Winter Park, CO Spring Break

Leaving Arkansas

March 22, 2008
by Snow Hog

My wife and I just returned from a skiing vacation in Winter Park, Colorado with our two sons.  Along for the trip were three friends of our eldest son who is a senior in high school and will be graduating this year.  With such a large group (7) we elected to drive our Yukon XL. 

But what to do with all the bulky ski gear?  The solution is what I like to call "Redneck Luggage"

It is a hitch haul purchased from Wal Mart with various Rubbermaid containers strapped on.  We loaded our ski bibs, jackets etc. in the containers which relieved the Yukon for overnight bags, a cooler and snacks.   Before trying this I would suggest checking the load and tongue weight capacity of your vehicle.  The Yukon's tongue weight is 500 pounds and I doubt the whole apparatus weighed 200.  Nevertheless the driving characteristics did change due to the weight and the tires did get a little warm.  I wouldn't try this on a 100 degree day.  This road trip was nearly 3000 miles and this arrangement worked great although I think the teenagers were a little embarrassed.  After all isn't it the job of a parent to embarrass the offspring.  As with any trip always check the air pressure before you leave and increase air pressure when hauling a heavy load.

We left Northeastern Arkansas bound for Winter Park around 6am.  This is about 18 hours driving time not counting pit stops.  It can be done in a single day and we've tried it only to arrive totally worn out and useless the next day anyway.  Now we make a two day trip out of it.  This gives us a little time on the second day to arrive in the afternoon, rent our skis, pick up some groceries and settle into our accomodations. The kids were great for the whole trip but I was particularly pleased by how well they traveled in the cramped quarters of the Yukon.  Thank you electronic entertainment.

The only real highlight from the road trip was the Red Lobster in Salina, Kansas.  Everything was clean, the service was great and the food was good.  One of the teenagers really loved their biscuits.  She must have eaten nearly a dozen.  For now I won't reveal her name but we know who you are "biscuit killer".

Tags: luggage, road trip, Snow Skiing, travel