Oregon to Altanta Trip

[mmandley]

Those that are Fb friends have seen these but here are some of the pictures I took along the way. This is trip 1 of two we have to make.

I brought the Vette down this trip and have to find a place to store it until we offically arrive July 12th.

It was a great road trip, I left Carlton and drive 950 miles to Vegas the first day, took 2 lane back highways almost the entire way to see the sceanery. Went south through Kalamth, went buy several lakes, drove through Cali, and then into Nevada.

Second Day I drove a short 40 minutes to Lake Mead and spent the day with Russ <Boonejeepin> Lake Mead is Huge, the ramp is 8 lanes wide, into this little shallow cove that opens to lake. Can't even explain how many boats were there and Russ said it was a slow day lol.

Third Day I left at 230am for Tucson, spent the day with my mom.

Day 4 I drove from Tucson to Colorado Springs so I could check off driving Pikes Peak. Hit some seriously heavy storms, my convertable top barely ever leaks and it was leaking pretty bad were the seals meet as it folds up and down. Leaking right on my shoulder no less lol.

Day 5 was the drive from Colorado Springs to Oklahoma City. Lots of little rain, no top leaks lol. Great views as I drove through NM to Texas to OKC.

Day 6 was I think my most favorite as I got what I feel is a picture of a lifetime if your a fan of Street Outlaws the show. I arrived really early before the gift shop was open, when Jason <Monkey> arrived to open the shop he allowed me to bring the Vette in the back and get a shot of it in front of the shop, very rare opertunity as guests cars are not allowed in the back. I grabed that opertunity and I was gitty to say the least.
After this I stoped by Farmtruck and AZN shop then hit the road and drive to Birmingham AL. Great drive, I learned in detail how my suspension settings in the Vette work.
Tour - Oklahoma Highways super rough and this made the ride a lot better in the Vette but felt a little bouncy at times.
Sport - Works formost highways as its firmer
Performance - this is my normal setting and its the firmest and best overal handling but will make your kidneys hurt on Oklahoma roads. LOL

Day 7 I drove the last 170 miles to Atlanta, got stuck in one of Atlanta famous traffic jams as they take 5 lines into 1 lane while merging a second highway. OMG it took 30 minutes to 1/2 mile, thank god for the high chance of rain and I had the top up with the AC because this was a hot sticky mess of a traffic jam lol.

The route on the Map.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Carlton%20to%20GA%202_zpslsmzb5qm.png (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Carlton%20to%20GA%202_zpslsmzb5qm.png.html)

Morning I left, Claudia wanted a pic unless I didn't come home LOL.
http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160529_061923_zps7zf5elrd.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160529_061923_zps7zf5elrd.jpg.html)

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160529_061704_zpsfzaclc01.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160529_061704_zpsfzaclc01.jpg.html)

[mmandley]

The launch ramp in Cali

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_093030_zpsnbqfvqmw.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_093030_zpsnbqfvqmw.jpg.html)

Russ Surfing and this is with his home made wave control tabs. It works really well, switches side to side and the boat stays level.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_105903_zps3f3ojgdd.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_105903_zps3f3ojgdd.jpg.html)

Captain and Boss.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_105744_zps39mghlht.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_105744_zps39mghlht.jpg.html)

These people had the set up, House boat, 2 jet skis, a Fat Boy tube you jump and launch people from, and a Jet boat.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_110006_zpsghcz7rqw.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160530_110006_zpsghcz7rqw.jpg.html)

[mmandley]

At the base of Pikes Peak is Santa's Work Shop, when I arrived no one was there, when I left the parking lot was completly full.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160602_083904_zps5ocm5fes.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160602_083904_zps5ocm5fes.jpg.html)

At the highest point they let you go, they had a lot of snow the night before so the roads were slick, this is only a couple turns from the top and just to get this shot I had to coast through the snow, then turn around and go downhill accross the snow again so I wouldn't get stuck. The drive is amazing, has 156 turns and some seriously tight hairpins. Even at 10 mph hitting this hairpins is a jolt of adrenaline.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160602_094546_zpsfgfvwvn4.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160602_094546_zpsfgfvwvn4.jpg.html)

After that run, car was dirtier then I have ever seen her.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160602_104626_zpsizn2krfv.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160602_104626_zpsizn2krfv.jpg.html)

[mmandley]

Left Colorado and headed South to NM, then East through a peace of Texas, surprisingly green and into OK.

