N9NEO wrote:
and some other ramblings ...

Schedule is firm in that I have first two weeks of October off from
work. Exact route is up in the air. I was first going to go across
rt90 and maybe stop to see a friend in Wisconsin. Then I decided to
take a more southerly route across the bottom of Pa then hook over to
Indy and on to St Louis. I want to see the arch. Then I thought to
head south on 81 thru pa into Maryland and Virgina and then North
Carolina. Then thru Tennesee. I just can't decide today. I hope to
have that figured out in a week or so.

73
NEO

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The trip sounds terriffic and it is always the unexpected that makes
the highlights. I have criss-crossed the USA many times, starting with
a tent trailer, then getting a camper van, and ending up with a
smallish Winnebago. I always had a dog along; in fact, I wouldn't camp
without one. Three times over the years, he drove off thugs or thieves,
and his woofy presence was enough to make bad guys go elsewhwere. The
only thing is, if you keep close company with that pit bull for two
weeks, believe me, you won't get rid of her. You will learn some dog
language, rely on her eyes and ears, and realize that she only wants to
please you, while guarding and watching. I have always had
shepherd/huskies and they are marvellous travelling companions. I
haven't travelled for ten years, and things will have changed, but
certain precautions should be observed. You don't want to be targeted
by some thugs who look for solitary campers. Ten years ago, the
National Park Service warned that camping in the Parks was not safe due
to increases in crime and reductions in staff. It is safer to camp in
the car by taking out the back seat at night rather that sleeping alone
in a tent. Days are getting shorter, nights are getting cooler, and
there is the chance of rain. There is always the strain of finding a
good spot for the night. You pretty well have to line one up by 7pm or
you can't really see well enough. For maximum safety, I would go to KOA
or somesuch. If solitary camping is preferred, once you get to Ohio, or
the midwest, you will find that most small towns have a town campground
which is usually free. These campgrounds are left over from the
Chatauqua days and are relatively safe. There is a book on "free
camping" which gives locations across the US. If you are interested, I
will look it up and send you the title if you wish. It was quite
inexpensive. It is hard to get this information because the "travel
industry" is focused on big bucks. The AAA has some useful camping
books also. I always used to get breakfast and maybe buy something in
the town and it was always interesting to chew the fat with the locals.
If you are stuck, look for a suitable Catholic church. The Catholics
have a tradition of helping travellers, and they often have a driveway
that is out of the way. Avoid camping near big cities, Too much crime.
Surprisingly, the best campsites were always the free ones. Have a good
and safe trip.........73.....