November 20, 2004

Curious Traveller: Cross Country in Dec. Seattle to NY, starting Dec. 6th

Any northern monkeys have any advice as to a route? 90 runs pretty much all the way there, but will it be an unhappy drive in my little Jetta with a u-haul trailer behind it? I don't know if I should expect horrible snow or what. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks!

posted by Hectorinwa 20 years ago
  • Also, my final destination is Boston, where I will need to find work, preferably as a graphic designer or production artist. Anyone know of any good resources in the area?
  • I have driven I-90 everytime I have driven to and from Washington and Missouri. I have run into some bad weather, even in July, in that part of the country. It really depends on the snow situation, in the mountain passes, as to whether it will be a good or a bad trip. I always take I-90, because I make better time, but I haven't been driven that route any earlier than April or later than September. Sorry this is not much help, but on the April trip I was stuck on a mountain pass, until the road crews cleared the snow. This time of year, it might be wiser to take a route a little farther south.
  • oops...strike the been in *haven't been driven*.I did preview I swear.
  • Oh and have a safe trip.
  • I did almost that same route a couple years ago (Portland to Maryland and back to Portland) in december. The weather sucked from Utah through Nebraska. Complete whiteout conditions in Wyoming i believe it was. I enjoyed the drive but then again i wasnt in a jetta with a uhaul but in an expedition. Oh be extremely careful of the traffic cops in Wyoming. If you have cruise control set it to 1 mile BELOW the speed limit...coz those fuckers gentlemen are vicious! I got pulled over twice my entire trip! Remember always to move to an outer lane if there's a cop car stopped on the kerb....they'll ticket you if you don't! Hmm what else? Take lotsa coins...from indiana onwards you get hit with tolls like there's no tomorrow. We in the NW have it easy, with no tolls. I kid you not. I must have spent at least 30 dollars on tolls alone! Careful with the truckers. They think they own the roads...and will try to intimidate the hell outta you. And there are lots of trucks!!! Have fun...i'd do it all over again in an instant, notwithstanding those evil traffic cops!
  • I did almost that same route a couple years ago (Portland to Maryland and back to Portland) in december. The weather sucked from Utah through Nebraska. Complete whiteout conditions in Wyoming i believe it was. I enjoyed the drive but then again i wasnt in a jetta with a uhaul but in an expedition. Oh be extremely careful of the traff
  • The northern plains can be clear and dry that time of year, or totally impassible if the weather turns. About 8 years ago I got stuck for about a week in nasty hotel in Sioux Falls. The very next December we drove across and back without a patch of ice. Have a more southern route planned, and keep some blankets and munchies in the car just in case. Most states have toll-free hotlines for road conditions, know the names of the mountain passes when you call. Cross country drives are so cool! Have fun!
  • We've already had our first sticking snow west of Boston this year, and it was about a month early. The Old Farmer's Almanac says that this is supposed to be a bad winter, but I don't think the Old Farmer's secret meteorological methods have anything on global climate change. Anyway, he (they?) have been wrong more than right in recent years. More to the point: If I were to go on I-90 from Erie, PA to Boston at that time of year I'd bring enough $ to spend an extra night or two at a cheap motel. And I'd stay there when I saw the driving getting crappy. I've been stuck out there on a trip and it sucked. Good luck on your trip and welcome to Boston! I can't help you much for job referrals, unless you want to drive a truck or really love to work with dead fish. But I'll help you out if I can.
  • So if you are moving from Seattle to Boston, does this mean you'll have to change your name from "hectorinwa" to "hectorinma"? sorry, not helpful, but couldn't resist. Do you belong to AAA? Consider joining. Not just for the roadside assistance, but have them map out a couple of alternate routes for you. They know all about construction issues and so forth, and can suggest the best route to take. Oh, and don't overload that trailer. It makes the tires go kablooey. *Remembers night spent on the side of I-80 in western Iowa, shudders involuntarily*
  • I knew someone would comment on my name ;-) I think I might go for the slightly more southern route, I want to say 84? runs across exciting Nebraska... Seems a bit safer as far as snow goes, right? Or does it matter.... As far as the u-haul, that story blows. I have had good luck with all the u-hauls I've ever driven. NY to FL a few times. This time, it's just a little trailer, I can inspect everything on it that might go bad, and having read that, inspect everything twice. Thanks for your help everyone!
  • No help, sorry, but I was totally going to comment on your name. :) Good luck and happy travelling!
  • well, i'm going to be doing the same thing backwards in a few months, so i have no advice, but good luck! make sure you stop by wall drug and the Corn Palace in south dakota if you're into tacky.
  • Funny you should mention that, Thursday - just today I found a postcard from the Corn Palace that Hector sent to me on a previous journey years ago. :-)