Texas Road Trip

by **Dukasaur** on Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:02 am

Well, I've been working almost non-stop since the snow started around January 3rd. Seven consecutive weeks over 70 hours -- almost like two full-time jobs.

Owe myself a little vacation, taking a week-and-a-half off.

Going down to Texas. Will I be able to keep my mouth shut long enough to not have some Trumpist shoot me? I hope so. Stay tuned...

by **TeeGee** on Fri Feb 28, 2025 5:38 am

Hope they don't arrest you at the border.. Good luck!

by **KoolBak** on Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:00 pm

Texans are cool manno. If you're going to enjoy yourself....if you're going to be a prick, anyone will treat you like one. If you're going to flex your rainbow flag and questionable sexuality, go to fucking Portland (OR)....it's a complete shit hole :lol:

If you go to Dallas, see if Dallas Alley is still open...a ton of great bars all together.

I think in Fort Worth, there was a great bar called Filthy McNastys :lol:

And everyone drives like 100 mph...crazy

PS...focusing on negativity fosters more....tired of the Trump whining, truly ...

by **Dukasaur** on Fri Feb 28, 2025 9:15 pm

TeeGee wrote:Hope they don't arrest you at the border.. Good luck!

Wasn't too worried about being arrested at the border, but I was slightly worried about being arrested just after the border. Our New York State Thruway bill was delinquent, didn't know if there's be a trooper dispatched after we passed the first scanner, but apparently not.

KoolBak wrote:Texans are cool manno. If you're going to enjoy yourself....if you're going to be a prick, anyone will treat you like one. If you're going to flex your rainbow flag and questionable sexuality, go to fucking Portland (OR)....it's a complete shit hole

Lol, what makes you think I have a rainbow flag?

Well, day one is done. Knocked off the first 15 or 16 hours of the 30-hour drive. Got as far as Nashville, pretty much where I expected to get.

No big stories, not surprising since we spent most of the day on the highway. But did have one unpleasant encounter. Had dinner at Long John Silver's in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Turned the wrong way coming out of Silver's. Realized I had to go the other way to get back on the highway, pulled a quick U-turn. There was a pickup coming down the road, he was far, far away, not in any danger whatsoever, but he still felt it necessary to lean on his horn and blast it all the way until he passed me. And, a kid in the passenger felt it necessary to lean out the window and make the stupid thing with the thumb and forefinger mimicking shooting at me. Completely pointless exchange, just needless toxicity.

by **mookiemcgee** on Fri Feb 28, 2025 10:12 pm

What part of the state are you heading to? Highly recommend stocking up on liquor/beer/wine at a Spec's location.

I've grown to love Houston, one of America's most underrated cities.

by **jusplay4fun** on Fri Feb 28, 2025 10:59 pm

Dukasaur wrote:Well, I've been working almost non-stop since the snow started around January 3rd. Seven consecutive weeks over 70 hours -- almost like two full-time jobs.

Owe myself a little vacation, taking a week-and-a-half off.

Going down to Texas. Will I be able to keep my mouth shut long enough to not have some Trumpist shoot me? I hope so. Stay tuned...

I am curious, Duk: why Texas and not somewhere else?

by **mookiemcgee** on Fri Feb 28, 2025 11:10 pm

Dukasaur wrote:
KoolBak wrote:Texans are cool manno. If you're going to enjoy yourself....if you're going to be a prick, anyone will treat you like one. If you're going to flex your rainbow flag and questionable sexuality, go to fucking Portland (OR)....it's a complete shit hole

Lol, what makes you think I have a rainbow flag?

In the spirit of Koolbak's post, I'd strongly advise you NOT to attempt to get an abortion while you are there either.

by **Dukasaur** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 4:56 am

jusplay4fun wrote:
Dukasaur wrote:Well, I've been working almost non-stop since the snow started around January 3rd. Seven consecutive weeks over 70 hours -- almost like two full-time jobs.

Owe myself a little vacation, taking a week-and-a-half off.

Going down to Texas. Will I be able to keep my mouth shut long enough to not have some Trumpist shoot me? I hope so. Stay tuned...

I am curious, Duk: why Texas and not somewhere else?

My wife's parents have a trailer down in Brownsville, which is where they winter. So it's a cheap vacation. Just gas, food, and a couple quick motel sleeps along the way.

by **Dukasaur** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 5:00 am

One thing that surprised me was the speed of the temperature gradient.

It was -1 when we left, and it stayed -1 through Buffalo, Erie, and Cleveland.

