CPTBadAss and Dorkvader Roadtrip Across the USA [Writeup+Pics Completed]

[Melvang]

Hush children, just enjoy this place, such a lovely place.

Alright dad

[CPTBadAss]

I WILL TURN THIS THREAD AROUND IF YOU DON'T STOP ARGUING.

[IvanIvanovich]

I know you guys have a tight timetable to follow... but on your way you shouldn't miss seeing some of Americas most amazing crap! I always check out roadsideamerica and see what weird things I can stop by on my way.

[CPTBadAss]

Hehe but it's more fun to be spontaneous right? I'll check it out Ivan thanks!

Also, we might be taking a little detour to pickup some interesting keyboards. I'll have to see what Dorkvader wants to do hehe.

[dorkvader]

note that the traveling salesman problem is np hard

my suggestion for solving this instance is to take the equivalent game of sudoku and have cptbadass solve the sudoku problem while you drive back

I could probably do it too, I used to solve 12-20 sudoku puzzles daily.

If your travels bring you through Raleigh, NC, you are welcome to crash with me. I have plenty of room.

Raleigh isnt that far away, maybe I'll just visit you sometime

I got Monday and Tuesday off this week so I'll be in LA from 10/13 to 10/16. We're leaving LA on 10/17. Yes, I have the week off to hang out with GHers across the USA.

My plan is to fly in to LA early on 10:16 (like 10AM or so) spend the night, then leave somewhat early the next morning (as 10/16 will be a lengthy day, flight leaves at 5AM eastern!)

Shiiiiiiiit!
What makes Demi an Kawa so damn special? (fughetabout it...I already know)

I'd totally give Hashbazs' left nut to meet up with you, but he's a chump and won't give it up. Yea, I already asked him, says he needs it or some shizz like that.

I doubt I can come down from the bay area so I'm very bummed   I finally leave socal and you guys start making cool plans! As some of you know I'm making some long needed transitions so my time is not as free as previously. Absolutely my loss if I can't meet up with you at this time. If I can, I'll be in touch!

I'm trying to convince CPT to take a day trip to SF to visit you guys.

I know you guys have a tight timetable to follow... but on your way you shouldn't miss seeing some of Americas most amazing crap! I always check out roadsideamerica and see what weird things I can stop by on my way.

Nothing is set in stone yet! I'll have to take a look at that. Thanks for the tip, America has lots of crazy stuff! (For example, I just found out that my hometown of Danville, KY is home to a pretty sweet dollhouse museum that I got to go see once, when I came back to visit my brother.)

[CPTBadAss]

I'm trying to convince CPT to take a day trip to SF to visit you guys.

yo kawa, SF roadtrip to see the homies?

[IvanIvanovich]

It's more what is along the route we are going on (or not more than XX minutes out of the way, whatever is in reason or deemed worthwhile to go out of way for in some special cases) that we can stop at and have a laugh during a rest from driving. That's mostly what I like it for. Though I did once use it to do an entire vacation more or less, nothing but going to see zany crap. Good times.

[CPTBadAss]

Yeah that sounds awesome Ivan. I'll have to check it out once the plans are a bit more set and I'll take pictures of the World's Largest Boot or whatever we find  )

[dorkvader]

Right now, I'm looking up times between places, odessa is 15 hours from LA, and tennessee is 15 hours from there, so we could, in theory, just drive to odessa the first day, sleep there, and hang out for part of the morning. I don't think driving from odessa to tennessee is a good idea to do in one day, so we'll have to look for a place to stop on the way.

Then, if I can get Sunday off, I should be able to drive to TN and either spend the night there or in Cincinnati, and make a leisurely drive home on Sunday.

Still a very rough sketch, but it looks like we'll probably be either getting into odessa very late to meet up early the next day, or we'll find someplace to stop between LA and odessa and then get into odessa early-mid the next day. Know any good breakfast places near there?

It's more what is along the route we are going on (or not more than XX minutes out of the way, whatever is in reason or deemed worthwhile to go out of way for in some special cases) that we can stop at and have a laugh during a rest from driving. That's mostly what I like it for. Though I did once use it to do an entire vacation more or less, nothing but going to see zany crap. Good times.

