RE: Boulder to Dillion via Mtn hwy
You might want to better identify where you are going.
He's obviously referring to MT rather than CO.
Even then, if my memory serves, that area is also above 4000 ft, and this is the magic number for rain to become snow when the temps are close to freezing.
Looks like the only route, as being the mtn hwy, would be MT69 out of Boulder (MT) down to Whitehall, then MT55/MT41 down to Dillon (MT).
I would sure be leery of that entire route in December. That entire area can become paralyzed in a heart beat that time of year.
RE: Fuel shortages.
Yep. It continues, at least here at the junction of I-26 & I-40. -snip-
Hopefully you folks will get some relief pretty soon.
We've seen gas go below $3.00/gal this week for the first time in no telling when. Even as late as early this AM, gas was going for $3.15 in certain areas. When we came back thru around noon, it had dropped to $2.95.
Diesel has dropped between 40¢ and 60¢/gal this week and is down to $3.60 in a lot of places. Love's is still putting a 4¢ surcharge on credit card purchases like they did in the 70's. I wonder how much longer that will last.
Maybe some of our excess can make out your way. ;)
RE: Where to Fuel???
The RGV has a real traffic problem between Harlingen and McAllen on US 83. This is true as the snow birds begin to arrive before Thanksgiving.
Strongly suggest that you cut over to US281 either at Robstown or Riviera. You can also avoid a lot of traffic by taking TX107 at Edinburg around to Mission.
As far as fuel is concerned, there is no shortage and available just about everywhere. Diesel dropped 15¢/gal from $3.90 to $3.75 yesterday and is set to continue coming down. Regular unleaded was $3.17 at the time I was filling my Jeep. There are/were some spot shortages in the Houston/Galveston area but that's rapidly coming to a close since the refineries are coming back on line.
Just make sure that your have enough fuel to carry you 150 miles when you cross I-37. There's not many fuel stops between Kingsville or Alice and the RGV to get fuel. Yes, it's available but very costly.
RE: using a canadian credit card at the pumps
-snip- Does any one know if the check at the pump involves matching the address in the actual magnetic strip on the card or is the check made against the mailing and/or shipping address in the card issuer's computers when an authorization against our account is approved at the pump (obviously there is some communication going on)? If the former, the secondary address idea probably won't work. If the latter, maybe it will.
I can't answer your exact question. However, from recent experience, this happened to me within the last two weeks. We recently moved from our long time residence and into a different zip code zone.
In the process of changing addresses from the former to the current, I forgot to notify one of my credit card banks that I very seldom use. All of the others were changed to the new address and zip code.
When I tried to use the bank card from the one which I failed to notify, I entered my new zip code into the scanner and it would not accept the card. I then realized my mistake and entered the old zip code and the scanner accepted the card.
On the opposite of the coin, I attempted to use one of my other cards which I had notified the bank of a new address and zip and it was rejected. I forgot and put the "old" zip code in, instead of the new zip code. When I entered the new zip code, the card was accepted.
This tells me that the zip code information is not embedded in the mag strip, otherwise all the address changes I made would have required new cards to be issued, which they were not.
I did notice that on each and every one of the financial institutions that I deal with, sent me an acknowledgment of change of address to my old address which was forwarded to my new address. The notations on the notice, simply said that no action required if I made this change. Otherwise, notify customer service immediately if I didn't.
This appears to be the method of controlling credit card theft or fraud. Surely, the Canadian banks are on top of this situation and have some sort of answer or solutions to this apparent "Canadian" "postal code problem.
The banks are very reluctant to give out any information as to what you may or may not do to get the card to work. Apparently they are using a system that is not published in order to prevent the billions in credit card theft.
RE: US Hwy 90 Del Rio to Marathon
No problems with fuel at any place along US90.
What hasn't been mentioned is the pace of traffic along US90 as compared to I-10.
The speed limit along I-10 in far west Texas is 80mph and the 18-wheelers take advantage to "clean the soot out of their stacks".
It's not uncommon to find them running 90 in the straight-a-ways.
Problem comes when they sail by at the high speeds. The drafting effect will sure as heck get your attention to the point you'll think you're headed for the bar ditch.
The places to stop are numerous, enjoy and stay off of I-10.
You won't regret it.
