BCM Community
Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Kwajdiver on March 27, 2007, 05:22:30 PM
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Time to move "Bill Ville". :) Raytheon has given me a new assignment. Thursday morning I depart Litte Rock for Phoenix, Az.
Now, I'll open this up for recommendations on routing.
The Northern route.
North on 40 out of Little Rock, through Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Texas, Albuquerque, Flagstaff to Scottsdale.
Or The Southern Route,
South out of Little Rock, to Texarkana, Dallas, then on I-20 to I-10 El Paso, Tucson then to Phoenix.
Let the good times roll.......
Bill Williamson
Big Blue MCI-9
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Bill,this time of the year you never know what the weather is going to be on I40 we just came from Texas on I40 and it was nasty i would go the southern route if i was going to Phoenix good luck
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Due to the forecasts, definitely the southern route even though it is a lot of extra miles.
A major winter storm will batter parts of the Rockies on Wednesday and Thursday. Severe weather is likely in the Plains.
Precipitation forecast map (http://www.weather.com/maps/news/severewinterforecast/usprecipforecast36hraccum_large.html) through Thursday AM (at the time of this posting). Southern route looks better, although there is a probability of rain either way. But I-40 is looking dangerously close to the snow line.
Wind forecast map (http://www.weather.com/maps/news/severewinterforecast/usforecastwinds_large.html) for Wednesday (at the time of this posting). Southern route definintely looks better with regard to wind.
If you do end up starting out on I-40, monitor weather closely along the way. There is at least one good option for making a last minute change to the southern route before getting to the Rockies.
At Amarillo, TX, I-27/US 87 south intercepts I-20 at Big Spring, TX.
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According to the routing program I use for estimating charter quotes it's 1342.3 miles @ 19 hrs, 24 mins. across 40. And 1384.3 @ 21 hrs, 45 mins across 30,20,& 10 ! I don't believe it's really over 2 hrs. longer to go the extra 42 miles, but that's what the program shows! I have it set for running average speeds which is slightly less than the speed limit in most cases! I'd say it just depends on whether you'd prefer Dallas, El Paso, & Tucson as your major traffic zones or OKC, Amarillo, Albuquerque & Flagstaff. FWIW BK ;D
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Hi Bill,
I know your headed West but, here is one for the road.......... and I'm not singing it. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnRwQjTYfGI
Nick-
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I just can't resist.......
Jackie Gleeson is just the funniest comedian ever.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfbYpUWMwm4&mode=related&search=
Sorry for steeling this thread
nick-
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If you're in no hurry take I40 to Amarillo then drop SW to Las Cruces, we did this last spring and it was a nice scenic drive.
Flagstaff is a wild weather place, it could snow at any time simply because the elevation is 7000+ feet, sure surprised me it was this high. The worst part for a bus is the very steep grade from flagstaff to Phoenix, it seems to never end and is really steep.
Nothing wrong with the southern route either, about the same distance either way.
You're going to drive through some interesting weather either way, this big frontal system across TX and OK that has been stalled for the past week is about to move on and it is a mean one.
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Take the southern route. Even though it is a bit further you'll burn a whole lot less fuel since you won't have to go up to the 7,000ft elevation of Flagstaff and then come down I-17 into Phoenix. You'll be the happiest this way. Between Dallas and El Paso and into New Mexico right up until you come into Tucson can be subject to freezing rain, ice and sleet. I ran through freezing rain between Dallas and Alamogordo, NM and had 3/4" of ice on the trailer, so much so I had to buy a propane torch to melt the ice around the door to get into the trailer the next day. If the weather starts getting bad, especially if the outside temp dips below 28 degrees (that's where roads freeze), just get off the road and wait it out. I've seen too many trucks and cars in the ditch with people that just had to go. 9 times out of 10 the next day, the storm will have passed. Good Luck, TomC
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According to the routing program I use for estimating charter quotes it's 1342.3 miles @ 19 hrs, 24 mins. across 40. And 1384.3 @ 21 hrs, 45 mins across 30,20,& 10 ! I don't believe it's really over 2 hrs. longer to go the extra 42 miles, but that's what the program shows! I have it set for running average speeds which is slightly less than the speed limit in most cases! I'd say it just depends on whether you'd prefer Dallas, El Paso, & Tucson as your major traffic zones or OKC, Amarillo, Albuquerque & Flagstaff. FWIW BK ;D
Wow! I am amazed that it is only 42 miles different. Almost defies geometry. I-40 is almost a straight line vs. I-20/I-10 is a sweeping arc. That definitely makes me think southern route is best given the weather this week. Precipitation forecast map (http://www.weather.com/maps/news/severewinterforecast/usprecipforecast36hraccum_large.html)
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Wow! I am amazed that it is only 42 miles different. Almost defies geometry. I-40 is almost a straight line vs. I-20/I-10 is a sweeping arc.
