Escape 21: Around the US in Seven Months

[dbawden]

Thought there might be some interest in our recent trip. We had ZERO problems with our wonderful Escape. Just the right size! We purchased it new, did a trial run to California last year, made a few tweets and headed off in mid August from our home in Anacortes, Washington.

We first went east through the northern states and then up into Canada. The maps says it all. We wanted to see the New England leaves turn in the Fall but the cold temperature pushed us south. We flew home for the holidays (two months) leaving our truck and trailer in a secure storage site in Tampa. We continued our southern journey in early January getting home earlier this month.

The highlights: Hiawatha Bike Trail (Idaho), Yellowstone, Bad Lands, Black Hills, Musical: "Anne and Gilbert"( Prince Edward Island), Gettysburg, World Trade Center Memorial, Smokey Mountains, Charleston, Savannah, St Augustine, Everglades, Clearwater, Desoto County Park, Manatee Springs, Sonora Desert Museum, and Joshua Tree Forest.

14,600 Miles, 13 mpg, $2748 gas, $624 tolls/parking, $5509 RV Park Fees, $953 Excursions

This was a one-off trip. We will not do it again. We'll be heading back to Palm Desert and Tucson when the weather turns next winter unless a better idea comes along.

[Donna D.]

How fun! What a trip and great memory maker. I see it averaged you a bit more than $1,400 a month, not including food. That is GREAT for all that you did and everywhere you went.

I'll be doing the Hiawatha Bike Trail (Idaho) in July. I hope you had a good time, I'm really looking forward to it.

[Fun&Sun]

Awesome trip, hope to make the same some day.

[dbawden]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

How fun! What a trip and great memory maker. I see it averaged you a bit more than $1,400 a month, not including food. That is GREAT for all that you did and everywhere you went.

I'll be doing the Hiawatha Bike Trail (Idaho) in July. I hope you had a good time, I'm really looking forward to it.

The ride is spectacular and you'll love the bus trip back to the top. Bring an exceptionally strong headlamp or rent one so you can navigate through the mile-long dark tunnels.

[Mike Lewis]

How much is the toll across the Prince Edward Island bridge when towing an Escape?

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by dbawden

This was a one-off trip. We will not do it again. along.

I think we've said that more than once. As they say, never say never.

Great trip and a really nice amount of time to do it. Do you have a bit of a rough idea what percentage of the nights were dedicated RV parks and state parks? Did you use any no cost camping such as BLM?

Ron

[dbawden]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

How much is the toll across the Prince Edward Island bridge when towing an Escape?

You only pay on the way back to the mainland. It was about $46 (US)

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by dbawden

You only pay on the way back to the mainland. It was about $46 (US)

High, but not as bad as I had feared. Thanks.

[dbawden]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I think we've said that more than once. As they say, never say never.

Great trip and a really nice amount of time to do it. Do you have a bit of a rough idea what percentage of the nights were dedicated RV parks and state parks? Did you use any no cost camping such as BLM?

Ron

I think the only night we got a freebie was at the Dollar Casino in Montana after doing the bike trail. We preferred national, state, city and county parks when we could find them but they were often full. They made up 25%. The most we paid was New Jersey City when we visited NY city ($90/night). We did look out at the Statue of Liberty. We averaged $39/night overall. We used RV Parky as an app and found it very useful.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by dbawden

The ride is spectacular and you'll love the bus trip back to the top. Bring an exceptionally strong headlamp or rent one so you can navigate through the mile-long dark tunnels.

Mile-Long dark tunnels I didn't read that... I'm claustrophobic....

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Mile-Long dark tunnels I didn't read that... I'm claustrophobic....

Better hide your head in the sand.

Besides, they have small windows every bit along that tunnel.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

How much is the toll across the Prince Edward Island bridge when towing an Escape?

I think Confederation Bridge cost a few dollars to build...

[Rossue]

Hi Dave & Terri-what a great trip, one we would also like to do sometime soon. Glad we got to see you here on your way home. Hope to see you out there, maybe in the desert.

Ross

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think Confederation Bridge cost a few dollars to build...

Hi: gbaglo... Gone there... done that!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by dbawden

The most we paid was New Jersey City when we visited NY city ($90/night). We did look out at the Statue of Liberty.

Cool trip. I wasn't aware of this so looked it up. It looks like this was Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City. A lot of asphalt but a unique place to camp and a convenient option for a night or two if visiting NYC. Rate currently posted as $95+tax.

Facilities

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by dbawden

You only pay on the way back to the mainland. It was about $46 (US)

Thanks for asking that Mike. We'll be doing it in a couple of months. Not dirt cheap but for those of us used to paying BC Ferry rates, not bad at all.

Originally Posted by dbawden

I think the only night we got a freebie was at the Dollar Casino in Montana after doing the bike trail. We preferred national, state, city and county parks when we could find them but they were often full. They made up 25%. The most we paid was New Jersey City when we visited NY city ($90/night). We did look out at the Statue of Liberty. We averaged $39/night overall. We used RV Parky as an app and found it very useful.

Thanks for the breakdown. $90 a night in NJC, ouch, but was almost as bad at Chula Visa in San Diego for us non Sam's Club members.

Ron

[SpokanEscape]

Donna - I'm pretty sure you can start your ride at the West Portal and avoid that long dark damp tunnel! You will love the ride as it's spectacular!

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

How much is the toll across the Prince Edward Island bridge when towing an Escape?

Originally Posted by dbawden

You only pay on the way back to the mainland. It was about $46 (US)

There is a Confederation Bridge pedestrian rate for those who do not want to take a vehicle across; you can save a few bucks that way. However, it can get a little crowded on some days.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

There is a Confederation Bridge pedestrian rate for those who do not want to take a vehicle across; you can save a few bucks that way. However, it can get a little crowded on some days.

Hi: ice-breaker... Looks like a nice day for a 17Km walk. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[NCBill]

Just another thumbs up for Prince Edward Island. I've visited several times, but its been a few years now. Well worth the trip from here, be sure to include Nova Scotia in any trip as well.

Awesome bridge by the way. There is a trans-Canada bicycle trail that crosses PEI. While much of it is kind of boring, they have some sections that go through Provincial Parks along the coast that are spectacular! And its always a good idea to get out and enjoy the fresh air and exercise. The province is very tourist friendly, the welcome center at the base of the bridge will help you make travel plans and give lots of suggestions. I haven't taken the ferry off the east side of the island, but that could make a nice loop to Nova Scotia.

I need to add the Maritime Provinces to this year's travel list.