we are driving from philadelphia for pir 12/19 is it that bad/ any advice

[DONNA]

just looking for advice if anyone has already done this?? thanks donna gerry's mom

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Just allow extra time as the weather in the area can be so unpredictable.

[Colleen]

Donna it is not bad. Just give yourself time for weather. Drive slow and dress warm. :)

[beachmomma]

We stopped outside of Pittsburgh for the first night and then drove to GL. That was back at the end of July. I don't know what the weather will be like in Dec. The turnpikes are nice but remember money for the tolls. We used a gps but I also had a AAA route map. The GPS took us straight thru Chicago, which was a nightmare...thank goodness my husband was driving....although that can be scary too. The AAA map had us go around Chicago....which is the way we took when we were heading home. If you use MapQuest...just remember that it is not always correct. I would buy a road map also.
Good luck.

[Donna AKA Hunter's Mom]

Our family drove from Nebraska 2 years ago Thanksgiving for our sons PIR and really it wasn't that bad it help to have a map person and a driver! I went to google and got maps and you click satellite view and you can see the area.. It does help you get your bearings on what buildings are in that area to look for. And driving in Chicago best advise when getting into town get there early afternoon before Rush Traffic! We got to our hotel and relaxed in the pool. Also look around and if you see other families just speak up and ask, hey are you in town for the boot camp graduation??? You will be pleasantly surprised at how many smile and say yes! We met a lot of very nice people that way. And when you ge tto go out in public with your sailor they will be in uniform the whole time and local business are great to you. There are some attractions in the area that have free admission for military like the Shedd Aquarium.
Best advise is have fun!! Have a good map!!! Don't forget your camera!! And leave with plenty of time to travel to and from in that crazy town!!!
Just to let you know the town I live in is 250 people,before that I spent my life on a farm. So big city driving I seldom do and I survived without any scars..lol.. Have a GREAT TIME!!!! :-)

[Proud Navy Mom (Susan)]

My husband, daughter and I also drove fron N.H. to GL for my sons PIR (in November '06) and left his car out there for him while he was in A school. It wasn't bad at all, in fact we had a great time! Enjoy the graduation...it was wonderful!

[Anti M]

LOL, my hubby is now a trucker, I've been on that run a couple times. You can get good road maps at the tourist info rest stops. Be sure to have a map, not just google or mapquest. If you are planning to go into Chicago with your sailor, I suggest taking the train and leave the car at the hotel for the day.

http://www.waukeganweb.net/transportation.html

[Carla Street]

Another thing that is very helpful is to go the national weather site, http://www.weather.gov/ and check out the forecasts and you can actually use the satelitte pictures. It helps me on trips to get "visuals". Getting a man to look at them is easier when they are cool looking like these can be, HA! Do a search also on the dept of transportation sites for the states that you are traveling thru and look for road constructions, warnings, etc.

Dress in layers, have good boots on and emergency equipment in the car is also a good thing to know. I know in the midwest or where they get blizzards they have recommendations for things to take, like a 3# coffee can, a 2# coffee can and a candle or two to help melt water inbetween the cans, heat the car and for light. Hmmm, I haven't thought of that for some time, I wonder if there is a link for that somewhere, what to take for emergencies. Cat litter for traction or rug peices and a shovel also.

[Nan Pearl mom of Matt]

We drove from Chester county Pa, (Cochranville) It's a long drive but not too bad. Keep thinking at the end of the road is your sailor.

[Achseh]

We drove from the Harrisburg area in July--not a bad drive, pretty much turnpikes the entire way. I would suggest going around Chicago rather than through--much better. We broke it up--left after work on one day and finished the drive the next day. In all it took us about 12 hours driving time.

[Sharon Shingara]

Hi Donna! We are doing the drive from Harrisburg, PA, next week for our daughter's PIR on 11/14. I'll let you know how it went when we return.

[Deb]

Hi Sharon,
I saw your post. I'll be driving from Reading the following weekend for my daughter's PIR. Please let me know how you go, and if there's any tips along the way that you can share, I'd really appreciate it. Where are you staying? I have 1 room at the Residence Inn in Waukeegan and one at the Navy Lodge. I have to make a quick decision on which one I'm going to be staying at. This time really went quick! Where is your daughter going to A School? Mine will be in Pensacola for IT.
Deb

[Sharon Shingara]

Hi Deb! We are planning on taking Route 80 most of the way out. The Turnpike is too boring. We've made this trip a few times because we lived in Great Lakes when my husband was in the Navy. That was 20 years ago so I am sure things have changed a bit. My daughter is staying at GL for A school. We are coming back the next weekend because my brother in law's PIR is the same as your daughter's. He is also going to Pensacola for IT. We are staying at the Navy Lodge. I heard it is decent and close to the base. Plus you can't beat the price! Have a safe trip out and congratulations!