It must be something to do with the curvature of the earth. We wanted a route from Arcadia, Fl to Huntsville AL. Our GPS gave us I-75 to Atlanta, I-20 to Birmingham and I-65 to Huntsville. This seemed way out of the way, so I plotted a route in what was almost a straight line going through Dothan, AL. Because it was almost all non interstate, it was almost 4 hours longer and only 60 miles shorter. Who'd guessed? :) Jack
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I would rather take a beating than drive I 10 thru west Texas!! Seems like it never ends - and the winds can be really bad. I vote for the north route then south to las cruses. Nice route.
Just my way - your milage may vary
JimH
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Thank for all the input..... Weather is a huge factor....
Southern route it shall be.... Plan on departing Little Rock day break Thursday morning.
Should drive 500 miles and stop for the night.
Now, does anyone live along my route?
Bill
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Bill, I'm in the Dallas area, on the north side. Nine seven two, four sixty six, forty six eleven.
Crossing into Texas from Texarkana, there's a good state rest area for Texas maps, and the folks there are quite helpful.
About 175-200 miles later, as you're coming in Rt 30 from Little Rock, you'll cross Lake Ray Hubbard and come into Mesquite. I'd strongly suggest you then take Route 635 SOUTH, which becomes Route 20 West. That avoids downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, which you'd hit by staying on I-30. Coming through downtown Dallas (the mixmaster) is a mess - I've been here over 20 years and do my best to avoid it with my car. Ditto taking Route 635 north from Mesquite, not only is traffic heavy (and laden with idiots), but you have another confusing conflict (the Grapevine Funnel) just north of DFW airport. I'm in and out of DFW airport quite regularly, and take great care in that area with my car.
Since it's supposed to rain tomorrow, the downtown Dallas mixmaster will be a mess. Also, I believe there's a Flying J on I-20, south of Dallas, if you need fuel, a break, etc.
Tejas Coach Works is in Mineral Wells, west of Fort Worth. Five hundred miles from Little Rock puts you about Abilene, TX - I believe Paul (Dreamscape) is in Abilene. Have a good trip.
Arthur
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Arthur,
I was looking for a way around Dallas. Thank you, I will take your advise....
Paul, you home ???????
Bill
863-604-3701
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Bill:
I am 20 miles west of I-17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix, You are not going to come this way but thought I would let you know. When you get to Phoenix and settle in give me a call and I would like to meet you. I am 100 miles noth of Phoenix, between Sedona and Cottonwood. Great sight seeing up her.
ED
MCI 7
928-300-9046
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Arthur,
I can't find Rt 635 on the map... Hummmmm, don't find Mesquite either.....
Help.......
Ed, sounds like a plan.......
Bill (still smiling)
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I-635 is the loop around north and east Dallas. I-30 comes into the loop at about the 2 o'clock position. Mesquite is a Dallas suburb at about the 3 o'clock position on the loop. On the map it looks to be about 4-5 miles down the loop. I-635 south merges into I-20 a little past the 4 o'clock position.
Google Map of Dallas, TX (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Mesquite,+TX&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=10&ll=32.79651,-96.598663&spn=0.529859,1.376038&iwloc=addr)
Close-up map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Mesquite,+TX&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=15&ll=32.785398,-96.60583&spn=0.01656,0.043001)
Satellite view (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Mesquite,+TX&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&t=k&z=15&ll=32.785398,-96.60583&spn=0.01656,0.043001&iwloc=addr) (just for kicks)
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Well, I just lost my entire post because the jpeg I created for you was too large. I emailed it to the address in your profile - hope it went through.
Crossing the Texas Border on I-30 at Texarkana, stop at the Texas rest area for a state map (not the attractive blonde, the state map). Texarkana is also your last decent opportunity for a variety of restaurants. Continuing west on I-30, you'll pass through Greenville. Some time later you'll cross a decent size lake (Ray Hubbard) - you'll see a railroad trestle on your right. That's Rockwall, Mesquite is next - an eastern Dallas suburb. In that area, you'll see your first view of the Dallas skyline. I-635 comes up soon, it's the ring road (sort of) around Dallas. You want I-635 SOUTH, which, if I remember correctly, is the first ramp - hope you don't mind heights. Since it's a ring road, it turns from south to west, and voila, you're on I-20 without making any turns at all. I-20 rejoins I-30 around Fort Worth.
