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SarahA
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 4:13am | IP Logged
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We're doing what some of my friends/family think is insane, while others are envious-we're driving across the country en route to our new home. It's something we've always planned on doing once we moved from our current location, but in putting it into practice I'm getting a bit nervous and am seeking advice.
Before I get to the main questions I have, I should give you the basic information. We have 4 children, the oldest nearly 7 (in August), one who will have just turned 5, a 3.5 yr old, and a 20 mo. old. We'll be in a minivan, and I will be 32-34 weeks pregnant during the trip. Our route is basically San Francisco, Monterey (before or after Yosemite NP?), Grand Canyon, some NP in Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri (family and the Mark Twain sites around Hannibal), Indiana (family), Kentucky (family), Tennessee (hopefully see friends), then North Carolina.
So, here are the questions:
1. We're shipping the van to San Francisco (we're in Hawaii), and if it's not there when it's supposed to be, we could be there for a few days. Any must-do's (or NOT do's) with the kids w/o a vehicle in SF?
2. Actually, that first question applies to all of them (except the possibly w/o van part). Are there any favorite places of yours near any of those routes? We don't have too much time to stray off the beaten path (although we'd LOVE to) since we have to make it to our new house for the closing.
3. I tried to do all the research on the forums about road trips w/kids, picnics, etc. However, I'm still wondering about eating on the road...for over 2 weeks! We don't like fast food and plan on buying a cooler once we get to the mainland, but what do you do when you're traveling for a looooong time?
4. What do you do w/all the luggage when you stop for the night--lug it all in? Pray that no thieves get curious?
5. Any great Catholic sites that are near those areas? On one thread I read about staying in abbeys, but the only one that was listed near where I'd be (St. Meinrad) is close to where my parents live so we're staying w/them. We've stayed in abbeys in Europe, but I didn't even think about that in the US--any others? What about shrines, etc? We'll use the masstimes website, so we should at least be able to make it to Sunday Masses somewhere--a few daily masses along the way would be great, though.
6. How many sets of clothes should we take for the kids for the over 2 week road trip? My husband thinks 5 sets would be enough and that we'll be able to do laundry. However, I know that accidents happen, and that doing laundry when we need to might not be the most convenient thing when we're really tired. What's your opinion?
7. I feel like we're missing something...we've got air mattresses (for when we get to NC before our furniture), a GPS (husband's new toy for the trip), cell phones, the OK from my OB, 1st aid kit, new 2008 road atlas...what am I completely unaware that I need? I've seriously tried to think of everyhing (I even pulled our wills from our files before the movers left--isn't that morbid?!)
We leave the island June 11, so there's still time to get/do stuff before then. We're even going to a 1 day marriage retreat the last weekend we're here--good thing to do before a big move and long road trip, we figured.  We used to do road trips all the time when we lived on the east coast, but we've been here for 4 years, so the 2 biggest kids don't really remember that and the other 2 weren't born.
I think we mostly need prayers. The kids are already discombobulated with most of our stuff being packed out and leaving here--the only home they remember. We've got stuff for them for the long van times, but we don't want them to be sick of "family time", especially right before starting our big homeschooling adventure when we'll be together a LOT more than we are now.
Thanks so much in advance--you ladies have already been a big help to me in homeschooling encouragement through reading your posts, not to mention answering some of my other questions (are all beginning homeschoolers this needy or is it just me?)
Blessings,
Sarah
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 5:26am | IP Logged
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Wow, I'm in awe!!! I'm not sure I can answer all your questions but two things come immediately to mind:
1) Make sure you stop and walk around...ALOT. That's for you, since you're pregnant.
2) Perfect time to adopt a homeschooler mindset! Make the trip part of educating your children. You might already be thinking along these lines, but there will be so much opportunity as you see the country. Sometimes I think "when we get there I will...", but in the case of a long trip it is more peaceful to think "While we are traveling I will...". I hope that makes sense. I just think a long trip like that could get VERY long if the goal is just "to get there". Enjoy the trip and make it educational. Study each state as you go through it.
