Road Trip 2008

“Well, it's a new year, I remain unemployed with no job opportunities in the near future visible. This leaves me in about the same position I was a year ago. I have a small bankroll to go on, a few months to kill. By late march I'll probably have a job, until then I'll get back in my car and see where it takes me.

I again, have no real plan - I do plan to hit a few states, just for the sake of saying that I've been to every US State, This would include Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I do plan on being in NOLA by Feb 1 or so for Mardi Gras.

Besides that, I will hit the Freezing in Wisconsin weekend on my first nights (this weekend) and possibly a trip on a following weekend (Linville Gorge). I may look for a party to hit up for spring break, and some other backpacking opportunities along the way - I hope to do more backpacking than I have on previous trips.

So, I'm open to suggestions and advice on where to go, what to do, what to see, who to visit, while I'm on this Eastern/Southeastern/Southern Road trip over the coming months.

I'm Currently packing up and making "plans" I'm heading out in 3 days. It will beat sitting around here as I have been for the past 4 weeks.”

“you sound sad.”

“Sad... maybe, all of my prospective plans for this winter season fell through, a few months ago it seemed like i had 100 opportunities in front of me and none of them panned out. Leaving me in this position.

Sad? not necessarily, I am pumped to get out and do some travelling again, to places I've never been, and to get some backpacking in, and visit with some TT'ers, new and old. I'm ready to hit the road!”

“If I were you, I'd head for a ski area and sign on for the season.”

“Which you can do right after we finish the Linville Gorge trip! Yall come now, ya hear?”

“As always, you're welcome to drop by our house Simer, especially since we now seem to be somewhat in your trip path. We have a guest room now too, so you don't have to sleep on the living room floor.”

“woo hoo, looks like I'll FINALLY meet the TTers who lives closest to me. I'm not gettin' there till Sat. Simer, so keep on hangin' out and freezin', K?”

“If you need free floorspace (or better) and a hot shower and decent food in central PA let me know. We'd be more than happy to share what we have.”

“If you need free floorspace, a hot shower and good food in central CH let me know.”

“simer, YGM”

“have a great trip!”

“Thanks all, I'm nearly packed up and ready to "Freeze" in Wisconsin. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

And thanks for the invites - Rev-I'll probably be through PA within a week or so. Maple, I'll contact you if my journey takes me to NY. And Treebait, you're still in Florida? or have you moved?”

“If you wind up near Knoxville, let me know.”

“If you get really friggin' lost and end up in NW Montana...email me... ;)

...and safe travels! I love road trips! :)”

“Who knows where I end up, I'll let ya know if I land myself in Knoxville... or Montana. It's looking to be a possibility that I'll need to be in Wyoming soon after Mardi Gras, But we'll see.

A little bit of anxiousness leading up to my departure... but I always feel like this ya know, It used to drive me away... some of you know my past. As soon as I get on the road... or at least been on the road for a while I'll feel better.”

“Yep... our baby Simer190 has grown up.

*group TT hug*”

“All growed up... these things happen I suppose.

And instead of walking around... I'm driving around, I guess I'm lazy.”

“Hey Simer, if you decide to go through the Detroit area, there are several TTers in the area! :-)”

“Yes... Detroit. I'll be there on Thursday, I'm going to the Redwings-Wild game for sure. I'd love to hook up for a beer or something before/after the game.”

“After TC2, simer probably finds most TT trips anti climatic.”

“Making my way through the UP of Michigan. Just dropping in to say hey. Sticking to nearly all back roads, gravel/ice covered, about 20 miles last night in the dark over glare ice roads before I found a campsite in a gravel pit. Currently sitting outside of the Best Western in Ishpeming”

“simer did you ever get my email or am i on your ignore list :)”

“Hey Simer,
I sent you a note to test your email. ;-)

If you're in Detroit this Thursday (Jan. 10) let me know. Thinkbubelz & I could probably meet you for dinner somewhere downtown (we work near the where the Red Wings Play)

Greektown is a great place to eat-- there is safe parking (free if you validate it in the Casino) in the Greektown Casino parking deck and a variety of good restaurants (most of which are not in the casino). Plus, you can get on the People Mover which will take you to Joe Louis Arena where you can watch the Red Wings play.

Some restaurants in/near Greektown & Greektown Casino (the ones I'm mentioning are NOT in the casino, but in the building that the Casino is in)

Pizzapapalis - to die for deep dish pizza--1000 times better than Pizzeria Uno's.... YUM...

The Pegasus (Greek food) - You'll often see into celebrities here--food is delicious if you like Greek/Mediterranean food.

Niki's in Greektown - Another Greek restaurant - ample portions, not quite as extended a menu as Pegasus--it's more laid back and has pizza as well.

Parthenon - Pretty good, but not quite as good as The Pegasus.