If you miss the 635 south ramp, you could continue on I-30 through downtown Dallas, but it's pretty unpleasant for a few miles going through the mixmaster - I hate it in a car - and you have to be very watchful of highway signs for lane choice. Shorter, but more unpleasant.
IF you miss the 635 south ramp, your better bet is to take 635 north, which also turns west. The north side traffic is busier, so grab a middle lane and pray. Northwest of Dallas you'll see signs for DFW airport and State 121 South/West (center and left lane). Follow that, stay in these two lanes to flow to 121 West (through the Grapevine Funnel), 121 west to 820 south, and that'll put you on I-30. You'll be east of Fort Worth, but going through Fort Worth on I-30 is a picnic compared to Dallas.
This gives you options, but probably tells you that, if it were me, I'd watch real hard for that 635 SOUTH sign.
Have a good trip, and remember, the Texarkana stop is for the state map, not the blonde. If you get in a bind, you have my phone number - I should be in the office most of the day tomorrow.
Arthur
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Arthur,
Thank you so much for e-mail the map.... It all makes sense now......
I will be looking for the South exit.......
Bill
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0930 Texsarkana Flying J truck stop,,,,122.8 Gallons of fuel, $324.19 or 2.63 a gallon.
The old hound is running great. Need to check tire air pressure, will do that next stop....
On The Road......
Bill
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10pm Parked at Paul (Dreamscape) and Becky, Abilene, Tx. For the night. Really nice folks, went out to dinner and of couse talked buses. Paul took me over to see how his coach is coming alone. Looks real nice, they are going to have a real nice ride when completed.
One head light went out today. Will replace the low beam bulb sometime tomorrow. Not a real problem, since I'm driving during day light hours. Plus have my fog lights.
The power steering pump is still leaking a little, not enough to worry about. Hope that, with use, the seals will seal them self up.... :)
A little rain today, AFTER, I passed Dallas. Pulled over in a Rest Area and took a nap. The Rain-X on the windsheild worked great. Arthur, thanks for the helpful driving hints around Dallas. Really helped. Was cool going over the tall overpass, would make a great photo..... oh yes,,, the blond was not working today at the Welcome Station... I did get the map..... ;D
Passed a East bound Silver Eagle just outside of Fort Worth, on I-20. Blue with strips, or was that purple...
Bedtime,,,,,, starting at day break again,,,,, West bound and down, toward El Paso... another 500 miles, maybe more.....
Bill
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busguy01,
I have to agree with you on I 10 thru west Texas and I didn't remember the winds either. We were planning to take the southern route next month but you have talked me out of it unless the weather to Amarillo is just too bad.
We took I 40 last year because the southern route was too hot and liked the run from Amarillo to Las Cruses, very scenic.
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2:40pm
Sitting about 50 miles east of El Paso at a rest area. The drive has been nice.... A little wind, every now and then, but nothing write home about.... Temp is very pleasant..... ;D
Passed an East bound Eagle on I-20 West of Midland. Pass a blue MCI East bound on I-10 around Sierra Blanca. It was Blue with ribbons. I was too busy waving to see any other details...... ::)
Plan to blow through El Paso and keep going. Need to buy oil sometime.... Put three quarts in this morning.
The gen set sounds a little rough... been running it to play the home stereo system, I know, not the best way to use the stereo. Will work on that soon.....
Bill
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Hello Bill,
Was great you were able to stop by last night. Glad it all worked out. Very nice to meet another Bus Nut and swap stories along with wants and needs for our coaches.
You have a great coach to tinker with. Everything will come together as you want it.
After you left this morning, (Abilene and Hawley), we had strong storms most of the day. No damaging hail, just losts of rain. Glad you made it out on the road in time.
Have a great trip to Phoenix.
Keep in touch.
Paul and Becky
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Bill, its good you made it through Dallas when you did - it's been a mess all day, particularly along your route. You had good timing. Glad the information helped.
Arthur
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930pm
I'm just East of Bronson (I-10), pulled into a Rest Area for the night. I take back what I said about the wind. It kicked up a little after my last post from El Paso. Nothing real bad, but had to stay on my toes for 25 miles.
It did rain for a 100 miles after I departed Paul's. Only once did I think about pulling off the hiway, then it let up and the sun came out. Sure is pretty country out here. ;D This is the longest trip I have made with the bus since buying it last October.