RE: using a canadian credit card at the pumps
Contact customer service at the issuing bank or financial institution and tell them your issues with US zip codes. They may or may not issue you a special number for use in the US.
On Edit -
Wally's, in our area, has just changed their pumps to require zip code entries for fuel. This whole business is about credit card fraud or theft.
RE: Colorado 17 - The USA's straightest road?
No question, both of these roads are straight.
CO 17 from Villa Grove to Alamosa is about 55 miles.
US 34 from east of Lincoln to Union is about 60 miles.
However, traveling both by land and seeing both roads from 40,000 ft, my vote is for US54 from Plains, KS to Tucumcari, NM at 250 miles.
Yes, it has some very slight turns, but you can't see it at ground level.
RE: Diesel fuel availability in TN
Both the Flying J's in the Nashville area indicate they have fuel. One at Fairview which is a little west of Nashville off of I-40. Might want to call ahead just to be sure.
RE: GAS SHORTAGE
There's no shortage. May not be any shortage, but there sure ain't no gas :)
The ship I was on diverted from Norfolk to Savannah to deliver 40,000 bbls of refined gasoline two weeks ago.
Well, lets see here. 40,000 bbls = 1,680,000 gals.
Divide that by an average of 20 gals per top off, and that comes to 84,000 cars to go thru 40,000 bbls. At that rate color it gone. :)
So now we have another 84,000 cars running around Hot Lanta with no gas.
Oh well, guess they'll just have to wait til the pipelines start pumping again.
RE: GAS SHORTAGE
the pipelines from texas are just starting to fill up again so the gas stations closest to texas are fine.-snip-
An article in this morning's Dallas Morning News comes close to validating this statement.
However, the gas that is flowing is mostly unleaded, with a lot of stations running short or out of mid grade and premium.
A good portion of the stations have capped off their mid-grade and premium fuel nozzles. Diesel is no problem since the airlines have cut way back and reduced their schedules.
From and inside source, the refineries were producing better than 100% capacity prior to Ike coming on shore. This allowed most all the above ground storage tanks to be at max capacities. Also from an inside source, it's the distributors that are causing the problems and not the refineries.
The forecast prior to Ike was for gas to settle in at about $3/gal. It was already down to $3.30/gal prior to Ike and it jumped 40¢ to 60¢/gal before Ike ever hit. This was the distributors doings and it's going to be heck to pay once the investigations get started when things settle down.
RE: Fuel rationing due to Ike
Yep, it's a knee jerk reaction almost like 9/11 when gas prices shot up almost immediately. There was no rhyme or reason then and from what I've heard, almost all the gas storage facilities in TX are brim full in anticipation of Ike.
We noticed a funny or unusual event yesterday. All the Wally's in our area are pumping unleaded gas thru all their pumps. That's unleaded gas coming out of the super premium and mid level tanks.
Yes, the prices were adjusted for regular unleaded and signs were posted.
Question is, what about all the unleaded regular gas in the premium tanks after this business comes to a halt.
Say What! ;)
RE: Need info FAST! Best route to DFW coming from the south
My suggestion is to follow the I-35W/I-20 route. You'll encounter less traffic.
When you get to TX360 turn north and this brings you into the SW corner of DFW.
Take the exit off of TX360 east on airport freeway (TX183) to the south entrance to DFW. You will see signs directing you to the south remote parking area. Suggest you park there since parking at DFW can get expensive fast.
If you're being dropped off and need to park at or near the terminal for less than an hour, you can do so. But don't overstay the hour limit. The fine is worse than the parking fee. DO NOT park in the loading zone and leave your car unatttended, if you do, it'll will be gone in a heart beat. That will cost some BIG $$$.
There is a shuttle bus that will drop you off at any of the terminals where you need to go.
I worked out of DFW for over ten years and there has been little or no changes in the last few years. The opening of the new International Terminal and the tram around the terminals is about the only change.
RE: 20 foot wave to hit coast of Texas near Houston
-snip-
for those weather history buffs in the early 1900 there was a hurricane of this magnitude that hit Galveston that killed 2300 people.
Make that 6000 of happy go lucky souls that were forewarned some 12 hours in advance.
RE: 20 foot wave to hit coast of Texas near Houston
We all know that you can't fool or fool around with mother nature.
