NIKKI WEED'S ADVENTURE

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GripGreg
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NIKKI WEED'S ADVENTURE

Post by GripGreg »

Hi Dudes
I notice that no-one has contributed to Nikki's sojourn.
Why not?? :roll:
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Post by MrsBee »

No kidding, did I do something to piss anybody off? If so, I apologize! Really.

I was also going to share a link with y'all. Being shark fans I thought you might get a kick out of having your own little piece of the adventure. One of my followers out in San Diego decided that he'd like to get some shirts made up in commemoration of the trip. That being said, even if you're not participating in the trip they're pretty groovy shirts!
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sharkfan
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Post by sharkfan »

I did start reading the original thread and then noticed some wayward comments being thrown in so I kind of left it alone - I've just looked at the last page of the original thread and can't see anywhere where we are meant to contribute, nor so on this thread.
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hornhospital
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Post by hornhospital »

sharkfan wrote:I've just looked at the last page of the original thread and can't see anywhere where we are meant to contribute, nor so on this thread.
Go here:

http://nikkiweed.wordpress.com/

Click the speedometer face to go to the donation page.
Ken Kanne
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Post by MrsBee »

The trip is actually drawing pretty near, and I was going to ask a little advice. If you had a bag of stuff that you would consider mandatory to work on a shark, what should it include (besides a really good flashlight and a fully charged cell phone!)

Thanks guys! It's nice to have some excitement again!
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Post by hornhospital »

How complete is the tool kit in the trunk? You can do an amazing number of repairs jobs on the car with only those, but it would be nice to have a complete set of box-end/open-end combination wrenches, 1/4" and 3/8" drive socket sets, some better screwdrivers (the prices people pay for those red or green handled HEYCO screwdrivers is insane, no better than they work...yeah, I know, they're 'original' :roll: ), and perhaps most important, a set of known good relays for the fuel pump and ECU.
Ken Kanne
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clipper47
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Post by clipper47 »

I carry a small first aid kit, can of tire inflator and set of booster cables and a tow strap in addition to the more comprehensive tool kit. I guess it depends on what route you are planning. If travelling back roads you might want to carry more than you might if route is mostly interstate highways such as a spare fuel filter, fan belts and coolant hoses. You won't find those parts at Bubba's garage in Nowwhere North Dakota. :lol:
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Post by cecotto479 »

Fuel filter, main and fuel pump relays, set of bulbs, selection of various sizes of hose clips, rotor arm, distributor cap, plug lead or two, selection of fuses, length of rubber fuel hose, spanners, screwdrivers, pliers, Mole grips, electrical tape and a few lengths of wire, screen wash, WD40 or whatever your equivalent is, torch, tyre sealant, fan belt. All will fit in a small tool bag.

You'll never need any of it, but it will give you confidence knowing you have it.
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JCS
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Nikki's adventure

Post by JCS »

A couple of flashlights LED, and lots of batteries.

If a break down, turns into a late night.
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Post by MrsBee »

Howdy, y'all. Sorry about the hiatus! Things have been crazy getting everything in order for this big old trip. So far I've gotten half way across country virtually using the website "roadtrippers.com". It's pretty f-ing amazing, not only does it let you go off course easily, it actually encourages you to do more driving. It has some really awesome "driving tours" that you can add into your trip.

Right now I'm facing a bit of grumble from my belly looking at how vast the west is. I keep telling myself "if I can make the entire trek up 65 through Indiana, I can get through anything. Along the way, I've picked out some scenery, but then again I only have a little bit of time and even less funds. Optimistically I'm planning on maybe 100 in gas, food and entertainment a day...which of course seems a bit high, until you start doing the math. Did you know they charge 16 bucks to look at a meteor site. That's highway robbery.

Anyways, with the trip only, eh, geeze, a little over a month away, I'm keeping my chin up and hoping to share the excitement with you along the way (as the song "On the road again" plays in the background)

Wahoo!
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Post by Da_Hose »

Just keep us in the loop and let us know if you need anything.