I can't answer your first two questions as we have not taken the route you are taking. Here are my answers for the rest though -
#3 - food. We always take our food. Sometimes, on longer trips, I pack as much as I can, then we stop at stores along the way when necessary. One thing I discovered last year was that I can go into a store like Krogers and get a tray of coldcuts and one of cut up veggies plus a loaf of bread and it costs less than getting everyone McDonalds. Coldcuts may not be the healthiest choice, but they are better than fast food, I think.
As far as where you stop, we are big fans of parks. If there is a state park with a picnic area they are great! We also like to drive through small towns and stop at the little parks we often find there. There are usually swings and things for the kids to play on a while, and lots of space to run. Of course, these both require a little more looking. If you don't want to take the time, rest stops along the highway usually have picnic tables and clean bathrooms. We have an electric cooler and a big 7-day cooler. We camp alot so they both come in handy. We keep the electric cooler between the two front seats, plugged in. That is where I keep the lunch and breakfast food. When we stop, dh just takes the whole thing to the picnic table and I keep a table cloth, roll of paper towels, paper plates, etc in another bag. The 7-day cooler is where I keep any meat that needs to be cooked or anything big that we don't need on a daily basis. It will keep frozen things frozen for quite a long time as long as we don't keep opening it. It works best with block ice. The crushed ice just melts and gets everything wet.
#4 - Do you have a car top carrier? We always try to stop at a hotel that is in what looks like a nice town. We goofed once and stopped in a part of a city that we shouldn't have been in. My dh didn't sleep the whole night because he was worried. It's worth it to do a bit of scouting around. We've never actually had anything stolen though, at least not off our car.
#5 - Mass times - There is a web site, I believe, that you can use to find out about Masses in various cities. I'll see if I can find it. If you're going as far south as Southport NC, there is a beautiful Catholic Church there, but that is the only city I can help you with. (My in-laws live there.)
#6 - clothing. My vote would be to take a little more than 5 sets, especially for the younger kids. My ds got car sick one year when we were in the Smokeys. He went through 3 outfits in one state! It is also not always easy to find a laundry mat, or, if you're crunched for time, it's not always easy to stop and wash all that laundry. Now, on the other hand, and please don't thing we are unclean... but, if the kids are riding in the car most of the day and they don't get too dirty, there is also no reason that they need to change their clothes every single day. (Just clean undies - but they don't take much space  ). I'm just thinking about while you are traveling. One thing we did on a long trip was to take a nice outfit for each child. When we got to a place where we wanted to do some sight-seeing or something, I would have the kids put on their nice clothes. Then afterwards, they changed back into sweats or whatever. It saved on the number of outfits I had to pack and the kids always looked decent when we were in a public place.
#7 - the only thing I would add is water. That sounds strange but bottled water always comes in handy. We take a big cooler full of it. Oh, and books on tape!!! Even if they are the short story variety for the younger kids. Books on tape has saved our sanity on many long trips. We have a DVD player in the van but the kids always argue about what to watch, who can see better, etc. With books on tape, I pop in a cd and everyone gets quiet so they can hear it.
Wow, this is long! I love talking about traveling though. I am very envious of you! I hope you have a wonderful trip.
One more item - holy water! Bless the car before you leave and each family member! My mom always did this when I was a kid, and now my dh and I do it when we go on trips. It helps!
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Becky
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Mary G
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 7:12am | IP Logged
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Sarah -- and people think we're crazy!
We've only gone road-tripping between the East and Colorado (altho I grew up in SF -- make sure you take the cable car, walk thru Golden Gate park, visit Fisherman's Wharf, etc) ... we love to stop at Cathedral of the Plains in Kansas as it's right off I70 and is a lovely example of the tenacity of the early Catholics out here! (It's only a mile off the interstate and a great break from the unending drive thru Kansas!  )
We also always stop in Hermann, MO which is about half-way between Kansas City and St. Louis about an hour off the interstate. It's a cute German town (with pretty good wineries!) with the rolling, fertile hills necessary ofr good grape production. There is a City Park in the center of town where we stop and camp with a wonderful public pool, great playground etc.
