Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #1 Posted September 20, 2021 I spend a lot of time with my wife. We are like two peas in a pod. I recently scheduled to take my final week of vacation the first week of October. Basically I'm burned out and both my wife and I agree that we could use a break from one another. I could go visit my friend in Baltimore but that'd literally take 2 full days of travel to get there and back and would be costlier. I could also fly south to the warmer weather but that little getaway now is starting to pile up the expenses when you consider airfare, lodging, car rental, food, and entertainment for 3 or 4 days. Staying home is not a vacation because all I ever do is spend time in my home. Heading into the Cascades at this time of year is an option but probably not ideal since outdoor sports in the cold rain (most likely) isn't my cup of tea. I'm thinking about heading out to one of the San Juan Islands for about $90 a night at a rustic inn on or near one of the secluded island marinas. The whole thing would put the 4 nights around $400 plus a $50 ferry ride. So going to Orcas Island would cost me about $600 total for 4 nights, and the ferry terminal is probably about 40 miles from here instead of thousands of miles to fly somewhere. Expensive but a whole lot easier and cheaper than going to the airport during covid. Plus my wife could join me after a night or two. But I think $600 smackaroos is a lot when considering I could just hit all the local coffee shops here, smell the coffee, figure out where the hell I'm at in my life, figure out where I want to go, and hang out at local parks (and we've got some great ones here) here in town if I wanted.... but I wouldn't exactly call that a vacation either. In fact, that's more the same. If this were the summer, I'd plan a bike ride across the state -- but not in October. How much would you pay for 4 nights for a getaway primarily for yourself? Now think about those 4 nights in the dank and dark Pacific Northwest fall season when outdoor recreation is going to be a challenge. Not impossible but it would also not surprise me if we had 4 straight days of heavy downpour either. I see taking my laptop (surfing only), going into the small towns and marinas for coffee and meals, bringing a book, maybe do some journaling, etc... reading and snoozing. Essentially the goal is to unwind. It's a long damn work year and I gotsta fill my sails every now or then or life gets ugly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parr8hed Posted September 20, 2021 Share #2 Posted September 20, 2021 That's a tough one. Travel can be done much cheaper if you try. Look into air b&b's. We have had great luck with them. Rent a camper? Go get lost somewhere in the camper. Take a bike. Go rent a yak and paddle a river or creek for a bit? Or take the wife and do something completely different that you guys would never normally do. Might give you a new perspective on each other. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddmaxx ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #3 Posted September 20, 2021 $229 for a DRK drag racing speed control. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #4 Posted September 20, 2021 2 hours ago, Dottles said: How much would you pay for 4 nights for a getaway primarily for yourself? Me? No kids, no bills, no responsibilities? As much as I want. But you have to be realistic and tie it to your cicurmstances. If I had a week off, I'd take a WEEK off. Maximize the time off, and since travel (usually airfare) is almost a fixed cost - ie $500 whether for 2 days or 7 days - might as well go for the max time possible. There are lots of pleasant places you could visit for a week - from camping in an NP to just a hotel at a beach or a trip to the CO mountains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted September 20, 2021 Share #5 Posted September 20, 2021 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #6 Posted September 20, 2021 I would try to find an air bnb with a good view somewhere close. Stock up on groceries and good coffee. Get some books, your hiking shoes and a comfortable bike and head out. Read, ride, eat, rinse, repeat, 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikeguy Posted September 20, 2021 Share #7 Posted September 20, 2021 3 hours ago, Dottles said: If this were the summer, I'd plan a bike ride across the state -- but not in October. https://www.rei.com/product/175338/rei-co-op-junction-cycling-rain-jacket-mens I used to ride, just about all year, as long as the temps were above 32 and there was no snow or ice on the roads. I got older... (not necessarily smarter) and don't ride over the winter much. How could can it get there in October? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisL Posted September 20, 2021 Share #8 Posted September 20, 2021 I have spent upwards of $600 on fishing trips with my cousins and once by myself. It’s worth it. My wife has also gone to visit her family by herself to get away from the kids for a few days. Airfare was less than that but still spendy to fly coast to coast. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted September 20, 2021 Share #9 Posted September 20, 2021 As long as you have the cash for it and don't need to finance through credit cards (and for this calculation assume Mrs Dottles is going to spend the same amount that you do for herself), then I wouldn't worry too much. Sometimes even a short break can be very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoseySusan Posted September 20, 2021 Share #10 Posted September 20, 2021 $600 seems reasonable for an Orcas getaway. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingstar Posted September 20, 2021 Share #11 Posted September 20, 2021 I can imagine the threat of some rain at this time is real. So if that happens on San Juan islands, as long as you and wifey figure out some different activities....just in case. It's a reasonable vacation, Dottles given the circumstances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #12 Posted September 20, 2021 I would maybe drive to Oklahoma and find something overlooking a river or a lake. Or go sailing, but that is work. If money were not an option, I would find a train with a dining car, a bar car and sleeper cars and one of those two stories glass topped cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petitepedal ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #13 Posted September 20, 2021 If it is in the budget..do it...I just purchased a treadmill...for my health and sanity... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #14 Posted September 20, 2021 9 minutes ago, jsharr said: Or go sailing, but that is work. Under $2k gets him and his wife a super easy and relaxing trip to Alaska and glaciers - all food, drinks, travel, and entertainment included. Almost literally out his front door. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #15 Posted September 20, 2021 1 minute ago, Razors Edge said: Under $2k gets him and his wife a super easy and relaxing trip to Alaska and glaciers - all food, drinks, travel, and entertainment included. Are they going to be crewing on a tramp steamer? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #16 Posted September 20, 2021 2 minutes ago, jsharr said: Are they going to be crewing on a tramp steamer? I wonder what a week on a Deadliest Catch boat pays? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parr8hed Posted September 20, 2021 Share #17 Posted September 20, 2021 Just now, Razors Edge said: I wonder what a week on a Deadliest Catch boat pays? not enough 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Parsnip Totin Jack ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Popular Post Share #18 Posted September 20, 2021 Mental health benefits are priceless. Drop the cash and skeedaddle up to the San Juans. Kayak, bike, stay indoors if it rains. Peace and quiet will recharge your soul. Isn’t that what you’re looking for? Bring the Carolina Reapers with you in case you get bored 😂 2 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrapr ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #19 Posted September 20, 2021 Orcas Orcas Orcas 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkpow Posted September 20, 2021 Share #20 Posted September 20, 2021 Go fishing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilbur ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #21 Posted September 20, 2021 What brings you peace in solitude? Do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12string Posted September 20, 2021 Share #22 Posted September 20, 2021 Most of the local hookers already have the motel room priced in, but if you're not careful you could still spend more than $600 when adding in the blow. But that should get you a little time away from your wife. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Kosciuszko Posted September 20, 2021 Share #23 Posted September 20, 2021 6 hours ago, Dottles said: I see taking my laptop Leave the laptop home. Instead, use the laptop before you leave to map out all the interesting places you want to visit, wherever you end up. Then take the time you would have spent on the laptop and instead spend it going to all those places. Part of 'recharging' is creating a different routine for a few days. Leaving the laptop behind and getting less screen time will help you feel more like you're getting away from your routine daily cycle. And, odds are the world isn't going to go too far to hell in a handbasket if you don't have instantaneous access to what's is going on back in the real world. If a zombie apocalypse does occur, you can deal with it when you get back. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #24 Posted September 20, 2021 5 hours ago, Bikeguy said: https://www.rei.com/product/175338/rei-co-op-junction-cycling-rain-jacket-mens I used to ride, just about all year, as long as the temps were above 32 and there was no snow or ice on the roads. I got older... (not necessarily smarter) and don't ride over the winter much. How could can it get there in October? I have the great rain gear too. But I've gotten fatter and that shit is ripping at the seams and I'm not going to invest in more, expensive rain gear. I also don't ride in plastic ponchos. I'm about 10/15 pounds off from being back to where I was. So chalk this up to being more motivation to get off my phat arse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #25 Posted September 20, 2021 Just now, Dottles said: I have the great rain gear too. But I've gotten fatter and that shit is ripping at the seams and I'm not going to invest in more, expensive rain gear. I also don't ride in plastic ponchos. So what did you decide to do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #26 Posted September 20, 2021 3 hours ago, Wilbur said: What brings you peace in solitude? Do that. Beauty, forest, ocean and coffee -- almost like a trip to the San Juans! I like your thinking. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #27 Posted September 20, 2021 2 hours ago, Thaddeus Kosciuszko said: Leave the laptop home. Instead, use the laptop before you leave to map out all the interesting places you want to visit, wherever you end up. Then take the time you would have spent on the laptop and instead spend it going to all those places. Part of 'recharging' is creating a different routine for a few days. Leaving the laptop behind and getting less screen time will help you feel more like you're getting away from your routine daily cycle. And, odds are the world isn't going to go too far to hell in a handbasket if you don't have instantaneous access to what's is going on back in the real world. If a zombie apocalypse does occur, you can deal with it when you get back. I was debating the laptop. I'd like to leave my phone at home too and just get off the grid entirely. But I'll need it, no doubt, to communicate with my wife to go pick her up at the ferry terminal, etc if needed. I like your thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #28 Posted September 20, 2021 2 minutes ago, Razors Edge said: So what did you decide to do? Still deciding as I need to speak to my friend in Baltimore -- but I'm pretty sure I'm not heading out that way. He's really a great chap and I seldom get the opportunity to go that way (it's been almost 15 years since I made the last trip) but Baltimore is not going to fill my sails. I'm thinking the San Juan Islands because they're not far away, yet totally remote, and there's plenty of hiking/exploring and/or island hopping to do. Once you ferry out to the islands, inter-island rides are free. That means Orcas Island, San Juan Island, Shaw Island, and Lopez Island. Plus my wife could come and visit me. And I could stay there for the cost of an airplane ticket to the East Coast. If I go south, my wife would want and deserve to go with me. So I keep it local methinks. Why?? Are you asking me out on a date? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #29 Posted September 20, 2021 1 minute ago, Dottles said: Why?? Are you asking me out on a date? I worry about you! Out there on the west coast surrounded by maniacs!!!!! Lucky, you're not down near @denniS where you would have to fear wild life and maniacs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bikeguy Posted September 20, 2021 Share #30 Posted September 20, 2021 1 minute ago, Dottles said: Still deciding as I need to speak to my friend in Baltimore -- but I'm pretty sure I'm not heading out that way. He's really a great chap and I seldom get the opportunity to go that way (it's been almost 15 years since I made the last trip) but Baltimore is not going to fill my sails. I'm thinking the San Juan Islands because they're not far away, yet totally remote, and there's plenty of hiking/exploring and/or island hopping to do. Once you ferry out to the islands, inter-island rides are free. That means Orcas Island, San Juan Island, Shaw Island, and Lopez Island. Plus my wife could come and visit me. And I could stay there for the cost of an airplane ticket to the East Coast. If I go south, my wife would want and deserve to go with me. So I keep it local methinks. So you find a place (Orcas Island, San Juan Island, Shaw Island, and Lopez Island).... convince your friend to visit you on the island for a few days. Then have your wife come over for the last few days. And leave the laptop at home... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #31 Posted September 20, 2021 20 minutes ago, Razors Edge said: I worry about you! Out there on the west coast surrounded by maniacs!!!!! Lucky, you're not down near @denniS where you would have to fear wild life and maniacs. So I thought you moved out to California? If you're out here -- no wonder we get a bad name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisL Posted September 20, 2021 Share #32 Posted September 20, 2021 7 minutes ago, Dottles said: So I thought you moved out to California? If you're out here -- no wonder we get a bad name. He was only out west for a few months sorting out family affairs. If you noticed a disturbance in the force earlier this year it was Tom…. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinneR ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Share #33 Posted September 20, 2021 Do it. Rent a place on Orca or SJ, take a bike, a book, and have a great week. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Kosciuszko Posted September 20, 2021 Share #34 Posted September 20, 2021 2 hours ago, Dottles said: I like your thinking. Uh oh... I didn't realize it was contagious. PM me, and I'll give you the name of my really good, expensive psychologist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #35 Posted September 20, 2021 1 hour ago, Thaddeus Kosciuszko said: Uh oh... I didn't realize it was contagious. PM me, and I'll give you the name of my really good, expensive psychologist. If you've ever had a really good psychologist -- you know AA group therapy programs are bullshit. Now, where the hell is my drink?!?