Eric, I can't see how Cracker Barrel would be any better than WalMart.
Both are just a big parking lot beside a highway, with lots of traffic and
lights.  Years ago, back when I slept in the back of my Toyota pickup, I
used to seek out small, rural cemeteries.  I could find a place to park and
bed down for the night.  DeLorme's includes them on its maps.  No one ever
bothered me, not a single time out of hundreds of nights I spent in them.
I have done the same with my Campmobile, but not nearly as many times.
mcneely

On Sun, Jan 1, 2023 at 6:31 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi Mark,
>
>         Great to read your post.  This sounds like a fun adventure.  It
> reminds me of my journey last year to drive a 84 Westfalia back to VT from
> Florida.
>
>         Also, once a Vanagon List member and vanagon care taker you are
> wanted on this list no matter what your vanagon status is!
>
> I wish I was on your path but up in VT will not serve your travel plans.
>
>         One tip Dennis once shared with me was consider a Flying J
> membership when traveling a lot.  Place to park to sleep, shower, and eat.
> But, I’ve not been to one.
>         Just tonight a friend recommended Cracker Barrel  down south as  a
> place to sleep and grab breakfast when making a trip.  I’ve Done the
> Walmart thing and it works but isn’t fun.
>
>         Great travels and keep us posted on your trip and your camper.
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 and 84 Westfalia
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Jan 1, 2023, at 12:05 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> >
> > What a wonderful way to begin a new year. Looks to be a really great
> adventure. Tennessee is a wonderful state to begin traveling in. Consider
> also West Virginia. Yes parts are almost heaven. As for not using the
> Syncro for many of use while the vanagon has made us part of this community
> you will see that at many get togethers different vehicles are becoming
> common. Sometimes in addition to the mechanical limitations and age many
> find that other vehicles are needed. I myself have driven through 3
> motorhomes and now the NY to Florida trips are being done via a GMC Crew
> Cab. As almost all my vacation time is now to the house there I just do not
> do much other travel or camping.
> >
> > Great luck with your travels and enjoy!
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> Mark Tuovinen
> > Sent: Sunday, January 1, 2023 2:03 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Road trip suggestions wanted
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I have not posted in quite a while but find myself in need of route,
> camping, sightseeing, etc, suggestions, and am also game to meet up with
> people along the way if it can be arranged.  First, in the interests of
> full disclosure I confess that I will NOT be driving my Westy Syncro which
> is buried under 4ft of snow in the backyard.  I will be driving a Japanese
> market Toyota Hiace Camper, 4wd, 5spd, and diesel engine.  No I have not
> gone over to the dark side, not yet anyway.  This is probably just a
> passing fling but only time will tell.  As for my trip that I am requesting
> your input on other than the starting point the route is somewhat open
> ended at this time.  I will be flying into Nashville, TN sometime in
> January and then getting a ride to Cookeville where the van is.  I may
> remain in the area for a day if necessary to pick up supplies and see any
> attractions there.  From there I will head to Chattanooga to visit a friend
> for a day or so.  It is from this point that I am looking for your ideas
> and input as I have never been to Tennessee nor the states I will pass
> through on my way to either Denver, Arizona, California, Oregon, or
> Washington.  The final stop depends upon my finding a place to store this
> van long term.  Your input for places to camp(the more rural the better),
> see, visit, hikes, etc, along the way is what I am looking for.  I am also
> interested in off highway, backcountry routes that I could take rather than
> spend all of my time on the interstate highways. I hope to do some hiking
> on this trip and may pick up a used bicycle to take along as I have a race
> in February I need to train for.  Currently I am considering a route from
> Chattanooga via either Memphis, or Huntsville then Memphis, then Little
> Rock, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, to Albuquerque.  From there it will depend
> upon where I store the van, either north to Denver where my son is at
> Denver University, or farther west to ?????  As I said before I am also
> game to meet up with anyone along the way for a drink, meal, or if you
> happen to be traveling the same way and want to convoy for a bit.  So, what
> have you got, thoughts, questions, ideas?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Mark in AK
> > `87 Westy Syncro
> > `96 Toyota Hiace 4wd Camper
>