But as soon as we crossed the hump, the temperature started rising rapidly. By the time we hit Cincinnati, it was nine degrees. By the time we hit Nashville, it was 15. (70 for you Fahrenheit people). Slept with the window open. Obviously expected it would get warmer as we went south, but not expecting this steep a gradient. Haven't encountered this on previous trips.

by **ConfederateSS** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 5:14 am

Dukasaur wrote:One thing that surprised me was the speed of the temperature gradient.

It was -1 when we left, and it stayed -1 through Buffalo, Erie, and Cleveland.

But as soon as we crossed the hump, the temperature started rising rapidly. By the time we hit Cincinnati, it was nine degrees. By the time we hit Nashville, it was 15. (70 for you Fahrenheit people). Slept with the window open. Obviously expected it would get warmer as we went south, but not expecting this steep a gradient. Haven't encountered this on previous trips.

-------You should of stayed in Canada longer.... Cleveland (The Mistake on the Lake)...You could of drove to Windsor...Hopped over the Ambassador Bridge...I could of dropped off some Detroit special Hardware

... Your days in Texas would be a breeze....Unlike Canada....Hand Guns are not forbidden....Kids here make them on their 3d printers now...
---------- As Jp4fun and I, try and gaze at Northern skies for stars and things....When you get there DUK...Look up.....THE STARS AT NIGHT...ARE BIG AND BRIGHT...DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS...Have fun in America DUK...Stay safe...Sleep with one eye open...

...

ConfederateSS.out!(The Blue and Silver Rebellion)... O:)

by **jusplay4fun** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 9:23 am

Dukasaur wrote:One thing that surprised me was the speed of the temperature gradient.

It was -1 when we left, and it stayed -1 through Buffalo, Erie, and Cleveland.

But as soon as we crossed the hump, the temperature started rising rapidly. By the time we hit Cincinnati, it was nine degrees. By the time we hit Nashville, it was 15. (70 for you Fahrenheit people). Slept with the window open. Obviously expected it would get warmer as we went south, but not expecting this steep a gradient. Haven't encountered this on previous trips.

I think you would notice this temperature gradient in the winter, being more sensitive to those temperatures as one comes out of winter (even if one stays in one place). What felt cold at 50F (10C) in the Fall now feels warm at 50F in the late winter.

Duk, Have you travelled in the summer from your home to the Southern USA? That may give you another perspective. It sounds like you have done so.

And to ConfedSS, I am trying to see more in the night sky. My daughter and family recently moved to the country and Orion (and other constellations and stars) is SO MUCH MORE visible there vs where I live in the city.

by **KoolBak** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 9:53 am

Dude ....re: the guy that honked.

U turns are illegal here. I get irate on the road when I see people breaking the law. It's so simple to change direction legally. Perhaps that was the case....seems very odd to generate anger otherwise....

by **jusplay4fun** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 12:52 pm

Dukasaur wrote:
jusplay4fun wrote:
Dukasaur wrote:Well, I've been working almost non-stop since the snow started around January 3rd. Seven consecutive weeks over 70 hours -- almost like two full-time jobs.

Owe myself a little vacation, taking a week-and-a-half off.

Going down to Texas. Will I be able to keep my mouth shut long enough to not have some Trumpist shoot me? I hope so. Stay tuned...

I am curious, Duk: why Texas and not somewhere else?

My wife's parents have a trailer down in Brownsville, which is where they winter. So it's a cheap vacation. Just gas, food, and a couple quick motel sleeps along the way.

Makes sense. Enjoy your well-deserved, well-earned vacation, Duk.

And be sure to SPEND lots of Canadian money

to prop up our Economy. We may need that if TARIFFS hurt the US Economy.

And to pass the time driving and riding, you can count Trump flags, banners, and signs as you make your way through Trump Country. There is a neighbor of mine that had a Trump Flag up at his house since 2022 or so. At one time he had a Trump like flag that Read Fraud 2020. (THAT, pee-rat, is a REAL MAGA Guy.) Another guy had a sign in his yard (since 2021 or so) that said, "Don't Blame me. I did not vote for that Idiot Biden." I also saw several signs before the Nov. Election that read "Trump President, Kamala Criminal" (using contrasting colors).

by **KoolBak** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 2:43 pm

Gods, can we just get on with our lives?

I didn't piss and cry when Obama and Biden were in :lol:

Have fun DoD!!

by **jusplay4fun** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 2:50 pm

KoolBak wrote:Gods, can we just get on with our lives?

I didn't piss and cry when Obama and Biden were in

Have fun DoD!!