I plan to take frequent breaks (that are short if necessary) and your tool still sounds great for that.

[esoomenona]

That site will be helpful for me. Check out a bunch of stuff when I'm done with work for the day.

I wonder if there is a site similar that shows parks and nature-related things. Those are my favorite things to see when traveling.

[CPTBadAss]

We need to talk to jdcarpe then because I told him we'd be spending the night. He has to work and do things you know?

I'm sure Halverson would let us stay at his home in Nevada if we did decide to stop.

Food? We got Yelp baby

That site will be helpful for me. Check out a bunch of stuff when I'm done with work for the day.

I wonder if there is a site similar that shows parks and nature-related things. Those are my favorite things to see when traveling.

Some of the pics I've seen from your travels look incredible. Very jealous.

[Input Nirvana]

I'm quite the veteran of cross country trips, I'm all too familiar with the constraints and wants/needs/desires. Tough scheduling for certain. I've almost always overbooked, and sometimes didn't make it all, but have NEVER regretted "doing too much". It's always been more rewarding than playing conservative. But that's just me. Just consider how overall difficult it is to take meandering trips, regarding the time and money expense. You might as well get as much in as possible, even at the expense of the slightly more extended quality time. My reasoning: Usually the point is to see and experience and meet as much as possible so you grow and can make more informed decisions for the future. <are you getting the not-so-subtle-nudge?>

[CPTBadAss]

DONT TELL ME WHAT TO DO INPUT, I DO WHAT I WANT.

* CPTBadAss considers IN's wise knowledge

[jdcarpe]

What kind of car are you guys traveling in?

[CalmB4tehPwn]

Any chance of swinging by RoK?

In all seriousness, though, ya'll are just making me even more homesick than I was.
One day I'll be back in MN and able to do all this fun stuff again

[CPTBadAss]

Sorry calmb4 =(

And jdcarpe, were rocking an Acura RSX

[Shadovved]

Any chance of swinging by my place? ) )

I suppose it'll add to the time and cost by a significant amount...... 

[Input Nirvana]

DONT TELL ME WHAT TO DO INPUT, I DO WHAT I WANT.

* CPTBadAss considers IN's wise knowledge

I see you managed to see through my so covertly delivered message. Good. I figured you're too busy chasing hookers and cocaine to notice.

SF bay is a premier area for many, many reasons. That's why I came here from San Diego. At some point, if at all possible it would really be an important "hit on your list". Ya gotta see it, really you do. I strongly recommend this to everyone. You'll love it or hate it...very polarizing. Isn't' that what life experiences should do? LOL And, there are a couple GH'ers that are relocating here from socal...just some additional info. Not to mention there are quite a few GH'ers here.

Enough selling on my part, you guys have a great trip planned regardless, and that's what life is all about. Experiencing and sharing. Very cool.


(A couple years ago, someone was trying to make a map with pins, when you scrolled over the pins, it would have the name of the GH'er that was in that area...dunno whatever happened to that idea. It seemed fun.)

[CPTBadAss]

Shadovved, maybe next year when I go to HK. And IN, I've always wanted to go to SF but I doubt we're going this time. It will probably have to wait for another trip.

[mkawa]

yah, time is too tight this time. we'd drive six hours up to south bay, have 6 hours to hang out then spend 6 hours driving back down

and we'd still miss everyone in sf proper.

besides, you norcal people are all coming to keycon west in irvine RIGHT?

[tjcaustin]

yah, time is too tight this time. we'd drive six hours up to south bay, have 6 hours to hang out then spend 6 hours driving back down

and we'd still miss everyone in sf proper.

besides, you norcal people are all coming to keycon west in irvine RIGHT?

It's Keycon West Side Story.

Geez

[Shadovved]

Shadovved, maybe next year when I go to HK. And IN, I've always wanted to go to SF but I doubt we're going this time. It will probably have to wait for another trip.

Oh maaaan. HK. I went twice, I think I still have more on my to-eat-list. 

[Input Nirvana]

Screw South Bay. SF proper is where it's at!

No matter, I've always thought it would be cool for NorCal and SoCal to meet up in SLO or something in the middle. Maybe someday. I'm all about fun.

