likely to be found in out-of-the-way places, particularly out west.
Thanks for the advice Jay! I don’t have a CD player, but I am bringing a portable MD player, a cassette adapter, a dc power cord, and a printout of all of National Public Radio’s station frequencies grin
)