Friends--
Road Trippin’
with Steve McCarthy

Driving alone along backroads can be fun, but it gets lonely out there.
        Really Lonely.
Working on the Auld Crate alone can be a zen experience.
        But, sometimes, you need help.
Eating alone is never fun. Drinking alone is even less fun, and a bit pathetic.
Swapping stories with yourself is just plain weird.

Friends who share your passion for good cars, good roads, good food, good drink, and good lies are what make it all worth it. All the banged knuckles, all the achy muscles, all the sunburn, all the wet, all the bloated feeling, all the hangovers. It’s sharing these with friends that makes it all worthwhile.
The car hobby, in all its variety, like most other endeavors, is full of characters, fanatics, oddballs, and weirdos. What’s especially great about the car hobby is the willingness of others to share. To help. To offer up the shirt off their collective backs, to offer to tow your broken darling, to “loan” you vital parts to keep your’s going, to  even save your life. Money never changes hands, it would be an insult to offer. You give back to them or to others. It all balances out without anyone keeping track.
Like all of us, I’ve experienced all of the above. My XJ6 threw a rod bearing on the way to Willow Springs and the guy who ran Cal Club’s Tow 1 hauled me and my broken Kitty home. I used a transmission from the broken TR4 race car in the Blue Meanie while mine got fixed (this was back when the TR was my only car). Working as a course worker for Cal Club, I’ve had my ass saved and saved a few myself. We’ve stopped to help with flat tires and had help lashing up a broken leaf spring. Recently, an old customer from my BAP/Geon days rebuilt the engine in Daughter #3’s 914. Only wanted the money for the parts. He DID however, accept the common Car Guy Currency, a Case of Beer. Actually, it was two cases, he had a helper. Also recently, we had a dozen people over to get the engine and trans back in the TR. We fed them a huge pot of chili and, yes, beer. We’ve swapped the same stories so many times, we could just number them. They all seem to start: “So there I/we was/were…”
“Hey, #42!”
“Ah, great time, how about #369?”
On the road, you make friends of the moment, and sometimes, especially with the internet, friends for life. Take that couple who drove their Austin 7 through LA on the way to Tierra del Fuego. We’re still in contact and plan on meeting up with them on our Epic Tour of the Isles in ’16. The chance meeting at a rest stop, the brief conversation at a bar, any of the random encounters along the road. All of these make the day a better one. They make your life a better one.
So here’s a raised glass of Glenfiddich for my friends. Those I’ve known who are gone, those I’ve known who were just passing through, the ones I’ve known for days, the ones I’ve known for decades. I won’t embarrass you by naming names, the statute of limitations may not have run out, but you know who you are.
       Thanks.
   

Days of Wine and Paso Robles
Road Trippin’
with Steve McCarthy


Well, that was different. In a good way. We went on a drive WE didn’t organize. I know, Crazy, right? And, we had a great time! We have friends, John and Lynn, who live off of Hwy 46 half way to Cambria and are mostly into Morgans and wine. Not a bad combination. They also host a few quick jaunts in and around the Paso Robles Wine Country, and we got invited to join in on their Autobrekfest Italiano 2014 tour. It was a blast! There were about 25 cars, mostly old stuff, and even a couple of Alfas. John led off in his Bugatti! They even hosted a great breakfast!
Now, I’m not letting on exactly where they live. I don’t want you all out there in cyber-reader-land to think you can cadge breakfast from them. I therefore modified things a bit so you can do this on your own or with a few friends. From Atascadero (where we we like to stay) to the last stop in Paso Robles in under 100 miles, so there is plenty of time to stop at other wineries along the way. You will want to pack a picnic lunch. We had a tasty catered affair at the Poalillo Vineyards, so were relieved of that “burden.”
DO BE CAREFUL! EVEN “TASTING” WINES CAN IMPAIR YOU ENOUGH THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO DRIVE. PLEASE!!!! DO THE DESIGNATED DRIVER THING AND REWARD THE DD WITH HIS/HER OWN BOTTLE LATER OR BUY THEM DINNER!!!!!! 
We’ve found a great little breakfast place in Atascadero called the A-Town Diner. The place used to be called Virgils back in the day, and boasts a wall of hot rod photos and other memorabilia from back then. Our kind of place. The waffles are great, the service is friendly, what more do you need to start the day. Heck, Marianne even said the coffee was good!

