Need help planing our US/Canada trip

Discussion in 'Trips & Events' started by OZ VFR, Jul 13, 2018.

  1. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    We have 4 days from San Fran to Vancouver, so see no problem.
    It is always a bit of a juggling act to keep our lot all happy. I would spend it hiking the whole time, but my wife and kids would leave me in one of those parks.
    They would shop the whole time and leave me broke.
    We are finalising our schedule.
    Arrive on the 20th in LA, drive to LV on the 23rd for show alowing only 1 day 1 night there, then drive to Zion NP, probably Springdale and spend 2 days 2 nights.
    Drive to San Fran and maybe stop at Yosemite, Sequoia.
    Stay there for New years eve and day and maybe one more day.
    Drive to Seattle stopping at a couple of parks/towns.
    Arrive at Vancouver on the 6th.
    Happy to listen to all tips.
     
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  2. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    I just looked where Victoria Island is, I might need to borrow your bike Randy to get there and back in the alloted time, or will settle for Victoria on VC Island.
     
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  3. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    If you choose to fly from SF to Van, I suggest you fly into Bellingham Washington and rent your vehicle there. I am confident you would find that considerably cheaper. There won't be any issue taking a rental across the Canada USA border. The UAS Mexico border is likely a different story. Same thing as going the other way. It is cheaper, even considering our exchange rate, for Canadians to drive down to Bellingham and fly out of there than to fly from a Canadian point. Wife and I have done that a couple times when taking trips abroad.

    A heads up about border crossings here though. NO FRESH FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR MEAT! ABSOLUTELY NONE! You won't know from day to day what each country will prohibit as far as meat goes but guaranteed, you can't bring across fresh veggies and fruit. Or firewood with the bark still on, not that you are likely to be doing that.
     
  4. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Take a good supply of fuel with you of you go there. I wouldn't imagine there are a hell of a lot of gas stations up that way. You are welcome to my bike for that trip but it runs the shits on whale and seal blubber for fuel.
     
  5. mofo

    mofo New Member

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    I am close to Disneyland as well and want to make myself available shall you need something.
    I've ridden to the Grand Canyon a few times and I prefer to stay in Williams. One hour -or less- away from the south rim and plenty of options for food and lodging.
     
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  6. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    You gotta do Zion!
     
  7. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    It's getting exciting, airfares booked and paid for.
    Show in LV booked and paid.
    I need to find a good place to rent an SUV, pick up at LA, drop off at Seattle.
    Will also start to book accomodation.
    I want to find somewhere close to Zion to stay over Christmas, so it needs to have good food and be a bit special.
     
  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    When renting a car, I would stay away from Budget Rent a Car. They are extremely picky about cleanliness and even will dock you for the smallest of scratches or even a scuff. If you do rent from them, you go over that car with a magnifying glass and insist they document each and every little scuff before you take it out. The few times I have rented from them, I found many scuffs that they did nto record ahead of time but tried to ding me when I turned it back. I won those arguments with them but they lost my business and as you can see, my referral of them to others.

    When I have to rent now, I usually rent from Enterprise. Have rented from them several times in Winnipeg and also while in Hawaii. I can't say I have any beefs with them. Looking forward to your arrival in Vancouver. Surely we can meet up for a beer, lunch or dinner. I am sure I can haul the wife out for that. Maybe dim sum and I will bring my kids too. My daughter adn to be son-in-law will know where to go for that.
     
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  9. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    Sounds good to me Randy. Dim sum is a family favourite.
    Budget are here as well, and there is nothing budget about them.
    My daughter arrived in Vancouver yesterday, she and her friend are in a hostel at the moment, moves in to her campus digs next week.
    She's had a great time touring the length of Canada, and admits she could make it her home.
     
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  10. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I hear move in day on campus is an absolute zoo. Make sure she seeks out and attends any personal safety seminars that are offered there. There is no such thing as a totally safe environment and UBC is no exception. Most important, never never walk alone at any time but especially at night. And don't hold the dorum door open for anyone unless she knows them. Stand there and make sure the door closes tight. If the person following her in is supposed to have access, he/she will have a pass key.
     
  11. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    I'll pass it on Randy.
    She is a very aware girl, but its a worry when they are so far away.
    I was just discussing politics with her, we've just lost another PM to a stab in the back.
    Our new one is lovingly known as "the prick"
     
  12. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Our pm should be history next election thank god. Turdeau....I mean Trudeau is a candy assed feminist baby boy who still hangs onto his mothers apron strings. His old man, pierre Trudeau was a former PM and she was screwing everyone walking when she was the first lady. Had an affair with Mic Jagger and was friendly with Castro too. Justin Trudeau looks strikingly like castro. Hmmmm
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2018
  13. mofo

    mofo New Member

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    I'd recommend St. George. Only 25 minutes to Zion, plenty of lodging and food options.
    Just so you know, you can book a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon in Las Vegas, and there is a very good Nevada State park a few minutes north Of Las Vegas too.
     
  14. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    too much radiation from bomb testing in the 50's ! :(
     
  15. Gator

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    I have stayed in the Zion National Park lodge, very nice and right near all the good hikes. Angels Landing is a beautiful hike, though it looks very imposing with switchbacks it is relatively easy and has commanding views up top.
     
  16. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Bryce is a small but beautiful park very close to Zion too.
     
  17. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Also the Narrows (virgin River) is a spectacular water hike. You can rent water shoes close by too.
     
  18. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    THis is Angels landing trail back in 05, it is very well maintained. _D2B3126.jpg
     
  19. Gator

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    _D2B3246.jpg We did the whole Narrows hike, you can camp over night as it is 16+ miles.
     
  20. Gator

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    Bryce is a geological wonder..... many cool hikes among the Hoodoo's. _D2B3565.jpg
     
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