If you'll be in St. Louis -- the Gateway to the West Arch is pretty cool to see ... get a great view of St. Louis Cardinals' ball field.
Oh and you might want to buy a National Parks Pass -- which seems steep at $80 but will get you into things like the Arch, etc and is good for 12 months from date of purchase.
Have a great time, take lots of pictures and make sure you make a scrapbook at the end so you can show the younger ones what they missed (I'm thinking after that trip you might not want to drive cross-country again too soon! )
Prayers headed your way and let us know how it goes -- sounds like a GREAT adventure.
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chicken lady
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Ahhhh San Fran is my city. If you are stuck without a car it will be no problem. Cars are more of a problem in the city, they have wonderful public transportation. Hitch on to the cable cars, visit missions, the wharf, Pier 39, the Tea Grardens, the Exploratorium, China Town.
Oh, envy you! SF is my favorite city (except Rome  ) Now I am in wonderful Ohio, but when I go home, I take all my dc around the city and we enjoy just watching all the different peoples. Oh and do not forget Lombard street (the crookest street in the world) the dc LOVE it!!!!!
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Mary G
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chicken lady wrote:
| we enjoy just watching all the different peoples. Oh and do not forget Lombard street (the crookest street in the world) the dc LOVE it!!!!! |
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Altho YOU might want to avoid it if you're prone to carsickness AND pregnant.
We lived out in the avenues and the beach out there is so different than the bay where Fisherman's Wharf is. We loved going to the Zoo and Cliff House and watching the sea lions and seals cavorting on Seal Rock!
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MaryG
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JodieLyn
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You're going to need to be rather careful being pregnant. Sitting in a car that long can contribute to vericose veins and such. Be sure you get out and move LOTS.. don't stop drinking water because you'd need to use the bathroom more often.. that's a good thing.
And you'll probably want to hit Monteray before going to Yosemite.. Monteray is only a bit south of S.F.
Oh and I would recommend going to the southern entrance to Yosemite (through Oakhurst).. then you can see a lot just on the trip through the park.. you can also get over to Mariposa Grove with the giant Sequoias. The only Eastern exit is at the north end of the park so by coming in from the south you get a nice trip even if you don't have much time.
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Mary Chris
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Sarah,
I'm so sorry you have to leave Hawaii! And on King Kamahameha day, I sure I butchered the spelling, it's been a long time since I lived on Kam Highway. It is my favorite place in the world, though I admit, I'm not very well traveled . We have reservations at Bellows and KMC for next Christmas, when my dh returns from his deployment. With the cost of airfare though we may not be able to do it  .
We drove cross country when we left there 14 years ago. We did not have any children at the time, but I was newly pregnant. My dh call it the time I slept across country .
If you are going to stay in hotels, find ones that offer free breakfast and have a pool.
Books on CD are great. I would invest in some Jim Weiss. Also if you don't already have it, the Focus on the Family Narnia series is good. (Others might have better suggestions for your age range)
The GPS is really helpful. It is great for finding Starbucks and parks.
I would probably take 7 changes of clothes. I think Betsy has some great suggestions for clothing and everything else.
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JodieLyn
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oh.. my kids are loving the "Cat. Chat" radio show type cd's.. so those might be nice for a change for listening.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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SarahA
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 9:19pm | IP Logged
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What great ideas/suggestions everyone has--so glad I posted here!
Becky--I think I could squeeze 2 more sets of clothes into my husband's ideal #, and no, I don't think you're dirty! I hate seeing clothes in the wash that look (and smell) clean--makes more work for me!
Mary G, Chicken Lady, and Jodie-thanks for the wonderful tips on where to go in SF, Yosemite, etc. I'm actually looking forward to the cable cars and such in SF--my husband and one of my sons may not enjoy it as much...
Mary Chris--wow! you even remember the state holidays! I hope you get to come back for Christmas. I'll pray that your husband redeploys on time and that air fares go back down!