There is an awesome bakery with Greek pastries, cookies, cakes, pies, etc. (I can't remember the name of it.)

Jacoby's - Around the corner and up the street from Greektown-a few blocks over-- they have German Food/Beer.

***********************************
In "Midtown" (near Wayne State University) there are some other options for good food:

Traffic Jam & Snug - Awesome bread & sandwiches and they have a micro brewery inside.

Cass Cafe - a Student hang-out-- with paintings on the wall. They have pretty good food & a small bar.

Honest John's Bar - Good bar burgers and food, beer/wine/drinks juke box & pool tables, but the area is not as nice--it's in the Cass Corridor which is a bit rough around the edges (better to go there in the daytime when the cops tend to stop in for lunch).

Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza place (carry out only, I think) and the Majestic Cafe are located in the same building as a bowling alley and the Magic Stick (music venue).

The Majestic is "Okay" but not phenomenal - Mediterranean / Middle Eastern food.

***********************************
MGM Grand Casino -
They have a good buffet for about $26 ($22 if you're there before 4 p.m.) They have a "food court" area that is more like "take-out", but I haven't been in there and don't know what they have--the other options inside are pretty pricey....

************************************
Motor City Casino -
They, too, have an awesome buffet. Great food. I don't remember the price, but I think it's about $28 or something in the evenings.

They also have a good BBQ/Deli restaurant where the portions are ample and the prices are reasonable.

*********************
Well, got to go for now, but I'll post more, later!”

“PinkBubelz - I'm on my way into Detroit right now. I doubt I'll have time now - If I would have checked earlier I could have made time... it's alright, I'll be in the area only for the evening/night If I get internet access again I'll see if I get a response from ya. The game probably won't be over 'til after 10pm, I don't know where I'm going after that.


Pictures: (Currently loading, there should be 58)

http://travel.webshots.com/album/562085090aHizRs”

“And Maple, I got your e-mail, I responded earlier in this thread - I'll probably be in your area within a week or so.”

“I've got the rest of the pictures up that didn't load last night.

On my way into Cleveland.”

“sorry to hear that.... :)”

“I wouldn't go out of my way to go there I suppose... but am going to visit family.”

“simer, don't forget to stop in Greektown for some food!”

“I told my cousin to give me the "cleveland experience" So, if that includes greektown, I guess maybe I'll end up there”

“Don't bend over.”

“In Cleveland you get the Buddha Bear experience (shudder) but Greektown is in Detroit.”

“Heh, alright, I didn't have much of a chance to experience anything in detroit, other than the parking lot attendants... "No Dogs!!" That makes detroit difficult.”

“Yo Simer! If you pass through Indy let me know. You can crash at my place for the night.”

“I don't think I'll be through indy any time soon... but I'll let ya know.

Isn't family great.. even family that you don't really remember, they still remember you and treat ya well, bring ya out for beer and burgers :).”

“Remember Simer, Treebait and I moved to Charlotte, NC. Feel free to stop in if you are nearby.”

“I was wondering where you ended up... I'll be in that direction in a week or two. Thanks for the offer, I'll be sure to contact you when I'm in the area.”

“On my way through West Virgina - Very nice, fairly warm and Snowy.

Pictures are updated into PA through NY, Check 'em out.

http://community.webshots.com/user/simer190

Maple said she'd have some pictures of the campfire at the treehouse. If she posted them, I don't know where to find 'em.”

“Pictures: http://travel.webshots.com/album/562256984DhznUH”

“where are you now simer?”

“Have you seen Bert Reynolds and Don Deloise? Get Jackie Chan's autograph 4 me plz!”

“Sitting outside of Charlottesville Virginia watching the wild game”

“well it was an honor to meet you simer. you and forest the wood stealing dog are always welcome to sit around our cmpfire. It was very nice to meet you. I hope to hike with you some day soon. have a safe trip

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/562263756mEnhCl”

“Nice pictures - thanks for posting them.

It was great meeting you, and the rest of the tree family! Thanks for everything.”

“how is forest?

should i send him a log? LMAO”

“Had a good time, Simer. Glad to have had your company over the weekend. That pooch is waaaaay cool, too!”

“Forest looks like he could use a log. He's enjoying swimming in the ocean and chasing after the tennis ball. Right now he's sprawled out in the passenger seat, looking quite comfortable.

Currently i'm sitting in Aiken SC, just got done watching the wild game in the local brewpub, good game, good food, ok beer.

I'm on my way west, only a few days until Mardi Gras.

Pictures are up from the past few days:

http://community.webshots.com/user/simer190”

“Let me just say that Mardi Gras kicks all kinds of ass.”

“Chillin on the beach in south padre!

A few select pictures from my journey




Poor forest, partied too hard at Mardi Gras












”

“Forest actually sleeps? ;D

Nice photos by the way.”