I'm a new Bird owner

[Curt Sprenger]

Ryan,
Congratulation on your new-to-you purchase. I reviewed your route to
Washington state. Looks interesting. I was hoping you would take the
longer route and come through S. CA and we could meet up. The route you
picked is the best one. We'll get together one of the days...Good luck
and enjoy.

Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, Calif.



Ryan Wright wrote:

> Thanks for all the replies, folks. Keep 'em coming!!
>
> > Ryan, let us know what route you might take. i'm sure some of us
> would like
> > to meet you on the way home.
>
> Likewise! I'd love to meet as many of you as possible and make some
> new friends. We plan to spend a full week going home, just take our
> time, learn about the coach and relax, so should be plenty of time for
> socializing along the way. I have to be home by the afternoon of May
> 4th - have a camping trip with my father on the 5th. I can't wait -
> he's going to be surprised when I pick him up in this! We were just
> planning to take a car together.
>
> My tentative route is just the quick Google Maps directions - here:
> http://tinyurl.com/26lvyf <http://tinyurl.com/26lvyf>
> Feel free to look 'em over and if anyone is going to be nearby, let me
> know! We'll be starting our journey sometime between the 26th and the
> 30th. (Since this is the wild Internet and none of us know who is
> watching this, I should mention I'm a firm believer in the second
> amendment. 'nuff said.) I'm sure we will divert from the main route
> here and there to see any sights along the way, but I don't want to
> get too indulgent and try to do too much. I just want to learn how
> things work, get home in one piece, then take a longer vacation a bit
> later when I'm more comfortable with the entire coach.
>
> -Ryan
>
>

[Ryan Wright]

Continued thanks to all!

Hey, I'm changing my route and timeframe, so maybe I can schedule some
visits. Our flight leaves Tuesday the 24th; we'll arrive in Dallas
Tuesday night, spend the night in the coach at Mr. Oliver's, then head
out of town probably after lunch on the 25th.

Instead of heading through Boise, I'm going to travel through Montana.
I may go through Colorado, bypassing Denver as Ernie suggests, then go
up into Wyoming. Or, I may travel straight up through Kansas,
following hwy 81 when I-135 ends. From there it'd be up into Nebraska,
then I-80 toward Wyoming.

Either way, when I get to Wyoming, I'm going to stop briefly in
Torrington. My father was born there and my grandparents are buried
there - my most beloved grandmother passed away last fall. Even though
I don't place emphasis on bodies - I want to be cremated myself - I'd
still like to see my father's birthplace (I've never been there) and
say one last goodbye to my Nana.

From there I'll hit I-90 and follow it all the way across Montana. If
I'm running short on time, I'll just head back home through Spokane,
but if I have extra time on my hands I'd like to take Lolo pass into
Grangeville, ID, where I was born and where I still have family. Spend
some time with them before heading home. (Has anyone run Lolo pass
between Missoula and Kooskia in a Bird?)

So! Now who am I going to drive past??

-Ryan

On 4/19/07, erniecarpet@... wrote:
>
> Ryan, unless you like to drive in Denver, Co traffic, may I suggest an
> alternate route that I always take when coming from Texas to Montana. When
you are
> on I-70 in Colo, take exit # 304 at Bennett and take hwy 79 north to
> Prospect Valley. Turn west and take hwy 52 west to I-25. This is a 2 lane
road, but
> it bypasses the traffic in Denver and dumps you right on I-25 north of
> Denver. The Valero fuel station in Cheyenne- before you get to I-80 is the
easiest
> to get in and out of then the Flying J across the freeway. Hope this helps,
> as I have traveled this route many times.
> If you want to stop for the nite- KOA in Limon, Co, is good. You can chase
> the jackrabbits.!
>
> Ernie Ekberg
> 83PT40
> Livingston, Mt

[Ryan Wright]

Thanks Marv! I'll try to make the Tokeland get together. No promises;
I'm going to be beat after this trip, and I have a weekend trip
immediately afterwards. I'll do my best, though. If I don't make it, I
noticed there's another one coming up later in the year, perhaps I can
attend that one. I'll keep in touch!