Second verse to that same song is "don't try to second guess her either"
Living any where along the 1200 mile stretch of TX coastline is like living in a 100 year flood plain. Sooner or later, there's going to be one that "gets you".
RE: I-30 at Texarkana to Wimberley TX
As our trip takes shape, it turns out we will want to travel between Wimberley and Shreveport (LA), either west- or eastbound (not sure which yet). Any route recommendations for that as well?
The routing is basically the same as above, The only difference is that you're coming into TX on I-20 rather than I-30.
From Shreveport, you can get on US79 at Waskom TX, which is some four to six miles west of Shreveport. From there, everything else is as previously mentioned.
Or - you can continue west on I-20 to US259 just west of Longview,then turn south down to Henderson, then get on US79 at that point. This will keep you clear of Tyler.
As far as getting on TX 34 at Terrell is concerned, I'm not too sure about the construction that was or is going on south of Kaufman. They were widening a few miles of narrow roads through the Trinity River bottom and not sure if it's complete.
A good rule of thumb is avoid the DFW area by at least a 75 mile radius in any direction. This keeps you clear of any residual back ups or blocked interstates due to some overturned 18-wheeler which is common place these days.
RE: If your in or headed to the RGV of Texas
Right now, the "experts" are forecasting that Ike will come on shore in far south TX or even far enough south in northern MX that it will have minimum impact, the same as Gustuv.
But, anything can and will happen with mother nature. There is a cold front moving thru the DFW area at this time. If the cold front maintains it's strength as Ike approaches, then Ike will likely be pushed further south into MX.
We'll just have to wait and see what happens Thursday night and Friday. Either way, there will likely be some very heavy rain along the coast as far north as Corpus.
RE: I-30 at Texarkana to Wimberley TX
You have several options in avoiding the DFW area in addition to the quagmire on I-35 between DFW and Austin/Round Rock.
"campercajun" has some excellent advise. However, being totally familiar with the Tyler/Longview traffic and the mess in Tyler, which is rapidly becoming a mini Dallas I might suggest a little different approach. The loop around Tyler is extremely busy all day.
Rather than getting off I-30 at Mt. Pleasant, you can continue on to Sulphur Springs (approx 30 miles) and exit on TX19 at exit 122.
Go south thru Emory, Canton, Athens then at Palestine, turn SW on US79 down to Rockdale.
To completely avoid the mess around and thru the Austin/Roundrock area on I-35, then take the following route.
At Rockdale turn south on US77 for about 35/37 miles down to Lincoln.
At Lincoln turn SW on TX21 toward San Marcos. You'll come into San Marcos from the northeast. Stay on TX 21 and it becomes TX 12 when you cross I-35. This hwy takes you all the way to Wimberly.
A second option is to exit I-30 onto US259 at exit 178. Turn south toward Longview and continue to US79 at Henderson. Take the westside loop around Henderson to US79 SW toward Rockdale. Just watch what you're doing in Longview. US259 is mostly 4-lane all the way from I-30 to Henderson.
I totally agree with campingcajun about I-35. If you can avoid it, then do so, The Austin/Roundrock is just a bad, if not worse than the DFW area.
RE: New Zealand RV Tours
We toured, both the north and south islands a couple of years ago.
Rented a car in Auckland and made no plans or reservations at any place except for the exchange of the rental car on the north island at Wellington. The ferry between the islands does not allow rental cars. The rental car folks met us at the ferry with a fresh new car, signed the paper work and was on the way in five minutes.
We ran across several groups that were really complaining because they didn't get to see anything close to what we did. We stopped at several small towns along the way, which was off the beaten track and had a blast with the locals.
We even took time out to take the cross island train from Christchurch to the west side of the south island. This is one trip that the tour groups never see, from what we were told.
RE: How to get an RV to Hawaii?
How to get the RV to HI is not the problem.
What to do with the RV when you get it there is the problem.
You may want to spend a few $$ in telephone calls to the various counties, including the state Capitol in Oahu county. I'd sure do this before attempting such a large expense including risk of shipping the unit all the way out there and back only to find that you can't use it.
Hawaii has some very pointed laws regarding public beaches and rights of egress for the native Hawaiian folks.
