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We'll be leaving in two days for a 3,194 mile round trip down the east coast. The trip: MA to FL, then a cruise to the Bahamas, then FL to LA for a day or two hang out, then back to MA. The car: 2005 R53, 104,000mi, oil changed 1,500mi ago, new plugs and wires, new tires 1,500mi ago. Let's see how this goes...
I just did NJ to FL in July. Man it's a long drive. We left at 8pm on a Wednesday and was in Orlando by 1pm the next day. On the way home we stopped in SC to break the drive up and it was much more acceptable. We do not plan on doing that drive again anytime soon. If I could do it again I would take I-81 instead of I-95 on the way down. 81 has turns and elevation. 95 is flat and boringgggg, really makes the drive worse.
I just did NJ to FL in July. Man it's a long drive. We left at 8pm on a Wednesday and was in Orlando by 1pm the next day. On the way home we stopped in SC to break the drive up and it was much more acceptable. We do not plan on doing that drive again anytime soon. If I could do it again I would take I-81 instead of I-95 on the way down. 81 has turns and elevation. 95 is flat and boringgggg, really makes the drive worse.
Yup, 81 for me and, like you, I'm leaving at 8pm and headed for Orlando.
The red line of your return trip takes you right thru the Blue Ridge Mts. You have GOT to drive the Cherohala skyway and the Dragon when you drive thru that area.
The red line of your return trip takes you right thru the Blue Ridge Mts. You have GOT to drive the Cherohala skyway and the Dragon when you drive thru that area.
The lines aren't an exact representation of the route, but I'm going to research the Cherohala skyway and see if I can fit it in.
The Cherohala will put you into Robbinsville and from there it's only about 25 or so miles to the West end of the Dragon then turn around and do it again from the other direction and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway back to civilization. You'll more than likely be around there only once.
The lines aren't an exact representation of the route, but I'm going to research the Cherohala skyway and see if I can fit it in.
Do it, it's an awesome drive. And the Dragon. If you are into motorcycles, I'd recommend the Barber Racing Museum in Birmingham, Alabama and Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, NC.
I arrived in Orlando yesterday. We drove through MA, CT, NY and NJ during a major snow storm with zero issues. Made the whole trip with zero issues. I, of course, packed a quart of oil and a gallon of coolant, those are must haves for a long trip. Oh, and I never leave home with firing up Waze. Gas for the first leg of the trip (MA to Orlando, MA) was approx. $115.00, that's with a couple of side trips totaling about 100mi. We washed off the salt, sand and grime upon arrival and we'll be boarding the ship, Bahamas bound, tomorrow.
Have a good time in New Orleans...Try the Cafe' Au lait, beignets, and the opportunity to people watch at the Cafe Du Monde near Jackson Square in the French Quarters...oh and if you want a great sandwich, try a Mufalata at the Central Grocery.
Aaaaaaaaand, we're home! No breakdowns, no flats, no issues at all. It did consume about a quart of oil. I drove 19hrs straight home from LA and I can tell you that my @ss was not happy. I've driven similar lengths of time in other vehicles with no sore cheeks. I hit the skyway and I'm very happy I took the time for it.
Got some bad news for ya. There's lots more great drives out there just waiting for your sore @ss. Some good news too. There's no better motor to enjoy them in than a MINI. Glad you had a successful drive and did get the skyway logged in.
Got some bad news for ya. There's lots more great drives out there just waiting for your sore @ss. Some good news too. There's no better motor to enjoy them in than a MINI. Glad you had a successful drive and did get the skyway logged in.
I'm planning on exploring some of those drives this summer, but with MY MINI this time (the red one belongs to my wife).
Very cool about your trip. I'm in western MD and I prefer 81 to 95 any day of the year! Not far from me is the The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive - VERY cool things to see. Luray and Skyline Caverns are also nice if you have the time.
I do a MD/MA or MD/NC trip often and the vehicle varies - usually depending on what's being packed. North and South, 81 is my preferred route.
I like taking 95 down. It's booooooooring, but it gets me there quick. On the way back up is when I like to take my time and lallygag around doing some exploring. We make the drive to FL every year or two, but this is the first time as MINI owners.
02-07-2017, 11:58 AM