Todays trip, about 700 miles.
Bought 80.5 gallons of fuel @ $2.79 a gallon. >:(
Bill
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Glad your trip is going so well and you are able to enjoy it.
It was my experience last year that the further west you go the higher the fuel prices. Brace yourself, as I recall, the fuel prices took a sharp step up in the Phoenix area.
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Early morning start,,,,, 5am.
Stop to top off the tank at the Pilot Traver Center Eloy, Az 116.75 gallons @ $2.779 per gallon = $324.45
I could save a few bucks if I was paying cash....
Also weight the bus while I was there.
Front Axle 11,080lbs
Rear Axle 22,440lbs
Goss 33,520lbs
Now I need to reread the threads about tire pressure.
10 more miles down the road and stopped and had the bus washes. Took the little washing army about 6 minutes. Was fun to watch...... :)
Rolled into Phoenix around 8:45am. Presently parked at Wal-Mart Scottsdale, (which has No Overnight Parking signs all over the parking lot), don't believe they are overnight friendly.
Need to find a cheap RV park here in Scottsdale. Should be here a couple months.
End of trip, ;D
Bill
In Scottsdale, Az
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Hi Bill,
Glad your trip was safe!
It felt like we were all with you......Now, back to reality!
Thanks for the postings of the trip!
Nick-
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Bill, you will have to leave Scottsdale to find a rv park there was one here but its hard to get a bus into i don't know were you will be working but the rv parks are on I17, Mesa and AP junction but forget about the cheap part they forbid parking where i live or i would let you park here
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Bill,at the Grand motel on Bell rd they have a nice Rv park and not that bad on price for the area then you could go bell rd to Scottsdale if you tell me what location you need to be close too i will try and help you find a location close
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Bill:I am currently staying in Mesa at a resort for 400 a month. I can look around for you if you want.I also stayed in a park of on I-17 north of Union Hills. I also lived in Phoenis for 30 years,so let me know if I can help. Don
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Thanks guys,
I will need to be close to the airport at Scottsdale. I believe,,, will know better Monday. I'm okay for three or four days parked at a friends....
Thanks for the help,
Bill
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Hi Bill,
Glad you made it safe and sound!
Good Luck on finding a place to park your coach. I do agree reagarding Mesa or Apache Junction. Lots of sowbird places there. But it would be quite a commute to Scottsdale. You might look around the Deer Valley area, just north of Scottsdale.
Let us know where you end up.
Happy Trails,
Paul
Dreamscape
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Okay,,,,,
I'll be working at the North Valley Airport, just North of Phonenix off 17 on Deer Valley Road.
That means I need an RV Park in the area. Road the area a little today saw a couple, did inquiry. Will do that tomorrow.
Has anyone stayed in the area?
Bill
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Bill: Try Desert Shadows rv resort,19203 n.29 ave,623-869-8178.This is the one I stayed in last year.Nice park and the back gate leads right into Costco.I would stay away from the ones around 27 ave and Deer Valley.I was a Police Officer in Phx. for 25 yrs.and there are areas you want to stay away from.Let me know if I can be any further help. Don
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Don,
FYI
While riding around Mesa today.... Looking for RV parks. (Sorry, forgot what park you where in, or I would have come looking for you.)
Saw a beautiful white Silver Eagle in the back parking lot of the Green Acres RV Park, 2053 W. Main St. Mesa. Name was Jim.
Bill
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If you get back this way,Mesa Spirit,3020 E.Main St. Im in v-6,purple Prevost.
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Don,
Ever paint a bus? If I get the compressor fixed, I plan to spray a couple panels. Should be interesting,,,,,, I've never done this before.
Bill
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I have not painted before eiather.I do have an hvlp sprayer which I use to spray cabinets. I had a cabinet shop,but no I just have a trailer full of tools. I will be leaving soon and will be back in Oct. I do not want to be around in the summer.If this will be your first summer here good luck.Did you find a park to stay in? I would not think any park will let you spray.
Don
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Don,
Give me a phone number, I will try and get down to see you tomorrow.
I'm parked at the RADAR site, we are in the back corner of the city work center. Sort of out of the way, locked gate, no one around. Hell, no one really knows I'm here. I can paint till my heart's content. ;D Of course, I have to fix the compressor before I can do anything. :( That is proving to be a pain in the @$#.
Bill
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Bill;six-o -two-six-seven-seven-eight one four eight