From there, it’s off to the coast at Morro Bay, then back into the hills for the first stop, the Pasolivo Olive Oil Company. They have acres of trees and are at the leading edge of one of California’s newest foodie trends, Boutique Olive Oil. They have a tasting room and a mini-tour and it’s all very interesting. Lots of varieties of oils, vinegars, spice blends and such, well worth the stop. Their Lime/Olive oil is an interesting and refreshing example.

From there, we wind about, past a lot of tiny little wineries that have become the signature of the area. Pick and choose as you will along the way. The route takes you back to Paso Robles, past the Paso Robles Inn (once a hot springs spa of all things!) and then back into the hills.
One of the more arcane facts is about Peachy Canyon. No, it’s never been renowned for it’s peaches, and all though it’s a peachy-keen road, that’s not it either. It’s named for a local outlaw and horse thief who hid out in caves back in there. Love that local lore! The area also had mining at one time. Not just a bit of gold, but more importantly, mercury, essential for the processing of gold during the Gold Rush. Again, Who Knew?
The Poalillio Winery is the next stop. This place has fantastic Zinfandel’s and a very good Sauvingon Blanc. I was lucky enough to sell a few books that morning to some of our fellow travelers, so we stocked up on Envy Zinfandel and their DY-NO-MITE port. Looking forward to pears, stilton, port, and a good cigar!

It was at the winery that we were unfortunately brought face to face with one of the harsher realities of backroads driving. We got word that one of our group had a moment of inattention and plowed his Healey off the road and through a barbed wire fence! It ripped the windshield back and bashed his face a bit. Thankfully, that was all. It could have been worse. After a trip to the ER, he was driven back to the winery by Lynn. She had driven as chase car.
That gave me a great idea. In any group drive, have someone volunteer to be the Last Car. Promise them dinner or lunch as a thanks. That way, if anyone breaks down or (gulp) wrecks), there will be someone whose job it is to pick up the pieces! Although others DID stop and help, it was a good thing that Lynn could pick up the unlucky guy, get him to the winery, and find someone who could give him a ride home! Food for thought!
After we finished at the winery, we headed back to Paso Robles. In the center of town is an collection of great eateries and several art galleries. Makes for a great stroll. That evening, about half of us met at the D’Anbino Winery/Eatery for dinner AND some great Jazz! It’s located in the old train station and is a lot of fun. You’ll want to call ahead and find out who is playing and when. If no one is on that night, there are plenty of other attractions in Paso Robles for your evening fare.
The next day, on the way home, we had other adventures I’ll relate in another column. All in all, this was a delightful, well organized time. Many thanks to John and Lynn. It’s good to know that there are others who are hard core Road Trippers!



A-Town Diner & Deli
7305 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422

1. Head northwest on El Camino Real 0.2 mi
2. Turn left onto CA-41 S/Morro Rd 15.9 mi
3. Turn right to merge onto CA-1 N toward Cayucos/Cambria/Hearst Castle 3.7 mi
4. Turn right onto Old Creek Rd 9.1 mi
5. Turn right onto CA-46 E 7.3 mi
6. Turn left onto Oakdale Rd 0.5 mi
7. Turn right onto Las Tablas Willow Creek Rd 1.7 mi
8. Turn right onto Willow Creek Rd 2.8 mi
9. Slight left to stay on Willow Creek Rd 0.1 mi
10. Slight left onto Peachy Canyon Rd 0.6 mi
11. Turn right onto Vineyard Dr
Destination will be on the right 2.8 mi
44.6 mi – about 1 hour 7 mins
Pasolivo Olive Oil
8530 Vineyard Dr
Paso Robles, CA 93446

12. Head northwest on Vineyard Dr toward Adelaida Rd 1.4 mi
13. Turn left onto Adelaida Rd 1.3 mi
14. Slight left onto Klau Mine Rd 2.2 mi
15. Turn right onto Cypress Mountain Dr 3.3 mi
16. Turn right onto Chimney Rock Rd 8.8 mi
17. Continue onto Godfrey Rd/Nacimiento Lake Dr
Continue to follow Nacimiento Lake Dr 7.5 mi
18. Continue onto 24th St 0.4 mi
19. Turn right onto Spring St
Destination will be on the right 0.9 mi
25.8 mi – about 50 mins
Paso Robles Inn
1103 Spring St
Paso Robles, CA 93446

