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Graham 3T WIS 
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I just hit on the idea of inviting all & sundry to give me some pointers on my planned trip in August / September. It is my privilige to bring my dad to the US for his 75th birthday to visit some old friends in PA and then flying to Chicago to drive (mostly) along route 66 to LA, from where we fly home 3 weeks later. I have visited the US many times previously, but this will be my first long road trip. Feel free to advise me on must see places on the way, or anything that you would like to add which might be of value. Our idea is to get a nice rental ride, and stay wherever we feel like, with no reservations and commitments. We have 14 days set aside from Chicago to LA. I have done quite a bit of homework on the route, and also bought a detailed road guide which will be very helpful. However, there is nothing like first hand advice from friends!  I'm not one for cities in general, so we will be avoiding the bigger cities as far as we can. We arrive in Philly, PA on August 20th, and will spend the weekend with friends in Reading. On Monday, 23rd we will move to the Pittsburgh area for a day or two, from where we fly to Chicago. Maybe I can even meet one or two 3T geeks on the way, who knows? Please feel free to comment here, or send me a PM if you prefer. Any feedback is welcomed and appreciated.  Last edited on Tue Jun 29th, 2010 02:49 pm by Graham |
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Nabco 3T WIS 
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Hey Graham...did you say 3T "geek"  that's a four letter word in WISland  Interesting idea to travel Route 66, I could be wrong but most Americans, I for one, usually want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible...traveling Route 66 from Chi town to LaLa land is quite a long trip but I commend you on the adventure  If you have a travel guide you probably already know this, in Arizona Rt 66 runs pretty close to the Grand Canyon on one side and Sedona on the other, two places you should not miss....it runs right through Flagstaff, that may be a great spot to stop for a couple days. |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks, Nick! Yes, The canyon is a definite. The last time I saw this area was from a smal aircraft during an exciting flight through the canyon. That was 20 years ago! Sedona and Flagstaff are noted too. BTW, I think the word geek describes us collectively very well indeed: The word geek is a slang term, noting individuals as "a peculiar or otherwise odd person, especially one who is perceived to be overly obsessed with one or more things including those of intellectuality, electronics, etc."[1] Formerly, the term referred to a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken, bat, snake or bugs. The 1976 edition of the American Heritage Dictionary included only the definition regarding geek shows. I know for a fact William the Viking does that to chickens all the time!........   Last edited on Tue Jun 29th, 2010 04:07 pm by Graham |
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Nabco 3T WIS
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Graham wrote: Thanks, Nick! The "land of oz" where all things Invicta and Jim Skelton are worshipped is called WatchGeeks and the members refer to themselves as "geeks" instead of WIS....don't really want to be associated with that....it's terrible that they can drag a simple word like geek through the mud |
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Dragnattck 3T WIS
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hey Graham depending on what day you hit the final leg of your journey in CA. I might be able to ride my harley and meet up with to say hello. I live in Riverside, Ca. |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Dragnattck wrote: hey Graham depending on what day you hit the final leg of your journey in CA. I might be able to ride my harley and meet up with to say hello. I live in Riverside, Ca.Thanks for the kind gesture. I will shoot you a PM closer to the time. |
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murphy j 3T WIS 
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I popped in to check and see what's going on at my favorite watch forum and I see your post. Graham, I literally live 2 blocks off of the portion of Route 66 that runs through Tulsa, Oklahoma. I'd be more than happy to meet up with you for lunch/dinner or whatever if you'd like. There's lots of great places to eat here, along with a couple world class museums here and I have a membership at one of them. Let me know and we can work something out  |
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Graham 3T WIS
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murphy j wrote: I popped in to check and see what's going on at my favorite watch forum and I see your post. Graham, I literally live 2 blocks off of the portion of Route 66 that runs through Tulsa, Oklahoma. I'd be more than happy to meet up with you for lunch/dinner or whatever if you'd like. There's lots of great places to eat here, along with a couple world class museums here and I have a membership at one of them. Let me know and we can work something outGreat! Thanks for the response. I will be in touch closer to the time. |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Any more contributions?happy1.gif |
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oagaspar Site Founder 
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Envy is my contribution Graham!....this is the same trip I have planned for when I fully retire...renting a new Corvette to do it in as I want the trip to be as spontaneous,pleasant and stress free as possible ...right down to not worrying about one of my own cars ! |