Before the gift shop opened. Midwest Automotive
http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_075842_zpssaueuu9h.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_075842_zpssaueuu9h.jpg.html)

My favorite pic of the trip.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_094130_zpstvsd79cy.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_094130_zpstvsd79cy.jpg.html)

Farmtruck and AZN shop.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_090500_zps9dznwqnv.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_090500_zps9dznwqnv.jpg.html)

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_090344_zpsfjxewyy2.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160603_090344_zpsfjxewyy2.jpg.html)

[mmandley]

Last day of the trip.

Landed the Lake House rental on Lanier, by fare the best day of the trip.
Just a little house, don't even know the sq footage, I would say 1200 if I had to guess, its 3 bed 2.5 bath with a carport, room to park the trailer and truck plus both cars, 3rd floor < basement > is ground level and is more of a bonus or storage room since the access is outside or down a steep sprial staicase.

Upstairs it has a wrap around deck, and screen in deck on the back. All wooded with tons of shade and only a small section of grass to maintain. Awesome for what i wanted in a rental and the price is perfect.

Covered Dock, little short at 17ft but its doable. Owner just ran power to the dock last winter so it has lights and a plce to plug the boat in.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160604_144856_zpstvx0ao79.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160604_144856_zpstvx0ao79.jpg.html)

Opening to Lanier.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160604_145001_zpslykuudeo.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160604_145001_zpslykuudeo.jpg.html)

[Boonejeepin]

It was great seeing you Mike and spending the day with you. Hope to visit you in GA when you settle in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CFD3Captain]

Good write up Mike! Loved following on Facebook too, but read the writeup as it was little more detailed :)

[mmandley]

Good write up Mike! Loved following on Facebook too, but read the writeup as it was little more detailed :)

Yea I try not to get to wordy on FB lol plus FB is normally from my phone and I tend to forum more on a computer.

[CFD3Captain]

Yea I try not to get to wordy on FB lol plus FB is normally from my phone and I tend to forum more on a computer.


HA! Did you get to go into the "Firehouse" ? That is so cool Farmtruck's shop is an old firehouse.

[mmandley]

HA! Did you get to go into the "Firehouse" ? That is so cool Farmtruck's shop is an old firehouse.

Yup got to go inside, the Farmtruck was in the garage.

[kaneboats]

Very cool adventure. Glad you had a safe ride and got to hang with Russ. When you get on Lanier on a weekend you are going to want a bigger boat.

[mmandley]

Very cool adventure. Glad you had a safe ride and got to hang with Russ. When you get on Lanier on a weekend you are going to want a bigger boat.

Nice thing is I don't have to go out on the weekends, I'm there all week lol

[sandm]

nice writeup and pics Mike....

[viking]

Thanks for sharing. Was a fun read.
I zipped down to Colorado Springs in the late 90's and watched a race. Back when Rod Millen was dominating and the top half of the course was still gravel. We had to get up to our spot and settled as the sun came up cause once the race starts there's no leaving so you are there for the duration. We drove up to just were the tree line stops and settled on a wide sweeping turn with some shade. Was AWESOME!

[KG's Supra24]

I would love to drive Pike's Peak aaaaaand just finished watching the street outlaw guys.

Happy to see you land a great transitional place! Congrats and cheers on the lakefront!

[mmandley]

Thanks guys, I really have no complaints about the trip, I knew the Vette would do great as I am pretty through with maintenance on her. You just never know with a 23yr car how she will do being pushed like I pushed her. I ran more then 4k miles on her and I wasn't easy on her lol. Several times she saw 100+ passing people, going up Pikes is a workout for a car as well with the altitude changes and slowing down so much around curves.

Most of the trip she was getting 23-26mph even and I was impressed about.

My only real complaint was when I was south of Colorado Springs and I hit a huge storm front for about 20 miles, it rained so hard I had to slow down and the top started leaking where the roof hinges in half at the fold down. They say all convertables leak so i guess she fits right in.

Been in GA since Saturday and its beautiful here, been pretty cloudy the last 3 days but for me it feels normal LOL A lot more humid them I am used to but its ok. Burned through a tank in 250miles, normally I get 300 so I am using for fuel for sure, I think its the 55mph traffic then you stop at a light and wait, then race to 55+ again to stop 2 miles laters.