20. Head north on Spring St toward 11th St 390 ft
21. Turn left onto 12th St 0.6 mi
22. Turn left onto Merry Hill Rd 0.3 mi
23. Take the 1st right onto Peachy Canyon Rd 4.9 mi
24. Turn left to stay on Peachy Canyon Rd 5.2 mi
25. Turn right onto Vineyard Dr
Destination will be on the right 1.1 mi
12.2 mi – about 27 mins
Poalillo Vineyards
7970 Vineyard Dr
Paso Robles, CA 93446

26. Head southeast on Vineyard Dr toward Jensen Rd 5.9 mi
27. Turn left onto CA-46 E/Green Valley Rd 4.6 mi
Turn left to merge onto CA-46 E/US-101 N
           toward Paso Robles/Bakersfield 1.2 mi
29. Take the Spring St exit 0.6 mi
30. Continue straight onto Spring St 0.2 mi
31. Turn right onto 4th St 0.1 mi
32. Turn left onto Pine St
Destination will be on the right 0.2 mi
13.0 mi – about 19 mins
D'Anbino Vineyards and Cellars
710 Pine St
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Road Trippin’-Another Donkey Hottie Tour! 
with Steve McCarthy

Ah, Fall. For most of you out there, the last chance for a nice road trip. Most people’s schedules, being what they are, also means a lot of time commitments for so many other things. Especially if you have kids. School’s started and that tends to overwhelm all other considerations. Along with this is the desperate need to escape! Here’s a nice little one day jaunt along familiar roads that should ease the wanderlust in all of us.
Several years ago, I organized a drive I called the Donkey Hottie for a day’s jaunt. This one is a variation on that. There’s some long straight stuff, but then the area around Mojave has little else. One of the highlights, especially if you leave REALLY early is sunrise in Red Rock Canyon. It’s worth the inconvenience! It’ll take you close to two hours to get there, so get your timing right. Bring along a camera, some coffee or hot chocolate and some muffins and enjoy a spectacular light show!
From there, it’s up and over the Walker Grade to Lake Isabella, then down the twisty Caliente-Bodfish Road. This is a great road for those who like the really tight and twisties! From there, you’ll take the back way to the Tehachapi Loop. Hang out there as see the trains chase themselves. It’s pretty spectacular. Lunch can be in Tehachapi. There’s lots of good places in town. Pick one, any one!
Out of town on the road to Rosamond and through the windmills that gave the drive it’s name (a student wrote on a test once, about Cervantes’ hero, Donkey Hottie and his adventures fighting windmills.-FACEPALM!), back down the 14 and back over Angeles Crest to home.
The crisp morning fall air is great, but be wary of the dreaded Santa Ana winds. They can make the desert miserable! Above all, have fun and stay safe!

306 mi, 6 hours 30 mins
United Artists La Canada 8 Movie Theater
1919 Verdugo Blvd
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

1. Head east on Verdugo Blvd toward La Tour Way 0.7 mi
2. Turn right onto Foothill Blvd 0.3 mi
3. Turn left onto Angeles Crest Hwy 4.5 mi
4. Turn right onto CA-2 E 5.0 mi
5. Turn left onto Angeles Forest Hwy 24.6 mi
6. Slight right onto Sierra Hwy 0.3 mi
7. Turn left to merge onto CA-14 N toward Palmdale 39.6 mi
8. Turn right onto CA-14 N/Midland Trail 25.5 mi
100 mi – about 1 hour 51 mins
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Hwy 14
Cantil, CA

9. Head northwest on CA-14 N 16.1 mi
10. Turn left onto CA-178 W 30.3 mi
46.4 mi – about 46 mins
Weldon, CA

11. Head west on CA-178 W 14.3 mi
12. Take the exit toward Bodfish Havilah 0.3 mi
13. Continue onto Elizabeth Norris Rd 0.6 mi
14. Turn right onto Lake Isabella Blvd 1.5 mi
15. Continue onto Caliente Bodfish Rd 30.2 mi
16. Turn right 249 ft
17. Continue straight 20 ft
46.9 mi – about 1 hour 24 mins
Caliente, CA

18. Head south toward J St 272 ft
19. Turn right onto Caliente Bodfish Rd 0.2 mi
20. Continue onto Bealville Rd 2.0 mi
21. Turn left onto CA-58 E 4.8 mi
22. Take the exit toward Keene 0.2 mi
23. Turn left toward Woodford-Tehachapi Rd 430 ft
24. Turn right onto Woodford-Tehachapi Rd 8.8 mi
25. Turn left onto Westwood Blvd 1.4 mi
26. Turn left onto Red Apple Ave 0.8 mi
27. Continue onto W Tehachapi Blvd 1.1 mi

