San Diego to PDX

[SmartShanna]

Hi all,
I am thinking about making a solo trip in Miette with my trusty pup, Lola, to Portland, OR but I have the usual concerns. Namely, how long I can stand to drive without someone to swap steering wheel duties with. And Lola isn't much of a conversationalist so I worry about staying alert--hmmm, I could take an ex- to argue with, that would keep me awake Anyway, your thoughts on this escapade?

I am thinking of heading to Paso Robles on Day 1, then Davis or possibly Arcata-ish on Day 2, and then PDX on Day 3. Then turn back around on Day 4. No, just kidding about that part.

[SunDiego]

Lots of coffee


Have a great trip though!

[jwight]

I found the smart seats very comfortable on a recent road trip, doing 5 to 6 hrs a day. Put a small cooler in the passenger footwell for drinks and snacks, crank up the tunes and go for it!

[SmartShanna]

6 hours driving is about maximum for me. I don't like that there isn't a temperature gauge--has overheating been a problem when there is cargo stowed in the back (over the engine compartment) ?

[Dunerunner]

SmartShanna - No issues on my trip down to Roseville from Florence, Or. An 8 hour trip and absolutely no heating problems. The car drove great and other than half the insects in California committing suicide on my windshield, the trip was very enjoyable. Splitting the trip into two days or even three is a good idea. Try putting on a controversial radio talk show to argue with and plenty of TUNES you like to drive to. The cooler in the passenger well idea is great, just make sure you pull over and stop before digging for the iced tea!!

[SmartShanna]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

SmartShanna - No issues on my trip down to Roseville from Florence, Or. An 8 hour trip and absolutely no heating problems. The car drove great and other than half the insects in California committing suicide on my windshield, the trip was very enjoyable. Splitting the trip into two days or even three is a good idea. Try putting on a controversial radio talk show to argue with and plenty of TUNES you like to drive to. The cooler in the passenger well idea is great, just make sure you pull over and stop before digging for the iced tea!!

Absolutely a cooler full of snacks--an essential item I will be traveling with my trusty pooch so I guess stops along the way, for both of us, will be required (all that iced tea, ya know).

Excellent suggestion on the talk radio--although it might bring out the road rager in me

[SanDiegoJohn]

Are you going up the 5 or 101?

[SmartShanna]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoJohn

Are you going up the 5 or 101?

Well, I was thinking the one-oh-one for the first leg (S.D. to Cambria or so).

When I drove here from PDX I took the 5 the entire way and did it in two days. Not the funnest time I have ever had. Although it was in my former car (Prius) and it was pretty comfy.

Your suggestions?

[Dunerunner]

101 from Roseville to Florence, ~ 200 mi south of Portland if you continue along the coast; it is a 12 hour drive just to Florence. Another 5 hours to Portland following 101 to Astoria and along the Columbia River on the Sunset Highway. If it's quick and boring, take I-5. Scenic and long, take 101.

[CruisingAZ]

Just made the trip from PHX to Oregon last month, I did it in 6 hour days and that was just about right. Not to familiar with the best stopping points for you but if you use Google map from SD to PDX you can get your total hours and then divide by three.

It was 6 hours from PHX to LAX, 6 hours more to SAC and then 6 more hours to Grant's Pass Oregon. Portland is another 4 hours north.