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Graham 3T WIS
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oagaspar wrote: Envy is my contribution Graham!....this is the same trip I have planned for when I fully retire...renting a new Corvette to do it in as I want the trip to be as spontaneous,pleasant and stress free as possible ...right down to not worrying about one of my own cars !I read you loud and clear, O! Being a vintage car fanatic, I always dreamed of doing this trip in a classic Cadillac convertible.......but the closer I get to the trip, the more I think I will settle for a modern Cadillac with all the creature comforts AND GPS on board!ROF_Dog.gif |
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Graham 3T WIS
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OK, time to go! WHOOOOOOHEEEE!!!insane.gif |
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oagaspar Site Founder
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have a safe trip and have an awesome time Graham!  |
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bigrustypig 3T WIS 
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Good going, Graham. Just some advice from the family's on-the-road and designated laundry magnate: stick to same to similar colored gear so that you don't have to wait in batches at the washers and lose precious sleep for the next day's trip.Happy trip, amigo and bring back those watches you've been dreaming about.... |
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hucky 3T WIS 
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If you see a Baby bundled up in a carrier road side, dont pull over! Its a Trap, a Gang type of initiation. Call and keep on Moving Cheers |
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Paladin 3T WIS 
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hucky wrote: If you see a Baby bundled up in a carrier road side, dont pull over! And of course don't flash your high beams back at anybody; and many others. For a full list go to Snopes.com.Have a great trip Graham! |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks for all the advice! We are at Heathrow waiting for our connection to Philly. What a pleasure to do the long haul in business class spending the night in a proper bed! |
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Paxman 3T WIS 
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hucky wrote: If you see a Baby bundled up in a carrier road side, dont pull over! Indeed Hucky...indeed! |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Signing in from Philly. What a nice summer's day! Going to get some rest now after 24 hours on two long haul flights. At least I can dress my bare wrist again! I will post my new arrival soon. |
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Jeep99dad 3T WIS 
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Oh come on, you can't keep us guessing like that!!!:) what did you get?? Anyway you have a wonderful and safe trip with your dad! Too bad I'm not close to 66. Would have loved to meet you! Brice |
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tenbosch 3T WIS 
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Welcome to the states! Have a great and safe trip. |
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Paxman 3T WIS
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Jeep99dad wrote: Oh come on, you can't keep us guessing like that!!!:) what did you get?? Dollars to donuts Graham i making a stop at RGM. I think I remember him mentioning he's going to Lancaster, PA...  |
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Paxman 3T WIS
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Paxman wrote: Jeep99dad wrote:Oh come on, you can't keep us guessing like that!!!:) what did you get?? DOH!! It's something completely different... |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Mark Fortunately for me they were closed when I hit Lancaster..... Spent the entire morning at Cabela's like I usually do when I get here. Picked up some Buck folders to take back as gifts for my hunting buddies. Tomorrow we're driving to Uniontown from Reading. Staying with friends there for a couple days before catching a flight to Chicago. |
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Graham 3T WIS
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After spending some time with friends in Uniontown, PA until this morning, we flew to Chicago and picked up our rental car there. It is a Caddy DTS Northstar V8 with all the bells and whistles. Great car! Drove 200 miles to Lincoln, Ill. where we're staying for the night. Quite a challenge to find the mother road sometimes - ended up on the wrong road twice, but great fun. Watch this space..... Attachment: 06 Route 66 (5) (600 x 450).jpg (Downloaded 62 times) Last edited on Wed Aug 25th, 2010 08:07 pm by Graham |
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Devin 3T WIS 
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Graham it sounds like you are having a great time! I was just at Route 66 State Park a little east of St. Louis and had a great time. Enjoy your trip! |
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Simon_Leung 3T WIS 
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WOW looks like the gas station has stood the test of time...have a safe journey Graham. Cheers, Simon |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Devin wrote: Graham it sounds like you are having a great time! I was just at Route 66 State Park a little east of St. Louis and had a great time. Enjoy your trip!Thanks, Trent! A great time indeed.  |