19.4 mi – about 38 mins
Tehachapi, CA

28. Head east on W Tehachapi Blvd toward S Green St 3.0 mi
29. Turn right onto Tehachapi Willow Springs Rd 14.8 mi
30. Turn left onto Backus Rd 7.3 mi
31. Turn right to merge onto CA-14 S toward Rosamond 31.7 mi
32. Take the exit toward Angeles Forest Hwy 0.4 mi
33. Sharp right onto Sierra Hwy (signs for Angeles Forest Hwy) 0.2 mi
34. Keep left to continue on Co Hwy N3/Angeles Forest Hwy
Continue to follow Angeles Forest Hwy 20.8 mi
35. Continue straight to stay on Angeles Forest Hwy 3.8 mi
36. Turn right onto CA-2 W 5.0 mi
37. Turn left onto CA-2 W/Angeles Crest Hwy
Continue to follow Angeles Crest Hwy 4.4 mi
38. Turn right onto Foothill Blvd 0.3 mi
39. Take the 3rd left onto Verdugo Blvd
Destination will be on the right 0.7 mi
92.5 mi – about 1 hour 51 mins
United Artists La Canada 8 Movie Theater
1919 Verdugo Blvd
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

That Two Day Get Away

Sometimes, you just have to go. Get out of Dodge. Hit the road. Nothin’ fancy, hit some of the usual and let St. Serendipity guide you. That’s what we did. We took the Dart because the Blue Meanie is getting a new gearbox and Marianne has a messed up shoulder. We headed towards what may be our future digs, Atascadero.
This is a neat little town that we are considering retiring to a couple of years, so regular visits are on the agenda, seeing if it’s a place we want to spend the rest of our lives in. Big Decision! We have time, so we’re being careful.
A major selling point to us is it’s affordable, near enough to the coast, affordable, has a nice small town atmosphere, affordable, and is the hub of some of the greatest driving roads on the planet. Bar none! Did I mention, it’s affordable?
We were in no real hurry, left at a decent (as opposed to o’Dark-Thirty) and meandered. We even ate BEFORE we left. On a whim, we headed to Los Olivos, up near Solvang. This has become a center of the local wine and olive oil industry. It’s a bit pricey as it caters to Santa Barbara Yuppies, but don’t let that scare you. If you like wine and/or olive oil, it’s a fun place. We wandered into a great shop, “J. Woest,” that sells a HUGE variety of Lawn Art. No, not plastic pink flamingos and gnomes, SERIOUS lawn art. Wind chimes as tall as I am and resonate with a penetrating deep  BOOONNNGGGG (only $2600!) and need a SERIOUS tree, or one’s own belfry to hand from.

Suckers that we are for funky Lawn Art, we bought a butterfly mobile thing that required that the back seat be pulled open so it would fit into the trunk! We also found a strange winged purple pig for my sister. Yeah, there’s a story there, but not now.
From there, we headed up one of the first Serious Backroads I ever drove. Back in the ‘70s, Bill Morgan and I went exploring. Constant reader may recall the stories. Foxen Canyon was high on the list of Must Drives. It still is, but don’t expect to do much on a weekend. Now, there are a bunch of wineries there and the SBYs in their Pious’ flood the road. To them Sideways is a movie, not a driving style.
We pulled into Zaca Mesa Winery, one of the first in the area and did the tasting, being VERY careful to sip, not gulp. Really good stuff. Four bottles went into a bag and we were off to lunch.
One of our Must Stops is Los Alamos. There is a great antique barn there that was at one time a produce packing shed for the local narrow gauge railroad. Across the street is a new bakery/eatery called Well Bread. OHM’GOD! The demi-baguette sandwiches (French Ham with Emmanthaller cheese or salami, cheese and walnut pesto!) are amazing and I snagged a loaf of Pain au Lardon. No, that’s not Pain in the Lardass, it’s BREAD WITH BACON! Yes, you heard right! Morning toast will never be the same!