Key com will need to happen for me. Maybe can carpool a bunch of peeps.

[cactux]

R u planing to do a world wide tour ?

[cactux]

.

[CPTBadAss]

Keycon West. Not West Side Story tj. Get outta the thread! . But I'll be at Keycon West as long as it isnt while I'm supposed to be in Hong Kong.

Worldwide tour? I've been thinking of visiting Europe and my boy Tipo33 in Italy. And HK next year maybe I can visit someone like Shadovved. Oh and I need to make a return to the motherland (East Coast forever <3, 518 represent!) So I might do that.

We'll see how everything works out though.

[Shadovved]

Keycon West. Not West Side Story tj. Get outta the thread! . But I'll be at Keycon West as long as it isnt while I'm supposed to be in Hong Kong.

Worldwide tour? I've been thinking of visiting Europe and my boy Tipo33 in Italy. And HK next year maybe I can visit someone like Shadovved. Oh and I need to make a return to the motherland (East Coast forever <3, 518 represent!) So I might do that.

We'll see how everything works out though.

I'll be in US soon enough if my grades can make it.....or else, you should stop over at JP instead )

Let's go crazy fooding!

[CPTBadAss]

Actually we're definitely doing Hong Kong and Tokyo

And I will be eating my face off Shadovved hehe

[Input Nirvana]

I love HK. I wish I was there right now.
Truly an international place. A worldwide hub.

[tjcaustin]

Keycon West. Not West Side Story tj. Get outta the thread! . But I'll be at Keycon West as long as it isnt while I'm supposed to be in Hong Kong.

Worldwide tour? I've been thinking of visiting Europe and my boy Tipo33 in Italy. And HK next year maybe I can visit someone like Shadovved. Oh and I need to make a return to the motherland (East Coast forever <3, 518 represent!) So I might do that.

We'll see how everything works out though.

* tjcaustin shrugs

It's West Side Story.

[dorkvader]

Worldwide tour? I've been thinking of visiting Europe and my boy Tipo33 in Italy.

Make sure to visit Matt3o while you're there.

[CPTBadAss]

That too haha. I was going to try and catch him while he was stateside but the times arent going to line up.

[cactux]

If you stop by I will take you to eat a nice kangaroo stake ;-)

[CPTBadAss]

So some real talk: I'm going to be in LA for a few days. What should I eat while I'm there? And what should we do there besides nerd out and meet other GHers?

[sherryton]

If you are into Asian food, there's a ton great KBBQ's.  Or you can hit mimic's favorite spot at Boiling Crab.

[CPTBadAss]

I'm *very* into Asian food. I haven't had kbbq in so long....I want some bad now haha. I was hoping to get some ramen and maybe pho while I was in town too.

[sherryton]

For pho, you should go to the 626 area or Westminister!  For ramen, people like Daikoukya.

[jdcarpe]

When I lived in Hawaii, I used to eat at Curry House CoCo Ichibanya once a week. They have locations in the LA area.

Chicken Katsu Curry with Cheese

http://www.ichibanyausa.com/location.html

[sherryton]

When I lived in Hawaii, I used to eat at Curry House CoCo Ichibanya once a week. They have locations in the LA area.

Chicken Katsu Curry with Cheese

http://www.ichibanyausa.com/location.html

:O

Nothing beats Curry House CoCo, I swear.  The locations in LA are a little different.  They are just called Curry House, but it's not the same store.  It tastes almost the same, but I prefer Curry House CoCo hands down.

Edit: Wait, I am wrong.  The Curry House I go to is this one http://www.curryhouse-usa.com/default.aspx.  It's pretty similar.  I have to try the Curry House CoCo on the mainland.

[CPTBadAss]

For pho, you should go to the 626 area or Westminister!  For ramen, people like Daikoukya.

What about kbbq?

When I lived in Hawaii, I used to eat at Curry House CoCo Ichibanya once a week. They have locations in the LA area.

Chicken Katsu Curry with Cheese

http://www.ichibanyausa.com/location.html

:O

Nothing beats Curry House CoCo, I swear.  The locations in LA are a little different.  They are just called Curry House, but it's not the same store.  It tastes almost the same, but I prefer Curry House CoCo hands down.