-Ryan

On 4/19/07, Marv & Jean wrote:
>
> I was just reading the newgroup and noticed you are from Pasco.
> There is a group of Wanderlodge owner on the west side that get
> together from time to time. In fact, there will be a dozen or so
> getting together this weekend in La Conner. The next event is to be
> June 1, 2, 3 in Tokeland. If you are interested you are more than
> welcome to come join us. It will give you a chance to see some other
> Birds and get some questions answered. If you have any questions
> about the get-to-gethers I will try to get an answer.
>
> Marv
> 2004 M380
> Ocean Shores, WA

[Ryan Wright]

Curt:

I thought about going through California. Would be fun to see the
Grand Canyon and take the rug rats to Disneyland. I think I'll have to
schedule that for another time, though, after I'm more acquainted with
the coach and after I've had some practice driving within busier
traffic.

-Ryan

On 4/19/07, Curt Sprenger wrote:
>
> Ryan,
> Congratulation on your new-to-you purchase. I reviewed your route to
> Washington state. Looks interesting. I was hoping you would take the
> longer route and come through S. CA and we could meet up. The route you
> picked is the best one. We'll get together one of the days...Good luck
> and enjoy.
>
> Curt Sprenger
> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> Anaheim Hills, Calif.
>

[Curt Sprenger]

Ryan,
My bet is you'll be fine. The Wanderldoge is built like a tank...over
built is a true statement. I would be surprised if you have any or more
than minimal trouble getting back to Washington. But I understand your
thought process as I have been there. Our first 'Bird was a 1974 that
had not received a whole lot of attention for 13 years. I drove it home,
325 miles, in 115 degree temperature, low inflated 13 year old tires,
etc., and I had no problem what so ever...the experience of a life time
of course...wandering steering, etc. The important thing is I got home.
Then the work began. And it was a rewarding and learning experience, I
enjoyed it, and moved on to our next 'Bird. I'm thankful many times over
for the forum members input and for their support, encouraging me to
take it a day at a time, and move forward.

Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, Calif.



Ryan Wright wrote:

> Curt:
>
> I thought about going through California. Would be fun to see the
> Grand Canyon and take the rug rats to Disneyland. I think I'll have to
> schedule that for another time, though, after I'm more acquainted with
> the coach and after I've had some practice driving within busier
> traffic.
>
> -Ryan
>
> On 4/19/07, Curt Sprenger > > wrote:
> >
> > Ryan,
> > Congratulation on your new-to-you purchase. I reviewed your route to
> > Washington state. Looks interesting. I was hoping you would take the
> > longer route and come through S. CA and we could meet up. The route you
> > picked is the best one. We'll get together one of the days...Good luck
> > and enjoy.
> >
> > Curt Sprenger
> > 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> > Anaheim Hills, Calif.
> >
>
>

[erniecarpet@...]

Ryan, I'm on the Yellowstone River right beside I-90, Livingston, Mt. The
fairgrounds has 50 amps and charges 10 bucks a nite. exit #333

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Mt




************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[martingregg598]

Ryan, when you get home lets get together, I live in Kennewick and have
had my coach for three years. I think we are the only BB owners in the
Tri-Cities.
Marty Gregg
95 BMC 37
Kennewick

[Chuck Wheeler]

Ryan,

We make that run several times a year and end up in North Platt, Alliance
NE, or Casper Wo. It would be a good route to get used to your new Bird.
It is a easy drive if you avoid Oklahoma City during rush hour. The first
service area on the Kansas turnpike has a large parking area. We have spent
many nights there when we get out of here in the late afternoon.



- Chuck Wheeler -

82 FC 31 SB

Fort Worth, TX

_____

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ryan Wright
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:37 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: I'm a new Bird owner



Continued thanks to all!

Hey, I'm changing my route and timeframe, so maybe I can schedule some
visits. Our flight leaves Tuesday the 24th; we'll arrive in Dallas
Tuesday night, spend the night in the coach at Mr. Oliver's, then head
out of town probably after lunch on the 25th.

Instead of heading through Boise, I'm going to travel through Montana.
I may go through Colorado, bypassing Denver as Ernie suggests, then go
up into Wyoming. Or, I may travel straight up through Kansas,
following hwy 81 when I-135 ends. From there it'd be up into Nebraska,
then I-80 toward Wyoming.

