Upward2Enlightenment

Just make sure whoever installs the hitch knows what they are doing. You won't have saved any money if the hitch comes off hauling your trailer down the road.

If the $260 includes the price of the hitch and wiring I would go with that.

Soberpotamus

Haha ... he was going to install it himself.

And that's why I'm here asking for help.

Yeah, I'd have gone with Uhaul, but he's the nutjob who is holding out for the perfect scenario ... all before 2 p.m. today.

I'll let him sweat bullets a while longer and suggest Uhaul again.

lunar

Hang in there, J.
I've done the U-H route a few times.
I've always had access to a "garage and lift",
done a few hitches myself amongst other jobs.
Tired of busting knuckles, so my vote is to go U-H.

Lunar is sending positive
Lunar waves to you.

Weasel1966

Oh My God I love this. I saved the image!!!! Thank you Sir Sao!!

Coldfusion

Weasel started this thread with a discussion of addictions, and transportation can certainly be an obsession. Motorcycles are a healthy obsession if you are sober!

I am obsessed with trains, and am more excited about the train trip I am taking in January than I am about buying a new pickup truck. And it's all about transportation... just getting to the train station in January or getting to the car dealer in a couple weeks present major challenges because I live on an island. So I just called San Juan Airlines (Google their website--it has a cool video) and ascertained that I could call a few days in advance and book seats for my wife and me to Bellingham to get our new truck.

So here's what I'm going through in January. The simplest alternative would be just to drive on the ferry and drive to the train station in Seattle. The main problem with this is that parking in Seattle for 17 days is prohibitively expensive. I also don't like driving in the city.

Here's the alternatives:

1. I could drive to Everett and park there. My wife did this once--the Empire Builder train to Chicago stops there at decent times in both directions. Parking is less expensive than Seattle. But one problem is that I am going to Portland on my way back, and Amtrak doesn't really have decent times for northbound trains to Everett. I guess there are commuter trains and buses to Everett, or I could even take a taxi. Another problem is that this still involves more freeways and city driving than I would like, but as I type the alternatives this sounds more attractive.
   
2. Unfortunately, it is not possible to drive to the nearest train station in Mount Vernon and take trains from there. The trains do not connect with the ferries, and there is no secure parking near the station.
   
3. I could fly outbound, but not coming home. In the winter, there is no late afternoon flight to Orcas Island because the airport doesn't have runway lights. Also, flights are often canceled in the winter.
   
4. The alternative I am leaning towards is the bus-and-ferry routine. It avoids all mainland driving and parking, and is fairly weather-proof. We have done this before for flights--there is a comfortable bus that connects with the ferries, but it bypasses downtown Seattle and only goes to Sea-Tac Airport. So then I have to get from Sea-Tac back to King Street Station, and it looks like there is a light rail connection. Also, I don't think I want to park at the ferry terminal here for 17 days, and my wife will be working so I may take a taxi from home to the ferry terminal.

There are other exotic possibilities involving small boats or chartered airplanes, but they can get expensive and are chancy in the winter here due to frequent bad weather.

lunar

Venecia

Coldfusion, I posted a pic of the St. Paul Union Depot for you earlier in the thread.

trachemys

Potamus rent a truck with a hitch

Jsbodhi

Omg!!! I didn't know about this!! I'm so excited!!!!

Jsbodhi

The stand is one of my favourite books xoxo

Soberpotamus

Good idea. I told him and he said it would cost the same as installing it. It'll be close.

He insists he can install it, so I have no choice but to let him. He just bought one at Wal-Mart.

I hate husbands sometimes.

Jsbodhi

Hi MNL- have fun on your trip!!
I'm sure you'll be fine in the bike!
I had one I learned to ride in China wasted on gin with no helmet or license; and I didn't crash, so I'm sure you'll be fine haha
And stay in the thread! I need another Canadian! Xoxo

Jsbodhi

Not t much happening here today, I've already been at work a few hours, this'll be one of those loooooong days that go well into the night.
But I want money so it's good!

Soberwolf

Thank you everyone for the birthday messages

11.22.63 Is a good series and the book is even better & more in depth I lent my copy to my dad & the grapes of wrath

L I'm on a no carb diet but your looks awesome & no carbs so breakfast lunch & dinner please

Nice bike MNL have a great trip

Hello & evening to all my friends thank you x

lunar

LOL.

saoutchik

I don't envy your husband Soberpotamus, as Lunar intimated it is not a fun job - especially if you are in a hurry

My back was OK at work but now i'm home it's seized up again bah!

Jsbodhi

Well done SW!!!

Della1968

Sweet bike!!! Love matte black!!

lunar

Hi Della!

Jsbodhi

So I have that cabin booked on the lake for 4 days at the end of this month- by myself to read war and peace.

Now I'm setting up my august trip.
I'm going to do a 4-5 day solo hike along the coast in british columbia, just camping out each night- lots of swimming and hiking.
My starting point is a place called desolation sound- I'll find some internet pics