From there we shot up the 101 to Atascadero and the Motel 6. Yes, the Motel 6. Still the cheapest place in town, but ya know? They are trying to make them a bit nicer. Gone is the nasty, grey, industrial carpeting that has trapped a millennium of bedbugs, toejam, and other assorted nasties. Now, hardwood laminate flooring and a redone bathroom. SOOOO much nicer.
For dinner, we tried a new place in town. Scotty’s BBQ. It was good. Not terrific, but good. The pork tenderloin was cooked perfectly, moist, not dried out and a good crust on the rub. The sauce needs some punch to it. Still, it’s a good place and beats hell out of McBuggerJack.
The next morn, we headed for breakfast at another favorite, Ragged Point Inn, out on Highway 1. It’s north of San Simeon, so you get a nice healthy dose of The Greatest Road In The World. It’s especially nice early on as the motorhomes and Pious’ and Camrys aren’t about to muck things up. There was just a slight trace of fog and a welcome relief to the inland heat. Breakfast was, as always, terrific. Even got a nice compliment from our waiter. Seems this visit, the Inn was sold out. Some high dollar fundraiser (that our waiter said we probably a money laundering scheme) where the whole place is sold out, but none of the celebrities or other assorted rich folk actually bother to show up! He wondered if we were maybe part of that group, we said, “No, we can’t afford to run with that crowd.” He then got a sly look on his face and said “I thought so, you seem to be NICE people.”

The blueberry waffle and sausage I had was perfect. You know you have good sausage when the casing SNAPS when you cut into it! Marianne had a croissant with Canadian bacon, egg and avocado.
From there, back south on 1 and we stopped at one of the vista points promising a look at the elephant seals that hang out along the coast. What an AMAZING sight! Over 100 of them, sunning and waking and galumphing out to sea.

We ducked through Morro Bay, then down to Shell Beach, near Pismo. Marianne had a local events guide and there was a small art fair in Dinosaur Cavern Park. Nice little show, wide range of skill levels, but one guy stood out. You’ve no doubt seen the stuff that’s made of old silverware? Rings, wind chimes, etc? This guy punches it up. We got a rose made of soup spoons that is a marvel. Exceptionally well done.
We had planned on hitting the art walk in Santa Barbara, but opted instead for Solvang. There, a bittersweet St. Serendipity met us. One of out favorite shops is right across from Birkholm’s Bakery sells stuff from France! Table clothes, napkins, dish ware, all with a Provencal theme. She’s closing! Bitter. EVERYTHING was 70% off! SWEET! We blew the bank. $100 platters for $30, plates, a light sweater, so cool! We wished the owner luck and headed to Birkholm’s. A bucket of cookies later and we headed for home. No, we did not get an 8” tall chocolate cream puff with some 4” of whipped creme layered in. We were good.

One of the nice things about a Garmin Sat-Nav is the traffic warning. The Santa Barbara Crawl, which now often lasts all the way to 1000 Oaks was in full force. From the 154, we headed east on the  192, then up and over Casitas Pass to Ojai, down the 33 to Santa Paula, then west on the 126 to the I-5 near Tragic Mountain. It may have not been faster, but it was prettier and more relaxing!
So, next time you get that itchy right foot and need to hit the road, try this one. You’ll have a great time, guaranteed.



1. Head west on I-210 W
2. Take the CA-118 W
3. Merge onto CA-118 W 27.9 mi
4. Los Angeles Ave exit 0.3 mi
5. Turn right onto CA-118 W/E Los Angeles Ave
Continue to follow CA-118 W/E Los Angeles Ave 14.4 mi
6. Turn right onto CA-118 W 3.6 mi
7. Merge onto CA-126 W via the ramp to Ventura 5.5 mi
8. Merge onto US-101 N 34.4 mi
9. Take the State Street exit toward California 154 0.2 mi
10. Merge onto Calle Real 0.3 mi
11. Turn right onto CA-154 W/San Marcos Pass Rd 23.9 mi
At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on
CA-154 W/San Marcos Pass Rd 5.3 mi
13. Turn left at Figueroa Mountain Rd 26 ft
118 mi – about 2 hours 3 mins
Los Olivos, CA

14. Head north toward CA-154 W 26 ft
15. Turn left onto CA-154 W 0.5 mi
16. Turn right onto Foxen Canyon Rd 3.3 mi
17. Slight left to stay on Foxen Canyon Rd 1.0 mi
18. Turn right to stay on Foxen Canyon Rd
Destination will be on the left 4.6 mi
9.4 mi – about 18 mins

Zaca Mesa Winery
6905 Foxen Canyon Rd
Los Olivos, CA 93441

19. Head west on Foxen Canyon Rd toward Alisos Canyon Rd 1.3 mi
20. Turn left onto Alisos Canyon Rd 6.5 mi
21. Turn right onto US-101 N 1.9 mi
22. Take the exit toward CA-135 0.1 mi
23. Merge onto San Antonio Blvd 0.1 mi
24. Continue onto Foxen Ln 489 ft
25. Turn right onto Bell St 0.4 mi
26. Turn right onto Helena St 240 ft
27. Keep left to continue on Leslie St 154 ft
10.5 mi – about 18 mins
Los Alamos, CA