2x already I almost got hit and honestly thats my biggest fear driving the Vette. I had a lady over run the stop light and decide 2 minutes into the red light she wanted to back up, I had to lay into the horn to get her to stop before she backed up the nose of the Vette, yesterday I had a truck try to merge when I was right next to him, I was looking at him the whole time, he didn't even try to look out the window to see if anyone was there.

If the Vette gets wrecked I know the Insurance will total it, they only see 10K value and 40% is 4K, it would cost 2K just for a hood and thats before paint.

I am here today and fly back to Portland Wednesday after my second big interview, hoping I land one of these jobs so I am employed.

I am looking forward to the next trip after July 4th, thats the final trip here and I plan to have the Mojo in that slip ASAP.

[mmandley]

After the July 4th weekend at Lake Billy Chinook we loaded up and headed SE.

Was an interesting and slightly more expensive trip then I was expecting. Didn't leave OR until Noon on the 5th due to loading up the truck and boat after the long weekend.

We rolled out and everything was going great.
Filled the truck up the first time and I looked at the trailer tires and they had a little uneven wear to them but nothing I was worried about, all the tread on the tires looked fine and everything seemed good.

About 30 miles away from the fuel stop the Drivers Rear trailer tire exploded, sounded like a shotgun going off. Pulled over and it was destroyed. Folded my fender up, I was so pissed. So I got my tools out and changed it.

It was around 7pm at that time. The plan was to get to Boise the first night and about 30 miles before Boise, Boom, Passenger rear tire exploded and folded that fender up as well. Now I am beyond pissed. I have no second spare, both my fenders are bent up, and its about 930 at night.

After calling Emergency roadside and being told its $700 to bring a spare, if they even have one, we are only 11 miles from a little town with a tire shop and hotels. So I rolled the dice, drug the boat down the freeway at 10mph on a flat. I figured if I destroyed my mag wheel its only $150 vs $700. It was a long hour drive lol.

Around 1130 we roll into the Hotel and get set up for the night.

Next morning 8am sharp I am waiting at Les Swab and buy 5 more new tires. 4 for the trailer, 1 extra spare on a generic rim. After that no issues with tires the rest of the way to GA.

What we decided at the tire shop, the reason for the tires blowing is the max capacity of the tires is 1750lb and the Mojo,trailer, batteries, stereo, and 400lb of shot is almost maxing out the tires. They were only 3 years old but basically started separating. To fix this problem I think I will be looking into 15inch rims or 16s so i can get a heavier weight rated tire.

Our trip direction was OR through Salt Lake City, past Powell to Phoenix. That was first couple days. Then we went to El Paso for a day. After that it was the Long drive across the Great State of Texas, we went thought West Texas, then Middle Texas, past by Ft Worth, Dallas, and into East Texas. Lastly we went though Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and into GA.

Both vehicles ran awesome, typical Claudia VW TDI filled up about every 3rd stop while the truck was every other stop. On average the truck was getting 12.5mpg and that's with the truck fully loaded in the rear, and pulling the boat.

I didn't take to many pictures on the way. But i have a few.

Claudia running blocker for me, she would pull out when we needed to pass people to no one was sneaking up on me lol.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160708_092933_zpsaetr1gq8.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160708_092933_zpsaetr1gq8.jpg.html)

Drivers Rear tire
http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160705_182632_zpsoglefqgc.jpeg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160705_182632_zpsoglefqgc.jpeg.html)

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160705_182637_zps7e6l7qov.jpeg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160705_182637_zps7e6l7qov.jpeg.html)

Passenger rear tire

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160705_212241_zps9en1w9x6.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160705_212241_zps9en1w9x6.jpg.html)

[mmandley]

I ended up putting the Drivers side rear tire back on the passenger side to tow it to town because it had most of the tread on it.

After we reached the hotel it looked pretty bad. Surprisingly the rim doesn't have a scratch on it.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160706_001734_zpsdjni6own.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160706_001734_zpsdjni6own.jpg.html)

Stayed in Phoenix as her sisters ranch.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160708_053529_zpsmqavbjsg.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160708_053529_zpsmqavbjsg.jpg.html)

Finally made it and got to spend a little time relaxing. It was worth it.

Oso loves the dock out back and now knows how to jump of it, fetch his toy, swims back to shore, and then walks back to the dock lol.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160712_151609_zpsx5oqqoqj.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160712_151609_zpsx5oqqoqj.jpg.html)

This view never gets old.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160712_152351_zpsphbfk7rr.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160712_152351_zpsphbfk7rr.jpg.html)

[kaneboats]

Ha ha. Oso's in dog heaven right there.

