Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880

Back To Minnesota

I am on the road heading back to Minnesota. These days the name of the game when it comes to back roads is avoiding the weather. It’s most noteworthy that I avoided the snow and ice. I did not avoid the rain. Learn more in Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880.

My Radar And More Help For My Back Road Adventure

Especially relevant is an AP called ‘My Radar‘. Really helps to be able to track storms, so they can be avoided. Unlike summer storms, winter storms mean icy road conditions and that is no fun.

Weather Is More Important When Back Roading In Winter

Moreover since I am all about the back roads staying abreast of the weather situation, especially temperatures, is important.

Back Roads Are Fading? What?

What I have learned on this first leg of the trip home? First of all, back roads even in places like North Carolina are starting to fade. I’ve been talking about this on all the podcasts from this trip.

Growth Means Interstates

As a result of the growth in the South freeway systems we used to associate with big northern cities are becoming the norm here. Bottom line? If you want the back roads in some parts of the south you have to fight to stay on them.

Two Lane Roads And National Highway System

Even more this says something about the argument against big highway systems in general. The classic American two lane road is usually associated with the National Highway System built after World War One. I’ll explain in Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880.

An Interstate Is Not A Back Road

Google ‘national highway system’ today, and you’ll get articles about the Interstate system. Decidedly not two lane roads. Consequently the highways people often associate with ‘back roads’ might just be Interstates that cut through less urban areas.

No More Cruise Control Please

Certainly for me it’s all about those two lane roads. And I do fight to stay on them. The scourge of freeway driving known as ‘cruise control’ makes driving on the Interstate a pain.

The Route South and West From Richmond Virginia

Finally, join me as I roll south through Virginia on the classic and perfect US 360, to US 29, on through Western North Carolina on the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Sponsored by Tim LaCroix of LaCroix Law for Real Estate and Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Backroad-Weather-Adventure-North Carolina-Bob Davis Podcast 880

 

 

Planning First Summer Road Trip-Storm Chasing-Podcast 632

Americans are allowing themselves to disregard most of the news they don’t agree with. Everything is ‘fake news’, unless it tells me what I want to hear. For those addicted, disengaging is nearly impossible. It’s important to realize in a concrete way, there is another world out there. There are many escapes. One of the best is travel. Time to prepare to head out in Planning First Summer Road Trip-Storm Chasing-Podcast 632.

Getting Ready

Planning the trip. The moment before the trip begins is almost as fun as the trip itself. Makes me recall getting ready for camping trips as a boy. Everything laid out on the floor for packing in the back pack. Calling friends and figuring out what everyone was bringing. What we would be cooking over the open fire.

Storm Chasing

This Memorial Day weekend I am Storm Chasing! Many things on this week’s check list. Getting Mobile Podcast Command checked out. Renewing my drivers license. Getting a haircut so I can do my You Tube videos. Loading in the sound board, microphones, the office stuff, and the food. Double and triple checking.

Into The Belly Of The Beast

Some of the underrated but fertile Tornado Chasing areas include Southeastern Iowa, Northeastern Kansas, Eastern Arkansas and Western Texas. Then the standard destinations for Storm Chasers. Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. We will chase the storm chasers and get an idea of what this tribe is all about these days. In Planning First Summer Road Trip-Storm Chasing-Podcast 632.

Nature’s Summer Show

Storms are obviously bigger than all of us. Uncontrollable. Following these storms takes you through rural America. Two lane roads. Farm roads. Small towns across the Midwest and Mid South. Places made famous during the Bonnie and Clyde era. Places generally forgotten but magnificent in their own way.

It’s All About Anticipation

Join me planning the first three legs of this summer trip, with a hint of what is to come after. This isn’t a vacation. This is how the Bob Davis Podcasts works on the road. No talking heads. No one telling me what to think. Nothing but the open road, a clean windshield and fuel tanks full. (Editor’s Note: A few hours after posting this podcast I realized I referred to the movie ‘Twister‘ as ‘Tornado‘. What was I thinking? Maybe ‘Sharknado‘? LOL)

Sponsored by Brush Studio in the West End, Saint Louis Park

Planning First Summer Road Trip-Storm Chasing-Podcast 632

Road Trip Summer Travel Adventure In US-Podcast 624

Summer is coming. Peak Road Trip season in the United States. In Road Trip Summer Travel Adventure In US-Podcast 624 we consider some road trip ideas, past and future.

Do You Travel Well?

Travel requires a bit of zen. A ‘let it come’ attitude. Excitable, exacting and difficult people don’t always travel well. There will be delays, bad food, wrong turns and unmet objectives. Those moments are usually when the magic happens. If you can let it happen. You want an objective, but you don’t want to over plan.

Weekend Road Trip or Mega Road Trip?

My preference is for the mega trip. Across the northern United States, down the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles. Down through the mid south all the way around Florida, along the gulf coast, back up through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa to Minnesota. On those long trips you feel like you’re sailing. You forget what ‘home’ is, and let go.

So Much To See

Truth is, there are so many places to see within a day’s reach. All too often those of us who prefer the mega road trip forget the gems just around the corner. State Parks, small towns, little bits of forgotten history.

In The Blood

Most people I know who love long road trips have it in their blood. They remember warming up the wagon in the cold light of dawn in Illinois, or Massachusetts for the big escape to warmer Floria around Christmas time. Rock City, brand new freeways, Stuckey‘s, Travel-all and Howard Johnson’s.

What Is It About Road Trips?

You don’t need much money. Camping or staying in cheap motels. Alone or with friends or family. You see. Pass through. Learn. Butte, Montana. Duluth, Minnesota. Lincoln City, Oregon. Bizbee, Arizona. Mountains. Beaches. Deserted highways in the middle of the night. Everyone who travels comes back with great stories and memories. There’s no right or wrong. No arguing about whether Rapid City is better than Great Falls.

Enjoy

In Road Trip Summer Travel Adventure In US-Podcast 624, just some thought starters for your next trip. Whether you’re pulling a vintage trailer, driving a brand new SUV, rolling in style in some kind of massive motor home or sporting the ten year old Subaru, there’s nothing like the call of the open road.

Sponsored by X Government Cars

Road Trip Summer Travel Adventure In US-Podcast 624