28. Head west on Leslie St toward Centennial St 400 ft
29. Take the 1st left onto Centennial St 276 ft
30. Take the 1st right onto Bell St 0.4 mi
31. Slight right to stay on Bell St 0.9 mi
32. Take the 1st right onto Cat Canyon Rd 0.1 mi
33. Turn left onto US-101 N 49.5 mi
34. Merge onto US-101 N 14.6 mi
35. Take the Traffic Way exit 0.2 mi
36. Turn right onto Traffic Way 194 ft
37. Take the 1st left onto El Camino Real 92 ft
65.8 mi – about 1 hour 1 min
Atascadero, CA


38. Head northwest on El Camino Real toward Rosario Ave 0.2 mi
39. Turn left to merge onto US-101 N 4.3 mi
40. Take the Vineyard Dr exit 0.2 mi
41. Turn left onto Vineyard Dr 3.2 mi
42. Turn left onto CA-46 W 17.2 mi
43. Turn right onto CA-1 N
Destination will be on the left 26.6 mi
51.7 mi – about 59 mins
Ragged Point Inn & Resort
19019 California 1
Ragged Point, CA 93452

Head south on CA-1 S 56.0 mi
45. Turn right onto Olive St 0.2 mi
46. Merge onto US-101 S 11.2 mi
47. Take the Price St/Shell Beach Rd/CA-1 S exit 0.1 mi
48. Turn right onto CA-1 N/Price St
Continue to follow Price St
Destination will be on the left 0.8 mi
68.3 mi – about 1 hour 14 mins
Dinosaur Caves Park
2701 Price St
Pismo Beach, CA 93449

49. Head southeast on Price St 121 ft
50. Turn left to merge onto US-101 S 51.9 mi
51. Take the CA-246 exit toward Solvang/Lompoc 0.2 mi
52. Turn left onto CA-246 E 3.4 mi
55.5 mi – about 52 mins
Solvang, CA


53. Head east on CA-246 E/Mission Dr toward Old Mill Rd 5.1 mi
54. Continue onto CA-154 E 22.8 mi
55. Take the CA-192 exit toward Foothill Rd/Cathedral Oaks 0.3 mi
56. Turn left onto CA-192 E/Foothill Rd 3.9 mi
Follow the signs that say CA 192!
66. Continue onto Linden Ave
67. Turn left onto El Carro Ln 0.6 mi
68. Turn left onto Casitas Pass Rd 0.2 mi
69. Turn right onto CA-192 E 3.0 mi
70. Turn left onto CA-150 E 15.1 mi
71. Turn left onto N Ventura Ave 1.5 mi
72. Continue onto CA-150 E/W Ojai Ave
Continue to follow CA-150 E 18.3 mi
73. Turn left onto the California 126 E ramp to Fillmore 0.1 mi
74. Merge onto CA-126 E 27.9 mi
75. Take the Interstate 5 S ramp to Los Angeles 0.5 mi
76. Merge onto I-5 S

Franco-American Pickers

Road Trippin’
with Steve McCarthy

Join us now for an episode of the new hit reality series, “Franco-American Pickers!” The camera pans back to show four guys in a crew cab pickup, towing a trailer through the darkening high desert as they pass the long defunct Road Runner’s Retreat Restaurant. Off in the distance looms one of the quintessential landmarks of Olde Route 66, Roy’s Diner in Amboy. Actually, Roy’s Diner IS Amboy.

It’s been a long ass day for our four intrepid pickers, but a mostly successful one. Wally didn’t really pick anything, he was mostly along because he was our Guide. Chuck found tires, a custom roof rack for a DS, some hubcaps, and assorted nards and skizzies. John, although he found some key Stuff, was a bit skunked. He had brought the trailer in hopes of bringing back a Major Prize. Either a 2CV or a Traction-Avant! Meself? I scored a rear passenger door for a Citroen Wagon, a trailer hitch for same, a gallon can of honest to God Castor Oil (makes ALL cars smell like Race Cars), and some highly useful front end alignment pads. There was also some Citroen “smalls” as we call it in The Trade.
Now, about now you’re saying to yourself, “Self, Steve has a TR3. What does he want with Froggy Car Parts?” Well, constant followers will recall that I succumbed to the allure of the ever so sexy French. I got a Citroen Wagon. The idea is that, fixed up, it will be a great car to haul our art fair impedimenta about, be kinda funky on trips, and generally, just be Cool. It needs some help. A lot of help. But hey, I can ALWAYS do with another Car Project, can’t I?