Well said, DDS. Those Dem Liberals are a Bunch of Crybabies.

by **mookiemcgee** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 7:34 pm

Dukasaur wrote:
jusplay4fun wrote:
Dukasaur wrote:Well, I've been working almost non-stop since the snow started around January 3rd. Seven consecutive weeks over 70 hours -- almost like two full-time jobs.

Owe myself a little vacation, taking a week-and-a-half off.

Going down to Texas. Will I be able to keep my mouth shut long enough to not have some Trumpist shoot me? I hope so. Stay tuned...

I am curious, Duk: why Texas and not somewhere else?

My wife's parents have a trailer down in Brownsville, which is where they winter. So it's a cheap vacation. Just gas, food, and a couple quick motel sleeps along the way.

Oh wow, that's practically Mexico!

by **jusplay4fun** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 8:14 pm

mookiemcgee wrote:
Dukasaur wrote:
jusplay4fun wrote:
Dukasaur wrote:Well, I've been working almost non-stop since the snow started around January 3rd. Seven consecutive weeks over 70 hours -- almost like two full-time jobs.

Owe myself a little vacation, taking a week-and-a-half off.

Going down to Texas. Will I be able to keep my mouth shut long enough to not have some Trumpist shoot me? I hope so. Stay tuned...

I am curious, Duk: why Texas and not somewhere else?

My wife's parents have a trailer down in Brownsville, which is where they winter. So it's a cheap vacation. Just gas, food, and a couple quick motel sleeps along the way.

Oh wow, that's practically Mexico!

Don't cross THAT border, Duk, either way..!

by **jusplay4fun** on Sat Mar 01, 2025 11:52 pm

You can stop by here, Duk, to visit the pack rats.

Chaco Canyon National Historical Park is nestled deep in the Navajo Nation of modern-day New Mexico. Surrounded by desert and only accessible by unpaved roads, it usually receives fewer than 5000 visitors a month. But within this remote location, the ruins of a vanished civilization rise from the desert grasses. It was once the vibrant religious center of a Native American culture—one whose collapse long remained a mystery. (...)

Enter the pack rats. As the name suggests, these rodents are the original hoarders. They have bigger ears, furrier tails, and a greater love of shiny objects than others of their kind. Much of their time is spent collecting nearby items and bringing them home to eat, build with, or simply admire.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/how-pack-rats-solved-a-chaco-canyon-mystery/ar-AA1z4CPy?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=2110f535c1104f16a87bd3f58cc20671&ei=24

by **Dukasaur** on Sun Mar 02, 2025 12:22 am

KoolBak wrote:Dude ....re: the guy that honked.

U turns are illegal here. I get irate on the road when I see people breaking the law. It's so simple to change direction legally. Perhaps that was the case....seems very odd to generate anger otherwise....

Good hypothesis. Not correct, though. I know a lot of places used to outlaw U-turns, but Ohio isn't one of them. (Just looked it up)

Interestingly enough, you are in one of only two states (Missouri and Oregon) that still prohibit U-turns. There used to be a lot more... I know Michigan and New York were among them, but apparently not any more. See this cool map:https://matthewminer.name/data/maps/us-states/driving/u-turns

jusplay4fun wrote:
Dukasaur wrote:One thing that surprised me was the speed of the temperature gradient.

It was -1 when we left, and it stayed -1 through Buffalo, Erie, and Cleveland.

But as soon as we crossed the hump, the temperature started rising rapidly. By the time we hit Cincinnati, it was nine degrees. By the time we hit Nashville, it was 15. (70 for you Fahrenheit people). Slept with the window open. Obviously expected it would get warmer as we went south, but not expecting this steep a gradient. Haven't encountered this on previous trips.

I think you would notice this temperature gradient in the winter, being more sensitive to those temperatures as one comes out of winter (even if one stays in one place). What felt cold at 50F (10C) in the Fall now feels warm at 50F in the late winter.

Duk, Have you travelled in the summer from your home to the Southern USA? That may give you another perspective. It sounds like you have done so.

Oh yeah, I've been down in the summer heat. Maybe didn't notice it because summer-to-summer doesn't seem like such a gradient.

Or maybe it's just age. Has been 13 years since my last trip south. I have a lot more age-related irritations now.

jusplay4fun wrote:
mookiemcgee wrote:
Dukasaur wrote:
jusplay4fun wrote:I am curious, Duk: why Texas and not somewhere else?

My wife's parents have a trailer down in Brownsville, which is where they winter. So it's a cheap vacation. Just gas, food, and a couple quick motel sleeps along the way.

Oh wow, that's practically Mexico!

Don't cross THAT border, Duk, either way..!