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GripGreg
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Post by GripGreg »

She needs a monetary donation! Ten bucks from each of us I'm sure would be huge. :roll:
That's two drinks at the bar or one six-pack. #-o
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Post by MrsBee »

Gas in the tank, fuel for the fire, hell, just a "you can do it" would suffice for me! Thanks guys. I've got all of my routes figured out - but has anybody done the "coastal connector" down by Mobile. It looks like it will add almost 200 miles to my trip but it looks pretty freaking awesome.

Also, any hints for Northern Arizona/New Mexico/West Texas. I'll be staying in Flagstaff, Albeturkey and Midland. It seems a bit, eh, desolate out there.
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Post by hornhospital »

If by "coastal connector" you mean US 90 along the Mississippi/Alabama Gulf Coast, yes it's pretty, and that time of year you shouldn't be delayed too much by beach traffic (http://www.coastal90.com/). In MS you'll be going past all the casinos, and there is a LOT of traffic there, but you'll be almost on the beach much of the way.

Alabama's portion isn't nearly as scenic, but if you follow 90 through downtown Mobile you'll see some spectacular old homes, and the tree-covered Government Blvd/Street that US 90 becomes through town. You'll know you've hit the east edge of Mobile when Government Street sends you into the Bankhead Tunnel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bankhead_Tunnel) under the Mobile River and waterfront.

You can take either US 90 or I-10 across Mobile Bay. The US 90 route is the old Mobile Bay Causeway, built in 1928. Before then traveling from Mobile to Baldwin County to the east involved either a 100-mile detour north, then east and finally south, or a ride on the Mobile to Fairhope ferry (http://www.irbyandheard.com/history.php). By the way, there is a "Mobile Bay ferry" in service from Dauphin Island to Ft Morgan on the Baldwin County side of the Bay (http://mobilebayferry.com/) but pay attention to the "ferry news" at the lower right of their web page. They do not run in inclement weather or fog, and it would be a HECK of a long trip down to Dauphin Island from Mobile, just to have to turn around and go back across the Bay on the highway. It's actually a really long trip by ferry anyway. You'd be 50+ miles south of where you'll be spending the night in Silverhill, where driving on 90 or I-10, you'll be less than 10 miles away. Your choice. The ferry trip sounds like fun (I haven't done it myself) but after your ferry trip to your "island adventure" induced substantial anxiety, maybe you better pass on that option. :wink: The waters between Mobile County/Dauphin Island and Ft. Morgan/Baldwin County are not always smooth...in fact, they seldom are. I understand from those that have made the trip the ferry rides smoothly even when it's rough waters, and if it gets too bad, they don't run.

The Baldwin County side landing is at the pre-Civil War fort, Fort Morgan. Well worth the time to tour it if you have the time. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Morgan_(Alabama))

IF you went that way, you'd come through the very popular vacation spot, Gulf Shores, AL. (http://www.gulfshoresal.gov/). Alabama Hwy 181 along the beach is really nice, and runs all the way into Florida. I would NOT advise driving that route during the summer, since it is SLAMMED with tourists, but late January there will be nothing but locals and the usual "Snow Birds" that have escaped the winter weather by coming south for the winter. Local joke: "If it's snowbird season, why can't we shoot 'em?" (MOST of them are nice, but nothing gets our locals riled up like telling them "that's not how we do it up north".....guess what? We don't care how you do it up north!....joking....but still :roll: )

Discussing the Gulf Shores area is bittersweet to me. When I moved here in 1958 there were MAYBE 100 cabins/houses between Gulf Shores and the Florida state line. Now it's wall-to-wall condos/vacation rental houses/hotels. We used to be able to drive our dune buggies almost anywhere on the beach. Now you can't drive them anywhere. Too much worry about "beach erosion" due to vehicle traffic. A moderate tropical storm does more damage in 10 minutes than we did in years of driving over the dunes....but I digress...

Maybe that will give you some planning ideas, Nikki.
Ken Kanne
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Post by MrsBee »

I think we're talking about the same coastal connector.

http://alabamascoastalconnection.com/

My primary goal is to get over to the East side of Mobile bay on one day, and then spend the next day on a little adventure. I'm staying as far away from ferries as I possibly can, but I do want to see some of the coastline and perhaps a few historical sites.

