Road Trip Across The West
Big road trip with Paul across the west to Seattle
COUNTDOWNTRAVEL
Jack
5/24/20262 min read
To prepare to start our new life in Seattle, we wanted to bring all the items we need aboard Paradisean and in Seattle. We also wanted to bring our car as we'll be also doing some road trips up and down the coast.
The 2240 mile drive to Seattle involves driving through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and finally Washington, and we stayed overnight in Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, and Pullman.
Day 1: Austin to Albuquerque
Leaving Mom's place with our Rav4 Prime all packed up. All the light weight items are stored on the hitch rack in the back. Paul looks on happily not realizing the 40+ hour that awaits him in the car.
Day 2: Albuquerque to Salt Lake City
The drive on day 2 is the most challenging since it's almost all small roads through the mountain, but also the most impressive. We got to see the Arches near the national park, stoped by Moab to see the Colorado River, and then visit the newly opened visitor center for Salt Lake Temple in Temple Square.
Day 3: Salt Lake City to Pullman
The drive from Salt Lake City to Boise was the easiest drive of the trip through interstate 15 and 84. Against the advise of the Boise locals, we decided to take a scenic route from Boise to Pullman through highway 95 along the Payette river. While it was challenging 2 lane road, this was probably my favorite part of the drive as we as the scenery change from the dry desert to the river, opening up to the Long Valley next to Lake Cascade. We even saw the Tamarack Ski resort that is on the Ikon Pass.
The rest of the drive was also epic as we approach the twin town of Lewiston and Clarkston. We finally saw the lush green wheat field of Pullman to finish up day 3. We stayed at Tony and Ying's place and Ying made us an amazing home cooked dinner, and also showed ups how beautiful Pullman is.
Day 4: Seattle at last
We saved the shortest drive for the last. After almost 36 hours in the car, we were quite relieved to finally see Mount Ranier, and then finally Paradisean safely moored at her slip in Shilshole Bay Marina.