I will be sure to drink lots of water and walk around a lot--one of the musts w/ little ones, so I can't forget to do it!  If I get a chance to email from a Starbucks some where in there I'll drop a post and let you all know how it's going. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. I've been so blessed to be part of this forum. My husband was reading some posts I showed him about the Living History sites and was completely engrossed--he's very appreciative of you all, too!
Of course, if there are any more readers I'm still totally open to more suggestions...
Many blessings,
Sarah
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Sarah
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MarieW
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In California, don't forget the missions! Carmel near Monterey is beautiful, as is San Juan Bautista (near Monterey).
Marie
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PDyer
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 9:33pm | IP Logged
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Becky Parker wrote:
| #5 - Mass times - There is a web site, I believe, that you can use to find out about Masses in various cities. I'll see if I can find it. |
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I found it!
www.masstimes.org
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Patty
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MaryM
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 11:27pm | IP Logged
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We are big road trippers here though mine aren't so young anymore so don't need as many breaks. (We also tend to travel a lot through the night so the kids sleep - not everyone's cup of tea so I'm not recommending it. .)
I second or third the "get out and walk as much as possible" recommendation with the pregnancy. And stay hydrated - I would drink red raspberry tea in addition to the water.
I'll also second the National Parks pass. If you visit SF Maritime (see rec. below), Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and one NP in Utah you have paid for the pass and every other NP stop on the trip is paid for! Gotta love that  .
SarahA wrote:
| 1. We're shipping the van to San Francisco (we're in Hawaii), and if it's not there when it's supposed to be, we could be there for a few days. Any must-do's (or NOT do's) with the kids w/o a vehicle in SF? |
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We really enjoyed the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park this fall when we were there. It is so much fun (and very educational) to go out on all these old ships. There is quite a variety. As a National Historic Park you can use the NP Pass there.
SarahA wrote:
| 2. Actually, that first question applies to all of them (except the possibly w/o van part). Are there any favorite places of yours near any of those routes? We don't have too much time to stray off the beaten path (although we'd LOVE to) since we have to make it to our new house for the closing. |
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I couldn't tell from your plans if you were taking I-70 through Colorado or following the southern route on highway 160. I assume I-70 so will share ideas for that route. These are not too far off the interstate.
Colorado National Monument
Dinosaur Journey Museum if you have any young dinosaur fans onboard.
Georgetown Loop Narrow-gauge Railroad - a bit spendy but very cool for history and railraod buffs. Georgetown, where this is located is a neat, old restored mining town.
Buffalo Overlook along 1-70 at Genesee Park.
Mother Cabrini Shrine
SarahA wrote:
| 3. I tried to do all the research on the forums about road trips w/kids, picnics, etc. However, I'm still wondering about eating on the road...for over 2 weeks! We don't like fast food and plan on buying a cooler once we get to the mainland, but what do you do when you're traveling for a looooong time? |
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I would stay in hotels that have buffet or continental breakfasts as part of the room rental. With tha long of a trip we would probably eat out for dinners and eat from the cooler for lunches. Figuring you have many stops with family/friends to take care of some meals.
SarahA wrote:
| 5. Any great Catholic sites that are near those areas? |
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See Cabrini Shrine above
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folklaur
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| Posted: May 27 2008 at 11:35pm | IP Logged
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If you are going to go through Flagstaff when visiting the Grand Canyon, Galaxy Diner is an great place to eat  .
Lots of prayers for you guys! I think it sounds like fun!
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MacBeth
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Pick up a copy of Adventuring with Children. I know, I recommend this book all the time, to everyone, but it really is a great guide to traveling, packing, laundering, diapering, etc., with children. 
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MacBeth in NY
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Chari
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Sarah......could you give a specific route?
I have some VERY recent advice.....but cannot write now.
Till tomorrow, hopefully!
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Chari...Take Up & Read
Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11
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Mary G
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I know you mentioned you don't like fast food -- but one thing awfully nice about McD's is the playplace ... we often stop (especially if it's a yucky day with summer storms) for a cup of coffee, $1 yogurt parfaits for the kids and let them play and go potty ... at least you know what you're getting and the bathrooms are usually pretty clean.
