Comment

Comment by Mark on September 6, 2009 at 1:19pm

The most direct route, I-90 thru Montana and Idaho has two passes of concern. First is Lookout Pass crossing the Divide at the MT/ID border just under 5000', second is Snoqualmie Pass thru the Cascades here in WA at around 3500'. I haven't traveled Lookout Pass, but Snoqualmie is usually OK, but will get snow frequently that time of year, and will occasionally require chains. Going all the way to CA on I-40, and up I-5 would be pretty good - he would still have the Siskiyou Pass at the CA/OR border, which can also be tough. For sure the safest is heading NW thru Nevada as you say, leaving I-40 in AZ. On this route, he would want to stay east of the Cascades in Oregon until getting to The Dalles on the Columbia River, then cutting west on I-84 thru the Columbia Gorge to get thru the Cascades to Portland, and up I-5 from there. Both of those southern routes do add a full day of driving as pointed out by Bea. I would check the weather forecast the day before leaving, and see what it was for the two passes of concern on the I-90 route, and decide then. They seem to be doing a pretty good job with forecasts two or three days out these days. It is definitely an unforgettable rite of passage that he will enjoy.

Comment by LLovesmysailor on September 6, 2009 at 12:53pm

My other son also had a "I still need Mom" moment when he was home between Prototype and reporting to Groton. He bought himself a beautiful sports car (used). It is a great car but you can't get very much more than a suitcase in it. When I offered to follow him to Groton in the SUV with all the stuff he couldn't fit into his car, he gave me that "I can take care of myself" look. So, I told him that if you change your mind let me know. At 11pm that night, after spending hours trying to get his gear into his car, he showed up at my door. He asked if the offer was still open. I smiled all the way to Groton and I got to spend 2 more days with my son.

Comment by LLovesmysailor on September 6, 2009 at 11:25am

I would personally look to a more southerly route. Nov is such an unpredictable time of year. I just asked a friend of mine who lives in Idaho and she agrees. Sometimes the shortest route is not always the best idea. My son was home on leave once and bought a GPS unit. He used it to get to Norfolk. Unfortunately, it told him to take the Beltway around D.C. at rush hour because it was the shortest route. Mom (me) tried to tell him this was a bad idea. After that drive he now listens to me.

Comment by BunkerQB on September 6, 2009 at 11:22am

A. Smith.
I have driven across the country twice and through Wyoming in Sept. It was cool with some snow but the roads were open. Interstate 80 is easy. The only tough portion would be going through the Rockies (parts of Wyoming, Idaho and WA). I don't think it'll be that bad but find out from people who live there.
Our son drove from Calif to So Carolina by himself. Basically, he took Interstate 5, then 40 all the way to either 26 or 77. Our younger son took the same route to OK just 2 weeks ago by himself. I know the 40 route is easy with plenty of places to stay. I can tell walk you through that one. If he has friends in CA, he could take that route , then north to WA, it would be another day of driving. Interstate 5 going north is another easy drive. I can alert all the moms in Calif groups to be keep an eye out for SOS messages in case your son gets in trouble. He could even stay with us - both sons' rooms are available - one has a queen size bed - meals provided - I don't do laundry. There's also a Sailor Rescue List group.
First drives for both sons - NO problem whatsoever. So relax, take it easy - he'll love it - it's a rite of passage for young guys - don't even breathe that you want to ride shotgun. LOL

Comment by BunkerQB on September 4, 2009 at 4:30pm

We spoke at length twice this week with our son who is somewhere on the other side of the Pacific. Will ask which phone card he used and how he purchase the card and cost.

Comment by LLovesmysailor on September 4, 2009 at 3:45pm

International Phone Cards. I use AT&T.
When my son needed a car after Prototype, he sent me a list of requirements; type of car, mileage max., color and of course price. I found exactly the car he wanted and we made the arrangements for him. Then my husband drove the car to NY. The look on my son's face when he saw the car was priceless.

Comment by BunkerQB on September 4, 2009 at 12:34pm

Our son came home after OCS for a couple of weeks before reporting to nuke school in Charleston. He took his car and drove across the country by himself. The Navy would have paid for transporting the car. I offered to pay for any extra expenses such as airfaire, etc. He turned it all down. He wanted to drive across country by himself. Our younger son drove from CA to OK last month, again, by himself. I too had visions of wonderful drives from the West, with scenic stops. I even thought of making each trip a family event (dad, mom plus son). Like in the old days. Moms can be sooo obtuse.

Comment by Mark on September 4, 2009 at 12:58am

Hi Pam,
My son is graduating 10/29 as an STS - is your son graduating that day, or earlier in the month?

Comment by LLovesmysailor on September 1, 2009 at 5:25pm

The authors are Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew.

Comment by LLovesmysailor on September 1, 2009 at 1:08pm

georganna, I also read "Blind Man's Bluff" I really enjoyed it. I'd be interested in what you think of the book.

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