[Mikes]

Cool writeup Mike glad you made it! I'm sure you will enjoy lake life.

[deerfield]

Mike - I am sorry about the two blow outs. Glad there was no accident. How will you repair the bent fenders? - Stuart

[mmandley]

Mike - I am sorry about the two blow outs. Glad there was no accident. How will you repair the bent fenders? - Stuart

Think I'll just buy new ones honestly. They got some nasty bend in them. I had to just my foot, and jack handle to bend them out because I didn't bring a hammer lol

[sandm]

glad you made it, albeit with some issues.
enjoy the new digs. perhaps someday I'll make it down there to surf that boat again with how it should have been loaded up to begin with :)

[mmandley]

glad you made it, albeit with some issues.
enjoy the new digs. perhaps someday I'll make it down there to surf that boat again with how it should have been loaded up to begin with :)

Your always welcome bro

[NoleAlum]

Welcome to GA! It is hot now but you'll be able to surf through part of October without a wetsuit.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[kriley]

What part of Lanier are you on? We mainly go to the north end of Lanier -less big boats with the spinning thing on top.. Quite a few Moomba owners meet up at the North end on the weekends. We live on the south end of the lake which is stupid crazy on the weekends..

[wolfeman131]

Mike,

Thanks for bringing all the OR rain with you. You can now send it back!

I had beers on ice for Mike & Claudia all weekend, but they went untouched as he claims he was busy unpacking . . .

[beat taco]

Mike,

Thanks for bringing all the OR rain with you. You can now send it back!

I had beers on ice for Mike & Claudia all weekend, but they went untouched as he claims he was busy unpacking . . .
I hear what we have isn't rain compared the rain storms you southerners get.

[mmandley]

What part of Lanier are you on? We mainly go to the north end of Lanier -less big boats with the spinning thing on top.. Quite a few Moomba owners meet up at the North end on the weekends. We live on the south end of the lake which is stupid crazy on the weekends..

I think I'm considered on the north end, we are right near a big bridge on Dawson HWY right where the Forsyth county line begins. Sorry I can't give exact details, I'm still learning. I am on the opposite side of the lake as Flowery Branch. We are on the cummings side of Gainesville.

Drew really? I thought this afternoon storms were normal for y'all, idk but I have to admit I enjoy listening to the rolling thunder, thunder in OR is rare.

I wanted to come out for them beers, trust me, just so much to do.

Finally got the appliances delivered today, got the carport cleared of boxes, now working on the inside so this Sunday I might be able to make the drive out your way. Hoping to pick up the Vette this weekend.

[viking]

Rock on! Keep the pics coming! Glad you made it safe and sound.

[mmandley]

After being in the home for 10 days, I was finally able to get the time to put the boat in. Tried a couple times, rain would show up, or the boat wasn't clean enough after the trip. Was a little interesting self launching at the dock we have at this ramp only has 2 tie downs, no rails, and I was alone, got the job done though and the lake last night didn't disappoint. At 5 the wind stopped and the lake glassed out.

There is a big bridge we can see from out cove and dock, drove by that and there is a Marina so I found fuel, I think its $4 a gal which is a jump considering land prices are $2.20 lol

Other then that cruised around and watched the sun set, then tied her up in the dock.

Think I will move everything to the Starboard side today, get the cover back on since they are calling for afternoon showers again.

Right after launch

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_170145_zpshyrriw92.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_170145_zpshyrriw92.jpg.html)

whole area is glass

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_200317_zpswr8ny5yb.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_200317_zpswr8ny5yb.jpg.html)

Sunset.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_200306_zpslwbenfl3.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_200306_zpslwbenfl3.jpg.html)

Her home on the water. Still have 6 more Exile Balls coming to help keep her in place.

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu114/mmandley/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_204315_zpsplbx5mro.jpg (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/mmandley/media/Oregon%20to%20Atlanta/20160720_204315_zpsplbx5mro.jpg.html)

[deerfield]

Mike - What is the plan for a lift to keep her from sitting in the water when not in use? - Stuart

[mmandley]

Mike - What is the plan for a lift to keep her from sitting in the water when not in use? - Stuart

I'm looking into it, I don't like her sitting in the water all the time. I plan in the short term to wipe the sides down every couple days to keep any build up of the hull