The car came from a stash of Citroens that have been sitting in the desert for upwards of 25 years. This guy had a Citroen dealership in Santa Monica, and when it went legs up, he hauled all his stuff out to a place in the desert, hereafter called Area 52. He also began buying Citroens from anybody and everybody. In all he had some 40 cars! Well, the poor guy died not long ago, and his wife has finally decided to offload the stuff. Wally has kinda overseen some of it, and that’s how I came to have a DS Wagon. Almost all the cars are gone now, only a VERY scruffy SM, a 2CV (spoken for), a DS (also spoken for) and a tempting Traction. AND there is a hanger and three shipping containers full of Stuff.

So, I got word that Chuck and Company were headed out there, and would I like to come along? Well, hell yes! The idea was to leave at the butt crack of dawn, drive to Redlands to get Wally, then out the I-10, up and over the Hill to 29 Palms, then Amboy, then hit Area 52. Well, we didn’t leave Monrovia until 7:30 or so. Ah, well, it’s not like there was a deadline. We got Wally and headed east, then north, then east again. Up a graded gravel road, we pulled into The Place. Lisette, the wonderfully French lady and executrix of the estate was there to meet us. With bad news.

Seems the thunderstorms that were swirling around us sent a lightening bolt that knocked out her power. Bummer. Then we realized that the door to the hanger, where the decent cars were stored would not go up! No way, short of dismantling the 2CV would we be taking a car out of there. Unless we wanted the SM. She might have even just GIVEN it to us. We looked at it. It was worth every penny of Free. Ah well. As tempting as it was, I for one, was under STRICT ORDERS to NOT bring any cars back! So, I was a good boy.

We probably spent a good five hours picking through stuff, each finding a few treasures. Lisette kindly made us lunch but aside from that, we dodged spider webs and rat crap to find more Stuff. The one thing I really wanted was a turn signal switch. Mine is busted. They all seem to be. That’s why there aren’t any. Anywhere. Sigh.
So, that brings us back to the shot as we approach Amboy, wind our way to the bustling miniopolis of 29 Palms and maybe some dinner. Whipping out Smart Ass Phones, we found a place called The Rib Company. It smelled right and was decent. I’ve had better ribs, but I’ve had worse. The fire roasted jalapeños stuffed with cheesy bacon were VERY good. Finally fed, we headed back, hitting Monrovia about 11PM.
Long ass day. But a day of cameraderie, cars, and junk. What more do you want out of a Road Trip? 

Clearlake, the Forgotten Gem

Road Trippin’
with  Steve McCarthy

So, Clearlake. A forgotten gem. Last month, I gave you a preview of what became a great drive. Here’s some details.

The lake itself is the largest fresh water lake in California. Tahoe is half in Nevada, and the Salton Sea is, well, salt water. There has never been an Interstate nor a railroad in Lake County. Lake County was the pre-prohibition Wine Country of NoCal. They have wineries there again and pretty damn good ones at that! They have DIAMONDS there! Well, it’s a kind of crystal, harder than most crystals, softer than real diamonds. The area also has a funky vibe to it, a cross between ranches, slightly tattered resort motor inns, aging hippies, more than a few “tweakers”, and a lot of Great Driving Roads.
We’ll start our specifics in San Rafael, above Frisco. Shoot over to the Marin French Cheese Company and maybe up the road to the Nicasio Cheese place for some munchies to have along the way. You won’t regret it. We then scoot through Petaluma, which deserves more than a glance. It has great Victorian houses and a vibrant Old Town. From there, through Santa Rosa and up over Hwy. 29 to Calistoga. Stop at the Petrified Forest along the way. Interesting stuff there, and a bit of California History.
From here, it’s through Calistoga, one of our favorite towns and just outside of town is the Chateau Montelena Winery. This is one of the world’s best. Do a CAREFUL tasting (let your navigator have most of the fun) because the road up and over the volcano (!!) is tight and twisty and takes full concentration. Once over the top, you’ll hit Middletown (‘cause it’s halfway between Calistoga and Clearlake) and detour to the Guenoc/Langtry Winery. This is one of the oldest in Lake County. Some exceptional wines here too.