Either way, when I get to Wyoming, I'm going to stop briefly in
Torrington. My father was born there and my grandparents are buried
there - my most beloved grandmother passed away last fall. Even though
I don't place emphasis on bodies - I want to be cremated myself - I'd
still like to see my father's birthplace (I've never been there) and
say one last goodbye to my Nana.

>From there I'll hit I-90 and follow it all the way across Montana. If
I'm running short on time, I'll just head back home through Spokane,
but if I have extra time on my hands I'd like to take Lolo pass into
Grangeville, ID, where I was born and where I still have family. Spend
some time with them before heading home. (Has anyone run Lolo pass
between Missoula and Kooskia in a Bird?)

So! Now who am I going to drive past??

-Ryan

On 4/19/07, erniecarpet@ aol.com
aol.com> wrote:
>
> Ryan, unless you like to drive in Denver, Co traffic, may I suggest an
> alternate route that I always take when coming from Texas to Montana. When
you are
> on I-70 in Colo, take exit # 304 at Bennett and take hwy 79 north to
> Prospect Valley. Turn west and take hwy 52 west to I-25. This is a 2 lane
road, but
> it bypasses the traffic in Denver and dumps you right on I-25 north of
> Denver. The Valero fuel station in Cheyenne- before you get to I-80 is the
easiest
> to get in and out of then the Flying J across the freeway. Hope this
helps,
> as I have traveled this route many times.
> If you want to stop for the nite- KOA in Limon, Co, is good. You can chase
> the jackrabbits.!
>
> Ernie Ekberg
> 83PT40
> Livingston, Mt





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jerry Peters]

The trip from Missoula to Kooskia is a great trip. It follows the
river and you will definitely get used to turning the steering wheel
but otherwise it is fine. Just take your time and enjoy the beauty.
Have made the trip in our 97 43' Bird and enjoyed it a lot. Perhaps
I should say we spend a lot of time in the CO mountains and so are
used to mountain driving but this is not a bad road in a Bird.
On Apr 19, 2007, at 9:37 PM, Ryan Wright wrote:

> Continued thanks to all!
>
> Hey, I'm changing my route and timeframe, so maybe I can schedule some
> visits. Our flight leaves Tuesday the 24th; we'll arrive in Dallas
> Tuesday night, spend the night in the coach at Mr. Oliver's, then head
> out of town probably after lunch on the 25th.
>
> Instead of heading through Boise, I'm going to travel through Montana.
> I may go through Colorado, bypassing Denver as Ernie suggests, then go
> up into Wyoming. Or, I may travel straight up through Kansas,
> following hwy 81 when I-135 ends. From there it'd be up into Nebraska,
> then I-80 toward Wyoming.
>
> Either way, when I get to Wyoming, I'm going to stop briefly in
> Torrington. My father was born there and my grandparents are buried
> there - my most beloved grandmother passed away last fall. Even though
> I don't place emphasis on bodies - I want to be cremated myself - I'd
> still like to see my father's birthplace (I've never been there) and
> say one last goodbye to my Nana.
>
> From there I'll hit I-90 and follow it all the way across Montana. If
> I'm running short on time, I'll just head back home through Spokane,
> but if I have extra time on my hands I'd like to take Lolo pass into
> Grangeville, ID, where I was born and where I still have family. Spend
> some time with them before heading home. (Has anyone run Lolo pass
> between Missoula and Kooskia in a Bird?)
>
> So! Now who am I going to drive past??
>
> -Ryan
>
> On 4/19/07, erniecarpet@... wrote:
> >
> > Ryan, unless you like to drive in Denver, Co traffic, may I
> suggest an
> > alternate route that I always take when coming from Texas to
> Montana. When you are
> > on I-70 in Colo, take exit # 304 at Bennett and take hwy 79 north to
> > Prospect Valley. Turn west and take hwy 52 west to I-25. This is
> a 2 lane road, but
> > it bypasses the traffic in Denver and dumps you right on I-25
> north of
> > Denver. The Valero fuel station in Cheyenne- before you get to
> I-80 is the easiest
> > to get in and out of then the Flying J across the freeway. Hope
> this helps,
> > as I have traveled this route many times.
> > If you want to stop for the nite- KOA in Limon, Co, is good. You
> can chase
> > the jackrabbits.!
> >
> > Ernie Ekberg
> > 83PT40
> > Livingston, Mt
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[brad barton]

Ryan,
I'll agree with Chuck about Oklahoma City. The most ridiculous thing is
that you have only one lane to turn east on I-40 for a couple miles, then
north on I-35 in OKC. Traveling between Dallas and Wichita for nearly 30
years, I'm an expert on that stretch of I-35. It's unusual NOT to have an
NDE in OKC. If you happen to be near Perry (101 miles south of Wichita)
Sooner's Corner, on the west side of I-35 has a pretty good breakfast buffet
for a truck stop.
I was out at Paul Davis' place today and saw your coach. Looks very good in
person..leather seats in good condition, paint and metal work look good.
The woodgrain laminate will probably outlast us all. I think the guy who
consigned his coach took pretty good care of it. I think he bought an '03
Affinity from Paul.
I bought mine from him about 2 months ago..and I'm having some minor
punch-list work done (one more rattle and a loose headlight cover).

Brad Barton 00LXiDFW
bbartonwx@...





>From: "Chuck Wheeler"
>Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>To:
>Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: I'm a new Bird owner
>Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:25:28 -0500
>
>Ryan,
>
>We make that run several times a year and end up in North Platt, Alliance
>NE, or Casper Wo. It would be a good route to get used to your new Bird.
>It is a easy drive if you avoid Oklahoma City during rush hour. The first
>service area on the Kansas turnpike has a large parking area. We have
>spent
>many nights there when we get out of here in the late afternoon.
>
>
>
>- Chuck Wheeler -
>
>82 FC 31 SB
>
>Fort Worth, TX
>
> _____
>
>From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ryan Wright
>Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 11:37 PM
>To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: I'm a new Bird owner
>
>
>
>Continued thanks to all!
>
>Hey, I'm changing my route and timeframe, so maybe I can schedule some
>visits. Our flight leaves Tuesday the 24th; we'll arrive in Dallas
>Tuesday night, spend the night in the coach at Mr. Oliver's, then head
>out of town probably after lunch on the 25th.
>
>Instead of heading through Boise, I'm going to travel through Montana.
>I may go through Colorado, bypassing Denver as Ernie suggests, then go
>up into Wyoming. Or, I may travel straight up through Kansas,
>following hwy 81 when I-135 ends. From there it'd be up into Nebraska,
>then I-80 toward Wyoming.
>
>Either way, when I get to Wyoming, I'm going to stop briefly in
>Torrington. My father was born there and my grandparents are buried
>there - my most beloved grandmother passed away last fall. Even though
>I don't place emphasis on bodies - I want to be cremated myself - I'd
>still like to see my father's birthplace (I've never been there) and
>say one last goodbye to my Nana.
>
> >From there I'll hit I-90 and follow it all the way across Montana. If
>I'm running short on time, I'll just head back home through Spokane,
>but if I have extra time on my hands I'd like to take Lolo pass into
>Grangeville, ID, where I was born and where I still have family. Spend
>some time with them before heading home. (Has anyone run Lolo pass
>between Missoula and Kooskia in a Bird?)
>
>So! Now who am I going to drive past??
>
>-Ryan
>
>On 4/19/07, erniecarpet@ aol.com
> aol.com> wrote:
> >
> > Ryan, unless you like to drive in Denver, Co traffic, may I suggest an
> > alternate route that I always take when coming from Texas to Montana.
>When
>you are
> > on I-70 in Colo, take exit # 304 at Bennett and take hwy 79 north to
> > Prospect Valley. Turn west and take hwy 52 west to I-25. This is a 2
>lane
>road, but
> > it bypasses the traffic in Denver and dumps you right on I-25 north of
> > Denver. The Valero fuel station in Cheyenne- before you get to I-80 is
>the
>easiest
> > to get in and out of then the Flying J across the freeway. Hope this
>helps,
> > as I have traveled this route many times.
> > If you want to stop for the nite- KOA in Limon, Co, is good. You can
>chase
> > the jackrabbits.!
> >
> > Ernie Ekberg
> > 83PT40
> > Livingston, Mt
>
>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

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