Off I-70, if you go that route, right on the border of Colorado and Kansas is a GREAT rest-area, gas stop place called Colby, KS where there is a fenced playground with picnic tables, bathrooms, Starbucks (a plus in and of itself), etc. It's a perfect spot to stretch your legs after getting thru Colorado ....
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MaryG
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crusermom
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Don't forget to hand carry your medical records! Also, if you are tricare prime (army insurance), did you find out what you need to do if you have any issues while on your trip? It is a good idea to at least have all the phone numbers handy. Have fun!
Mary
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Mary
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Mary K
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A cd/tape of lullaby music is nice to play for helping little ones rest in the car.
If you don't want to get out to walk around (maybe really bad weather) then do some in car exercises. You could make it a game by connecting different motions to things you see outside. For example: lift your legs up and down quickly when driving by something with water (picture, real water, town water tower,etc.); arm extended and pretend to fly when you see a bird or plane.
Some younger kids music has movement with it (eg: the hokey-pokey) maybe you could find some and modify the movements for in car travel.
God bless,
Mary-NY
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SarahA
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| Posted: May 28 2008 at 6:49pm | IP Logged
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I'm not sure of the specific route--it may depend on what suggestions we receive! If there are a lot of great things to do on one road and nothing really on another, we'd probably go with the good stuff. Time is also going to be a factor, especially if the van isn't there on time and we get a later start. I think my husband was looking at 160 through CO only because he wanted to hit Dodge City in Kansas, but it looks like 70 would be faster, even if a bit further north, and has some great stuff.
Also, what route do you all take from CA to the Grand Canyon then up through Utah? Even our new atlas doesn't have a clearly marked "best way" to do that. Which NP in Utah would be the best to see on the way to CO? The NP pass--great thought! In doing research on here before I asked these questions I came across Mary M's list of NPs she'd visited--that's a list to aim for! (my husband was drooling...)
I am definitely up for stopping at McD's for the parfaits, potty, and playground. Staying places with free breakfast is a good idea, and we'll probably end up doing either picnic lunch or dinner, with the other at a restaurant. We love finding the "local eats" that have more character (although sometimes the bathrooms are sketchy...)
I wanted to pack some lullabies fo the kiddos, but my husband nixed the idea, I think knowing that with me 1)pregnant and 2)riding in the van I'd be alseep faster than the kids and not much company for him. Admittedly, he's correct. 
I'm having my 32 wk appt right before we leave and will definitely be carrying my records. God has blessed me with great, healthy pregnancies so I don't anticipate any problems, but it's always good to be prepared.
Thanks again for all the prayers and ideas!
Blessings,
Sarah
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Sarah
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KASB
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We've driven to Alaska and back from the deep South twice, as well as several other longish road trips in conjunction with our PCS moves. We've always had a great time but planning is key to success with large numbers of children. Hotel reservations are essential during the summer - you may think you'll be able to find a room in some small out of the way town, but so will everyone else who doesn't have a reservation. If you don't already have reservations, try the Navy and Marine bases in CA. We had good luck with those. The Navy one in Monterey was very nice.
To avoid taking in all the suitcases each night, I got several of the big Ziploc bags and packed an outfit for each person in a gallon size bag, put them all in the big bag and just carried that in at night. I kept an extra bag with extra underwear and an extra outfit for the littlest ones. I just transferred/refilled it each day. I dressed everyone in the same colors to make keeping up with everyone easier. Pajamas went into a separate bag and that went in each night. I had 6 days worth of big bags made up with everyday clothes, one bag with Sunday clothes, a pajama bag, and then the extras bag. I collected dirty laundry each night, put in the laundry ziploc, then repacked the individual bags when I did laundry. My children loved it because each morning they had everything they needed. They just got the bag with their name and were set. They've even asked to have their bags made up and put into their drawers at home
Prayers for a wonderful trip!
Blessings,
Kym
mom to 9
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Cross-country road trip--help!