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #36 Posted September 20, 2021 3 hours ago, ChrisL said: He was only out west for a few months sorting out family affairs. If you noticed a disturbance in the force earlier this year it was Tom…. Did you two actually ever hook up? You don't have to share the steamy stuff here -- you can PM me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 20, 2021 Author Share #37 Posted September 20, 2021 8 hours ago, Kirby said: As long as you have the cash for it and don't need to finance through credit cards (and for this calculation assume Mrs Dottles is going to spend the same amount that you do for herself), then I wouldn't worry too much. Sometimes even a short break can be very helpful. Maybe. The cash thing will be close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisL Posted September 21, 2021 Share #38 Posted September 21, 2021 3 hours ago, Dottles said: Did you two actually ever hook up? You don't have to share the steamy stuff here -- you can PM me. No, but no drama or steamy details to share. The newb never had time for me…. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted September 21, 2021 Share #39 Posted September 21, 2021 1 hour ago, ChrisL said: No, but no drama or steamy details to share. The newb never had time for me…. the cheese/sw story all over again! Some of us forumites really suck at meetups! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 21, 2021 Author Share #40 Posted September 21, 2021 3 hours ago, ChrisL said: No, but no drama or steamy details to share. The newb never had time for me…. @Razors Edge is a dolt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 21, 2021 Author Share #41 Posted September 21, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BuffJim Posted September 21, 2021 Popular Post Share #42 Posted September 21, 2021 I take road trips quite often. Just left for one yesterday. Over 600 miles so far. Stay in decent but modest motels when traveling by myself. BuffCarla and my daughter prefer more upscale joints, Hampton Inns or Marriot/ Hilton’s. I’ll pay over $200 per night for some of them, but my annual solo trip I shoot for $100 or so. The mountains here in Vermont and New Hampshire are spectacular. One night in Johnstown NY, 2 nights in Gorham NH and two in Stowe VT. Just got to Gorham. Took 2 one hour walks today, and spent about 20 minutes checking work e-mails. Not a bad ratio. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longjohn ★ Posted September 21, 2021 Share #43 Posted September 21, 2021 Quote You're stressed, you need a break, you feel spiritually depleted, etc... how much would you spend? I spent $5,200 dollars on a pretty bike. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 21, 2021 Author Share #44 Posted September 21, 2021 1 hour ago, Longjohn said: I spent $5,200 dollars on a pretty bike. You earned that as well as an e-bike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 21, 2021 Author Share #45 Posted September 21, 2021 But if I eat all those peppers, you need to buy me one 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Further Posted September 21, 2021 Share #46 Posted September 21, 2021 5 minutes ago, Dottles said: But if I eat all those peppers, you need to buy me one If you eat all those peppers I don't think you'll be sitting a bicycle saddle for quite awhile... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted September 22, 2021 Author Share #47 Posted September 22, 2021 What do you guys think about this dump? I found it on Whidbey Island. It's 50 bucks more a night but I could shave off a night and keep it under $500. A shorter trip means less food/entertainment costs too. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48944109/photos?check_in=2021-10-03&check_out=2021-10-06&federated_search_id=0672d76a-8fd9-4f50-99e7-76f74c2b28ea&source_impression_id=p3_1632340140_lRnaQ1dwNUy23QYx&guests=1&adults=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razors Edge ★ Posted September 22, 2021 Share #48 Posted September 22, 2021 1 minute ago, Dottles said: What do you guys think about this dump? I found it on Whidbey Island. It's 50 bucks more a night but I could shave off a night and keep it under $500. A shorter trip means less food/entertainment costs too. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48944109/photos?check_in=2021-10-03&check_out=2021-10-06&federated_search_id=0672d76a-8fd9-4f50-99e7-76f74c2b28ea&source_impression_id=p3_1632340140_lRnaQ1dwNUy23QYx&guests=1&adults=1 Why shorten it? I say LENGTHEN it. Does he come with the deal? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrapr ★ Posted September 22, 2021 Share #49 Posted September 22, 2021 Similar to @BuffJim trail. We watched Rick Steves recount his travels (1970's) of the hippie trail. It was pretty interesting. Plus Rick is pretty close to you @Dottles. I put on my tie dye for the occasion Istanbul-Turkey-Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India-Nepal 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffJim Posted September 22, 2021 Share #50 Posted September 22, 2021 Someone posted an account of two guys who rode from France to their childhood school in India. Pretty fascinating. Takes a lot of cojones to ride through Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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