Edit: Wait, I am wrong.  The Curry House I go to is this one http://www.curryhouse-usa.com/default.aspx.  It's pretty similar.  I have to try the Curry House CoCo on the mainland.

I ate a lot of curry in Japan. And I liked it so much that I learned how to make it at home. I do miss well made tonkatsu though.

[jdcarpe]

You guys are making me hungry. AND THERE IS NO CURRY HOUSE COCO WITHIN 1000 MILES.

[sherryton]

For pho, you should go to the 626 area or Westminister!  For ramen, people like Daikoukya.

What about kbbq?

When I lived in Hawaii, I used to eat at Curry House CoCo Ichibanya once a week. They have locations in the LA area.

Chicken Katsu Curry with Cheese

http://www.ichibanyausa.com/location.html

:O

Nothing beats Curry House CoCo, I swear.  The locations in LA are a little different.  They are just called Curry House, but it's not the same store.  It tastes almost the same, but I prefer Curry House CoCo hands down.

Edit: Wait, I am wrong.  The Curry House I go to is this one http://www.curryhouse-usa.com/default.aspx.  It's pretty similar.  I have to try the Curry House CoCo on the mainland.

I ate a lot of curry in Japan. And I liked it so much that I learned how to make it at home. I do miss well made tonkatsu though.

It is easy to make, but it doesnt taste the same...  I'm not sure why.  They add just a little thing extra at the restaurant that makes it taste better.

For Korean BBQ,  I recommend Hae Jang Chon.  The price is kind of high, but they make some kimchi fried rice for you at the end.  For high class KBBQ, go to Kang hodong.  The problem with this place is it's not All You Can Eat.

If you are on a budget somewhat, then go to Castle II.  It is $9.99 All You Can Eat.  Their salad is great...

You guys are making me hungry. AND THERE IS NO CURRY HOUSE COCO WITHIN 1000 MILES.

Where did you use to live in Hawai'i?

[jdcarpe]

Where did you use to live in Hawai'i?

I lived on O'ahu. 1 year at Hickam AFB; 1 year in Honolulu, right across from Aloha Stadium, behind Stadium Mall; 1 year in Mililani.

[mashby]

CPTBadAss -- you better be driving back a food truck when you drive back from LA, because all this food sounds amazingly delicious and I want some!

[CPTBadAss]

Food truck sounds way better than my current job. I'd invest in one of those

[metalliqaz]

Did someone say NYC?

[CPTBadAss]

Not in this current trip. *Maybe* during the holiday season.

[CPTBadAss]

OK kids, OP is update to show our time line. Also its here:

-Update 10/3/13: Ok here's the plan tentatively, all times in EST for now

• 10/13/13 Sunday - 10/15/13 Tuesday: I fly into LA on Sunday and hang out with some LA kids
• 10/16/13 Wednesday: Dorkvader arrives, we do car things and then hang out.
• 10/17/13 Thursday - We leave from LA around 8 am and drive to Las Cruses, New Mexico. Looking like a 12 hour drive. We won't be stopping to visit anyone since there's no one on the way.
• 10/18/13 Friday - We're stopping in Odessa, TX to meet with JD for lunch (Noon-ish). Then staying in a hotel in Dallas for the night. We'll be shooting for an arrival time in Dallas at 6 pm. We'll be spending the night there and we have all evening so this is probably the best place for a proper meetup.
• 10/19/13 Saturday - Leaving Dallas at 8 am at the earliest and then driving to Nashville to have dinner with Mashby. Aiming to get into Nashville around 6 pm and leaving around 8 pm to arrive in Cincinnati by midnight.

Mashby and JD, are we still ok with hanging out? Unfortunately, we won't be spending the night at JDs

Anyone near Dallas or can get there should meet us there because we'll have the most time to spend there.

To everyone who we aren't going to pass or be near, I'm sorry. I will try and meet all you beautiful people another time.

[sherryton]

Don't forget to stop by Los Pollos Hermanos in New Mexico!

[mkawa]

i heard tj and dv were going to compare feet. true or false?