Sadly, I have to. My wife's parents swear they have discovered the best nachos in the world at some shithole pub on the Mexican side. I think it's insanity -- nachos are nachos, cheap filler, how good could they possibly be? But I am the guest so I will have to dutifully go down to this place and eat the legendary nachos.

At least it's walking distance, so we won't risk getting our car stolen.

by **Dukasaur** on Sun Mar 02, 2025 12:28 am

Anyway, Day 2 Update.

Will make this quick.

Didn't get to our destination. Got out of Tennessee okay, but just inside the Arkansas line there was a big accident with a highway closure and detour. Lost about an hour. Then heavy traffic in Little Rock, construction and more heavy traffic in Dallas, more construction and heavy traffic in Austin. It was supposed to be 15 hours driving anyway, but with the extra delays turned into 16 down and still five short of goal. Finally gave up and took a hotel room just on the south end of Austin.

The Dallas traffic jam was interesting. Much of it was just construction and volume related, but part of it was due to a panic downtown. There was a swarm of police heading downtown, and callers on the radio spreading rumours that there was an active shooter situation. Turned out not to be -- just some cheerleaders scrapping it out. Hilarious:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/dallas-cheerleading-competition-shooting-incident-rcna194349

by **KoolBak** on Sun Mar 02, 2025 2:02 am

Crazy.

And .....Fractured extremities! Ruh roh Raggy!!!

by **jusplay4fun** on Sun Mar 02, 2025 2:28 pm

Dukasaur wrote:Anyway, Day 2 Update.

Will make this quick.

Didn't get to our destination. Got out of Tennessee okay, but just inside the Arkansas line there was a big accident with a highway closure and detour. Lost about an hour. Then heavy traffic in Little Rock, construction and more heavy traffic in Dallas, more construction and heavy traffic in Austin. It was supposed to be 15 hours driving anyway, but with the extra delays turned into 16 down and still five short of goal. Finally gave up and took a hotel room just on the south end of Austin.

The Dallas traffic jam was interesting. Much of it was just construction and volume related, but part of it was due to a panic downtown. There was a swarm of police heading downtown, and callers on the radio spreading rumours that there was an active shooter situation. Turned out not to be -- just some cheerleaders scrapping it out. Hilarious:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/dallas-cheerleading-competition-shooting-incident-rcna194349

Your stories are FUN to read Duk; please keep us informed of your adventures in Texas and Mexico, TOO...! =D>

by **mookiemcgee** on Tue Mar 04, 2025 6:05 pm

Duk, you should seriously consider smuggling some bourbon back across to scalp to Ontarians!

by **KoolBak** on Wed Mar 05, 2025 1:17 pm

Gross! Horrible bourbon when you have delicious Canadian whisky handy right at home??

Silly Californicator!

by **Craig25** on Wed Mar 05, 2025 1:30 pm

Bourbon, Canadian??????

Scottish Single Malt Whisky is the ONLY way forward!

If anybody wants to discuss or needs any advice on what to buy, just let me know. Here is my collection:

Balvenie 1968 Vintage Cask
Talisker 1981 Diageo Special Releases 2002
Lagavulin 25-year-old Diageo Special Releases 2002
Clynelish 1971 DL The Old Malt Cask
Millburn 1975 Rare Malts Selection
Talisker 1982 Diageo Special Releases 2003
Highland Park 12-year-old One in a Million
Talisker Limited Edition only at the distillery
Rosebank 12-year-old Flora & Fauna
Macallan Enigma Quest Collection
Mannochmore 1990 Diageo Special Releases 2009
Glen Grant 25-year-old GM Licensed Bottling - Screw cap
Glen Moray 1987 Rare Vintage Limited Edition
Glenturret 10-year-old Pure Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenturret 1986 Limited Edition
Glenturret 1986 Limited Edition
Glenturret 1986 Limited Edition
Glenturret 1986 Limited Edition
Glenturret 1986 Limited Edition
Inchgower 1986 DL The Old Malt Cask
Tullibardine 25-year-old
Glen Grant 18-year-old
Arran 2007 Master of Distilling - James MacTaggart
Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old - House Baratheon Game of Thrones
Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old - House Baratheon Game of Thrones
Auchroisk 1996 MoS
Laphroaig Cairdeas Feis Ile 2021
Glenfiddich Decanter Charles Edward Stuart Ceramic handle decanter Spirit import
Glen Grant 18-year-old
Auchroisk 1994 ED The First Editions
Glenturret 12-year-old Single Highland Malt
Bruichladdich Rocks New Edition
Edradour 12-year-old Caledonia Selection
Glenmorangie 18-year-old Extremely Rare
Glenfiddich The Original
Dailuaine 2004 SMWS 41.124 Weighty but welcoming
Oban 2007 The Distillers Edition
The Singleton of Auchroisk 10-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glen Grant 2003 SMWS 9.230 Flapjacks assemble!
Lagavulin 16-year-old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 16-year-old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Loch Lomond 2002 SMWS 135.10 Express yourself
Lagavulin The Distillers Edition
Caol Ila 2012 SMWS 53.425 Illeach ceviche
Caol Ila 2009 The Distillers Edition
Oban Bay Reserve - The Night’s Watch Game of Thrones
Oban Bay Reserve - The Night’s Watch Game of Thrones
Oban Bay Reserve - The Night’s Watch Game of Thrones
1770 2018 Limited Edition Release - Tokaji Cask Finish
Highland Park Harald The Warrior Series
The Singleton of Glendullan Select - House Tully Game of Thrones
The Singleton of Glendullan Select - House Tully Game of Thrones
Glen Grant 15-year-old Batch Strength - 1st Edition
Highland Park 2010 SMWS 4.273 Hambrocations
Highland Park Leif Eriksson Limited Edition
Glenfiddich 15-year-old Our Solera Fifteen
Balmaha 15-year-old
Dalwhinnie Winter's Frost - House Stark Game of Thrones
Tullibardine 2003 WhB
Glen Spey 2001 CA Small Batch
Longmorn The Distiller's Choice
Lagavulin 08-year-old Limited Edition - 200th Anniversary
Highland Park 2009 SMWS 4.333 SURPRISINGLY SMOKY, SO SEDUCTIVELY SWEET
Aultmore 2011 SMWS 73.124 Toasty nutty juicy
Craigellachie 13-year-old French Bas-Armagnac
Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast IM
Ardbeg 08-year-old For Discussion
Ardbeg 08-year-old For Discussion
Fettercairn 2010 Warehouse 2 Batch 1
Highland Park Svein The Warrior Series
Laphroaig QA Cask
Lagavulin 09-year-old - House Lannister Game of Thrones
Lagavulin 09-year-old - House Lannister Game of Thrones
Glenlivet The Master Distiller's Reserve
Machrie Moor First Edition The Peated Arran Malt
Highland Park Harald The Warrior Series
Highland Park Einar The Warrior Series
Machrie Moor Cask Strength - Third Edition The Peated Arran Malt
Glenburgie 15-year-old Ballantine's Series No. 001
Talisker Select Reserve - House Greyjoy Game of Thrones
Benromach 05-year-old
Inchmurrin 16-year-old SqM Single Malt
Clynelish Reserve - House Tyrell Game of Thrones
Aberlour A'bunadh Alba
Glenlossie 2011 SMWS 46.124 Spicy tonic
Glenfiddich 15-year-old Our Solera Fifteen
Cardhu 12-year-old Speyside
Glen Elgin 12-year-old Speyside Single Pot Still Malt Whisky
Glenlossie 10-year-old Flora & Fauna
Glenlivet 15-year-old The French Oak Reserve
Scapa Skiren The Orcadian
Smokehead Sherry Bomb IM Limited Edition
Smokehead Sherry Bomb IM Limited Edition
Smokehead Sherry Bomb IM Limited Edition
Smokehead Sherry Bomb IM Limited Edition
Smokehead Sherry Bomb IM Limited Edition
Smokehead Sherry Bomb IM Limited Edition
Glenturret Triple Wood Edition
1770 Glasgow Single Malt 2019 Release
Talisker Skye Made by the Sea
Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Finish
Balvenie 12-year-old DoubleWood
Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast IM
Talisker Skye
Glengoyne 12-year-old
Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old Blue Coat of Arms Label
Isle of Jura 10-year-old Origin
Finlaggan Old Reserve VM Small Batch Release
Highland Park 12-year-old Viking Honour
The Singleton of Dufftown Spey Cascade Rich, Balanced, Sweet
Glen Grant 10-year-old
Isle of Jura 10-year-old Origin
Balvenie 12-year-old Doublewood
Tullibardine Sovereign
Glenfiddich 12-year-old Our Original Twelve
The Singleton of Dufftown Tailfire Traditionally Batch Distilled
The Singleton of Dufftown 12-year-old Traditionally Batch Distilled
Glen Moray Elgin Classic Sherry Cask Finish
Isle of Jura Journey
Drumguish Single Highland Malt DDL
Glen Keith Distillery Edition
Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old Blue Coat of Arms Label
Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old Blue Coat of Arms Label
Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition
Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition