Keith’s Blog: Where Should our Next Road Trip be To?

Summer is fast approaching. It’s our time of travel.

I asked Bradley what places he would like to visit during the next decade. His list was short — but exotic. The Serengeti in Africa, Ayers Rock (Uluru) in Australia, The Pyramids in Egyp, the City of Petra in Jordan, and a blue cruise in Turkey.

I wasn’t surprised. We’ve already been to the Galapagos, the Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza, Mexico, Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica — and we’ve ridden the White Pass Railway out of Skagway in Alaska.

Six months ago, we would have been making plans to head across the ocean.

But the Coronavirus has turned the world of travel upside down.

In today’s world, can you imagine getting on an airplane for a 20-hour flight from Portland to Cairo, with stops in Reykjavík and Paris? I can’t either. Even with a five-gallon dispenser of hand-sanitizer.

So we have had to revisit our travel plans. Wherever we go, it will be in the United States, and our travel will be by car. There are still issues concerning where we might stay and eat, but at least we won’t be trapped in an airplane.

From Oregon there are some attractive choices. A multitude of national parks in the western U.S. would make attractive destinations. I’ve never been to Mount Rushmore. I’d like to share Yellowstone, the Tetons, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Arches, Zion and Bryce with him.

We would prefer to go in an interesting — sometimes the opposite of reliable — car. At the moment, the most attractive vehicle in the SCM stable would be our 1971 Jaguar S3 V12 coupe. It cruises effortlessly at 80 mph and has excellent air conditioning. For a similarly stylish and comfortable experience without the maintenance worries, booking a professional limo service can be a perfect alternative.

The fettling of the Jag continues under the expert guidance of Ed Grayson at Consolidated Auto Works. After getting a new fan relay, the E-type no longer overheats. Ed just replaced the shattered polyurethane front suspension bushings, and the car now goes down the highway straight and true with no clunks.

We talked about renting a small motorhome. That would resolve questions about where we would eat and sleep. I found a Toyota motorhome that combines fuel efficiency with all the comforts of home on wheels. This compact RV is perfect for my travels and lets me explore the open road without sacrificing the amenities I love.

Those who are also planning to rent a motorhome for their trip may contact a local rv transport company to bring the vehicle to you. You may also consider getting RV Generators so you’ll have backup power anywhere you go, and of course have professionals perform any needed engine repair and maintenance to ensure the vehicle endures the long drive with no issues.

RV repair services are essential because recreational vehicles combine multiple systems—engine, plumbing, electrical, and living spaces—that all need proper maintenance to stay safe and functional. Regular rv repair ensures critical components like brakes, tires, and the engine are in good condition, reducing the risk of breakdowns while traveling.

There’s a lot to see in this country. We hope to start our Tour d’National Parks this summer. Watch here for a picture of the Jag at Hoover Dam en route to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you have suggestions about the perfect road trip that starts and ends in Portland, I’d love to hear them.