On my way East from Houston, I'm going to high flying down 10 for most of the way, but with a little lunch stop in Abita Springs and Fontainebleau (sp?) state park. I figure I'll have to stretch my legs a little bit and give the shark a bit of a rest.

Who knows though, by the second day in Silverhill, I might just wander about and see the spearfishing museum and such.
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Post by hornhospital »

Oooh oh oh oh! When you stop in Abita Springs, eat at the Abita Brew Pub! http://www.abitabrewpub.com/ That's where my friend/sort-of-adopted daughter Amber works! Although she probably won't be working those days (Mon/Tues) if she knew you were coming she might switch shifts to be there.

In a day of prowling around here, you can go past lots of stuff, but really view little of it. You'd need a week, minimum, and that would be to just hit the high spots.

The spearfishing museum is really the spearHUNTING museum. The guy that has that place has taken an unbelievable number of big game animals with a spear. It's only 4 miles from here. Kinda pricy for no bigger than it is, tho.

The Baldwin County Heritage Museum is worth a stop. On the way to Elberta and the Heritage Museum, a stop at the Foley Railroad museum is good, too. It's more local history than just railroad stuff.

If you want a tour guide, we could make a day of it. If you'd prefer to explore on your own, that's fine, too.
Ken Kanne
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Post by hornhospital »

Well, phooey. Talked to Amber, and Abita Brew Pub isn't open on Mondays. And the breweries don't give tours until mid-week. She'd still like to meet you around Hammond or Abita Springs for lunch that day.
Ken Kanne
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Post by MrsBee »

I would love to have a tour guide. Think about it, I'll be adventuring solo, and will probably go stir crazy talking to my travelling companion "Zips", and really enjoy having somebody to talk to that will actually talk back!

I must admit, I was more excited when I thought it was a museum full of spears, as far as stuffed animals, eh, I've seen enough of those. We even had an intro to taxidermy presentation in fifth grade where I grew up (I'm not saying where, if anybody asks I'm from Illinois).

So, yes, January is looking better every second. Keep in mind working at a garden center during the holidays is a bit nerve grating. My fingers are stained this terrible black color and I've had to tell two people to "piss off" today.

Ah, it it time to leave yet?

And, and, and, I got in touch with Amber. Shenanigans WILL be planned.
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Post by Shuttleman »

Too bad you aren't passing thru DFW....
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hornhospital
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Post by hornhospital »

The spearhunting museum isn't all stuffed critters. Lots-o-spears to look at, too (among other things).

I can only imagine what you and Amber are cooking up. #-o
Ken Kanne
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Sprocket

Post by Sprocket »

I see you have a companion. I had one also when I drove from SoCal to Knoxville: Lenny the Lemur.
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Here we go...
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Post by MrsBee »

Your lemur is the most awesome thing that I've seen in a long time, and really it makes me feel much better about toting "Zips" around with me. It's wild, sometimes I'll just throw him in the car with me for a simple trip to work. It's a wonder I haven't been committed for talking to a stuffed bee, but then again...

So, planning is going pretty freaking awesome. I'm looking to see if anybody is going to be at the Schulenburg show And Shine on January 25th. It's about half way between Austin and Houston and, well, it's the first time I've ever put on a car show of any sort. It's kind of scary, but at the same time it's quite an adventure.

I'd love to see a good showing of the BC forum out there, but I'm not sure who's all in Texas and who really wants to brave the weather. It looks like it has already been a bitch this winter. That great cloud up in the sky better get all of this crap out if its system by the time I'm passing through. I'm NOT looking forward to shoveling out a parking lot to have nobody show up because of inclement weather.
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Post by MrsBee »

It's a week away, can I get a roll call of anybody that wants to participate aka meet the celebrity (the car, not me).
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hornhospital
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Post by hornhospital »

In, provided I get excused from jury duty (but you knew that already :wink: )


BTW, contact Amber. She's worried that she had just that one contact with you and then....nothing.
Ken Kanne
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Post by MrsBee »

I'm a total slouch, I lost her number can you PM it to me?
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