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Dragnattck 3T WIS
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Glad your trip is starting off well Graham and hope you and dad are having a great time |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks, Dragn. Quite a long drive today - almost 400 miles - to Oklahoma city. Some great scenery on the way! I'm in the middle, with dad on the right of the flag. The guy on the left is the owner of this joint. Attachment: 08 (8) (600 x 450).jpg (Downloaded 34 times) |
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Jeep99dad 3T WIS
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I love this pic! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Sounds like lots of fun! Enjoy and travel safe! Graham wrote: Thanks, Dragn. |
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Dragnattck 3T WIS
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That is so awesome Graham thanks for shring your picture :) hoping in another few years my sons will have their bikes and the 3 of us can do a pilgrimage somewhere together. |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Quite a drive today - staying over in Amarillo, TX. Checking out the "official" half way mark of 66 tomorrow, as well as Cadillac ranch. |
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murphy j 3T WIS
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Looks like you're having a great time and seeing lots of great scenery |
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Paxman 3T WIS
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Graham wrote: Quite a drive today - staying over in Amarillo, TX. Checking out the "official" half way mark of 66 tomorrow, as well as Cadillac ranch. Amazing Graham... I stayed over in Amarillo on my West quest in 1989. I was warned not to and sure shit... small town boy heard gunfire in the streets that night!  If you are moving at my pace you'll rest next near Williams, AZ. Looks like you are having a blast. |
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ndburley 3T WIS 
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Next time I want to come along also. It looks like a great break...maybe one day. drool.gif |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Mark, no gunfire last night, but Amarillo will not make it onto my list of favorite cities... Drove out to the Palo Duro canyon state park about 30 min. from Amarillo. Very tranquil and beautiful scenery. 2nd largest canyon in the US. From there to the Cadillac ranch. Quite an attraction, but overrated. At any given time there are about 200 empty spray paint cans laying around, left by the graffiti "artists". The 66 district of Amarillo is just sad. Really derelict and run down. Staying in Santa Fe, NM for 2 days. I like this pic of the Cadillac Ranch..  A pic taken in Palo Duro  |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Santa Fe, NM is a great place. I like the laid back vibe.... Oscar, never knew your second cousin twice removed was a famous resident after whom this street was named.......  Brice, the next shot or two is for you......    |
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bigrustypig 3T WIS
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Thanks for sharing your experiences and pictures, Graham. I liked that one with the graffiti as well as grabshots of the town. That street is named really after Oscar. The "200" number is the actual number of watches Oscar is known to have .Enjoy the golden time with your dad on 66. |
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KenC Admin 
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I am late to the party but if you haven't passed Williams, AZ yet (about 35 miles west of Flagstaff). Stop and take the train up to the Grand Canyon! You can do a day trip or overnight!...great trip! |
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Graham 3T WIS
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KenC wrote: I am late to the party but if you haven't passed Williams, AZ yet (about 35 miles west of Flagstaff). Stop and take the train up to the Grand Canyon! You can do a day trip or overnight!...great trip!Ken Thanks for the input. We have set up camp in Flagstaff for 2 nights. Doing some touristic things tomorrow, including a drive to Sedona. From here we're cheating a bit in terms of 66: on to Vegas for 3 nights. Will do the Hoover dam and canyon from there. |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Well, 3 weeks have come and gone! From Vegas we hit California, and took the scenic hwy1 up the coast. Beautiful drive. San Francisco was a blast the last 3 days. The weather was incredible. Tomorrow it is the long haul to LAX. (24 hours / 2 flights home!) We will then have completed our route 66 adventure "officially" after 4000 miles of driving. I did enjoy the Cadillac DTS V8 very much. Average consumption according to the on board computer: 26 mpg. Thanks to everyone who chimed in with advice, invites and interest. It was a fantastic trip and memories were made for both my dad and I. Sorry I didn't get to see any members on the way! I finish this off with a pic of the Megalodon taken this morning with Alcatraz in the background. Attachment: 22 San Francisco 001 (600 x 450).jpg (Downloaded 19 times) |
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natevan70 3T WIS 
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Glad you enjoyed the trip Graham! You passed through Pennsylvania while I was out of state. I have a friend here who's from your neck of the world; but he wasn't around either. It would have been fun to meet. |
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