Ol' Turbo is at it again... Another Cross Country Trek

[TylerH860]

Since OTs trek to SoCal was a great success, and the best trip of my life, I've decided to make a "run" to The other Southern Coast... Florida

The Previous Road Trip was documented here.

Ol' Turbo's cross country trek, to boldly go where...

Photo highlights:

















Since that 3000 mile trip, OT has only covered 2500 miles or so in 6 months, and lost its Pentas. Primarily the E320 and E500 got the most use during that time.

The trip starting tomorrow will cover 10 states and over 3000 miles. Route here:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Wichita,+ks&daddr=County+Hwy-423%2FUS-166+to:ketchum,+ok+toallas,+tx+to:New+Orleans,+La+toestin,+Fl+to:Orlando,+Fl+to:Memphis,+Tn+to:W ichita,+ks&geocode=%3BFVBQNQId4vpQ-g%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B&hl=en&mra=ls&via=1&sll=33.100745,-89.362793&sspn=10.904558,26.784668&ie=UTF8&z=6

I'm starting off early to spend the weekend with the family at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Sunday I will make my way to Dallas where I will stay overnight. I'll do a few quick overnight stays in New Orleans and Destin, FL Monday and Tuesday nights, then spend the majority of my time with Colin and other central FL benz owners in Orlando. To break up the trip home, I'm stopping overnight in Memphis Monday night, Aug 17th.

Of course, I'll be giving plenty of photo updates, Ol' Turbo saw its fair share of landmarks, and you bet I'm going to Disney World. I think was 5 years old the last time I went. Any other suggestions to spend my time during stops will be greatly appreciated as well. The lake house unfortunately does not have Internet access, so I will have limited connectivity with my Iphone for updates until Sunday.

Wish me and Ol' Turbo luck!

[rrgrassi]

That would be a cool trip! If you make it to St Petersburg, take a pic of O'l Turbo by the Don Caezar (SP?) It sounds almost like "chaunces are". Huge old pink hotel resort on the gulf. You should also check out Fort. DeSoto.

I was born in St. Pete, went back in '97 to see my grandmother before she died.

[Cervan]

makes me miss my old benz, thing was the most reliable car on the road.

[pawoSD]

3000 miles...wow. My crazy friend is about to set out from MI to Oregon in a rather questionably maintained old buick (1992)....and he knows 0 about cars....scary. I can just see him sitting at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere....

[TylerH860]

Originally Posted by pawoSD

3000 miles...wow. My crazy friend is about to set out from MI to Oregon in a rather questionably maintained old buick (1992)....and he knows 0 about cars....scary. I can just see him sitting at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere....

I can always count on you for a glass half empty post. I hope all goes well, but I'll have tools, some fuel filters, extra fluids, zip ties, and duct tape in case something happens.

[H-townbenzoboy]

Happy trails. How do you find the time for all of these trips?

[TylerH860]

I gave up working 40-50 hour work weeks about 2 years ago shortly after buying Ol' Turbo. My current job has unlimited flexibility, but not near income.

I decided to enjoy the few years I have left before I get really tied down. It did require me to re-connect the umbilical cord, but the MB hobby has more than paid for itself. I'm very fortunate to have the parental support and thankful every day for it. Spoiled, maybe. Rotten, no.

I only have about a year left before I get that mystical piece of paper and go on my own.

[compu_85]

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I only have about a year left before I get that mystical piece of paper and go on my own.

Enjoy it while you can!!!

-J

[pawoSD]

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I can always count on you for a glass half empty post. I hope all goes well, but I'll have tools, some fuel filters, extra fluids, zip ties, and duct tape in case something happens.

Nah, I am sure your car will make it just fine. I am more concerned for my ill-prepared friend....

I'm just looking forward to getting my SD back on the road tomorrow or Friday....its been over two weeks since I have driven it! Amazing how a little 70 mile trip to the beach results in a piece of steel in the pan and globs of clutch pack material all over.

Your 300D is younger than my car though, by nearly 90,000 miles.

[BodhiBenz1987]

Originally Posted by compu_85

Enjoy it while you can!!!

-J

X2. I wish I could take a road trip in Bodhi. My dad used to drive this car all over the country, now it's just stuck with back and forth to work and the occasional meander into random parts of Pa. I'd love to drive to Calif., turn around and come back. Whenever I quit my job, or get laid off, I think I'll plan it so I have a two-week break to do something like that.
Have fun ... I know we don't have to tell you to get some good pics.

[pawoSD]

Its sad, but the longest trip I have made this summer was to Chicago and back for a transmission.... Around 410 miles. Even worse....all of my long trips this year have been in a gasser! I'm scrambling to get my diesel back together for a camping trip this weekend, so I can finally go on a diesel trip!

[TylerH860]

I bought Ol' Turbo with 165k, and it has seen almost exclusively highway use.

Its hard to forget my first road trip in the car, though.



I suppose my "first" road trip was bringing it home from Eagle, Co. No AC, a mess of a vacuum system, no stereo, and completely shot motor mounts.

[NH82W123]

Safe travels, Tyler. A couple of dining suggestions:

ORLANDO: Lee & Rick's Half Shell Oyster, 5621 Old Winter Garden Rd--it's a dive, but sit at the latrine-style bar (you just have to see it) and you won't be disappointed.

ATLANTA: Harold's Barbecue, 171 McDonough Blvd--don't go after dark, but it's an Atlanta barbecue institution (since 1947). Some of the best chopped pork, Brunswick stew, and corn bread anywhere. Winmutt can back me up on this one.

BIRMINGHAM: Highlands Bar & Grill, 2011 11th Avenue South--not quite "jackets required," but far more refined than the other two above. You're certain to have an incredible meal. Ol' Turbo will feel right at home pulling up to this place.

Charlie

[Oldwolf]

You are living one of my dreams. How can doing something so simple have become so hard to do for most of us?

[::matthew]

drive safe. see you at the GTG