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

 

 

Thanksgiving-Backroad-Bliss-Illinois-Indiana-Bob Davis Podcast 878

One Of My Best Trips

I am willing to say now this is one of the most noteworthy roadtrips I’ve taken yet and I have taken a few. Time to talk about this route. Let’s discuss what it’s like to drive and create on the road as well. Learn more in Thanksgiving-Backroad-Bliss-Illinois-Indiana-Bob Davis Podcast 878.

Back Roads Rules

First of all I am obsessed with back roads. I would rather take a back road anywhere than save some time on the Interstate. Especially anywhere in the mythical Midwestern United States.

Fields Like Oceans

In the fall the skies and fields seem to open up. It’s like being on an ocean of brown and black, set against blue skies. Certainly the sunrises and sunset pastels of orange and red are unforgettable.

Why I Do This

Above all in Thanksgiving-Backroad-Bliss-Illinois-Indiana-Bob Davis Podcast 878 I take a moment to reflect on why I do this. In addition I’ll make some special notes on very inviting towns in the Land of Lincoln and the Hoosier State.

Rust Belt? Downtrodden? Don’t Believe It!

These days you can’t turn on the TV or read political commentary without some reference to the long suffering ‘rust belt’. The downtrodden in America’s ‘former’ industrial centers. Most of the time the people making those observations have never been here.

Good Old Days and Changes

Even more, sons and daughters of Chicago, Indianapolis, and place like Fort Wayne may pine away for the good old days.

I like to get the feel of what’s going on in these places.

For example Peoria has always been a hard bitten industrial town.

Moving Caterpillar’s corporate HQ to Chicago was a blow, but the plant is still there.

Some Of The Best Secret Small Towns In America

Especially relevant are Logansport and Peru Indiana, as well as scores of little towns along the way.

I wanted to shack up in every one of them.

Back To The WalMart Parking Lot

Finally I think the most challenging thing dealing with the stress of travel and creating at the same time. Sometimes just finding a place to shut down and get some sleep can be frustrating. Especially when you don’t stay in hotels and cook your dinner on a camp stove in the WalMart parking lot.

Challenging and Satisfying Work

In conclusion this kind of travel and creating is some of the most satisfying work I have done. After about a thousand miles, you start settling in and having a good time.

That’s when the trip begins.

Sponsored By Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul and Reliafund Payment Processors

Thanksgiving-Backroad-Bliss-Illinois-Indiana-Bob Davis Podcast 878

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backroads-Adventure-Minnesota-Iowa-Bob Davis Podcast 877

Stoked For The Road

I am as stoked as a kid can get at the beginning of a trip. These days you hear so much about ‘The Midwest’. Seems like none of the New York and Washington reporters ever go there. That’s the mission in Backroads-Adventure-Minnesota-Iowa-Bob Davis Podcast 877.

First Rule Of Roadtripping?

Already posted the actual plan for the trip so I don’t have to do that again. Except for one thing. First of rule of road tripping? A plan is only a plan. More than once I’ve had to make ‘audible’ calls.

US And State Roads Not Always Well Marked

It’s especially relevant for future road trippers to realize the people responsible for these things don’t mark US Highway and State Roads very well in urban areas.

Google Maps and Real Maps

Moreover I do not like google and apple maps. Yes, they’re efficient. However they take the romance out of navigating your way through cities like Des Moines in an effort to stay on course.

Going There Beats Seeing It On You Tube

First of all if you want to see the mythical ‘Midwest’ you have to actually go there. Second navigating the backroads allows the traveler to ‘angle’ up or down. On the Interstate the traveler is often shunted in hard angles.

Back Roads Save Fuel

Yeah it sure seems like you’re going fast. Truth is the traveler can save time and fuel by using our complex network of local and state roads, and the old national highway system.

You Have To Pay Attention

Furthermore it works pretty well. The problem is you have to really pay attention. More details on this subject in Backroads-Adventure-Minnesota-Iowa-Bob Davis Podcast 877.

Road Thoughts

Finally I don’t want to limit myself to simple travelogue podcasts. You’ll know where I am and what I am doing. It’s the thoughts that come to a person when they’re hitting the road at Thanksgiving that are more memorable.

Summer and Winter Road Tripping

Consequently you’ll hear all about the difference between winter and summer road tripping, driving during the night this time of year, and more.

How Independent Are We?

Even more, after driving through one of the most productive farm centers of the United States, and seeing the federally funded development in more than one small town, I wonder how independent we really are.

Burlington Iowa Development

Certainly I was thinking along these lines when I stopped in Burlington, Iowa on the Mississippi, just before heading into Illinois.

Indiana, Illinois and Ohio Next

In conclusion to hear the whole plan for the trip go here. Stand by for more podcasts on the road this holiday season from Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, next.

Sponsored by Fitness Together Private Personalized Training and Nutrition and Tim Lacroix Real Estate Law

Backroads-Adventure-Minnesota-Iowa-Bob Davis Podcast 877