Then, it’s through Clearlake (on our trip there we stayed at the very nice Best Western and got upgraded to a freakin’ SUITE!) and to the Featherbed Inn. This would be our future choice of lodgings. The “rooms” are old cabooses (cabeese?) and each has a theme (dibs on the “Casablanca” one) and HOT TUBS! There seem to be some good eateries along the main road for dinner, take your pick!

For the next day, tour the lake. Take a lap, as it were. There are several neat little towns like Nice, Lucerne, Upper Lake, Lakeport, and Kelseyville. Each has it’s charms and plenty of Antique Shoppes to search for Clearlake Diamonds in. Most of ‘em have ‘em, they ain’t expensive and kinda cool. There are a lot of wineries around, we highly recommend Steele near Kelseyville. GREAT Zinfandel! Again, all along the way are great little diners, try one for lunch! I'm reliably informed by one of my agents, that the Saw Shop Gallery-Bistro is a very nice place. A step up (or 12) from the usual diner. Or, better yet, remember that cheese and stuff you bought? Hope you brought it with you! A picnic lunch at the McVicar Wildlife Sanctuary is just the ticket. Peaceful, great views, good cheese, good wine, good eats…

The last real stop is the best winery on the route. Ceago. WOW, is all I can say. Wander the grounds, smell the lavender, taste the wine. This place is amazing. Right on the lake, you’d swear you were in Tuscany. It’s also a short hop back to your caboose. Now, before you get all heated up, I will tell you that these wineries are NOT $2 Chuck! These are generally over $20/bottle, some a lot more. They ARE good. They ARE worth buying, and most are meant for laying away for a few more years. Ceago has begun (or maybe picked up on) a trend towards Cabernets with a heavier mix of “Franc” grapes. Franc is like Merlot, usually meant to blend with Cabernet to add complexity. With the over saturation of Merlots on the market (and frankly, most Merlots are bland. They are meant for people who really don’t like good wines, but want to seem like they do) some wineries are turning to Franc wines as a new direction. The time to get these is NOW. Before they become “known” and every bulk wine maker out there starts throwing indifferent slop at you. The Ceago Cabernet Franc is a spectacular wine!
This whole area is worth some exploring. And, it’s close enough to the North Coast for a more extended trip. Lots of great roads, not a lot of traffic, great scenery, and great wines. Give Lake County a look. You won’t regret it.

1. North on US-101 N via the ramp to Eureka 10.6 mi
2.  Take the Atherton Ave exit toward San Marin Dr 0.2 mi
3. Turn left onto Atherton Ave 0.2 mi
4.  Continue onto San Marin Dr 2.7 mi
5. Turn right onto Novato Blvd 6.3 mi
6. Turn left onto Point Reyes Petaluma Rd 0.4 mi
7. Turn right
Destination will be on the right 230 ft
21.2 mi – about 29 mins

Marin French Cheese
7510 Point Reyes Petaluma Road
Petaluma, CA 94952

9. Head northeast toward Point Reyes Petaluma Rd 230 ft
10. Turn left onto Point Reyes Petaluma Rd 4.8 mi
11. Continue onto D St/D street Extension
Continue to follow D St 4.4 mi
12. Turn left onto Lakeville St 0.1 mi
13.  Take the 1st right onto E Washington St 0.8 mi
14. Take the ramp onto US-101 N 20.0 mi
15. Take the River Rd exit toward Guerneville 0.2 mi
16. Turn right onto Mark West Springs Rd 5.3 mi
17. Continue onto Porter Creek Rd 4.7 mi
18. Turn left onto Petrified Forest Rd 4.4 mi
19. Turn left onto CA-128 W/Foothill Blvd 0.8 mi
20. Turn right onto Tubbs Ln
21. Destination will be on the left 1.1 mi
46.7 mi – about 1 hour 2 mins
Chateau Montelena Winery
1429 Tubbs Ln
Calistoga, CA 94515

22. Head northeast on Tubbs Ln toward CA-29 S 0.2 mi
23. Turn left onto CA-29 N 15.5 mi
24. Turn right onto Butts Canyon Rd
Destination will be on the left 5.7 mi
21.4 mi – about 30 mins
Guenoc & Langtry Vineyards
21000 Butts Canyon Rd
Middletown, CA 95461

25. Head west on Butts Canyon Rd toward Oat Hill Rd 5.7 mi
26. Turn right onto CA-29 N 13.9 mi
27. Continue onto CA-53 N 7.4 mi
28. Turn left onto CA-20 W 18.3 mi
29. Slight left onto Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Rd 328 ft
30. Continue onto Lakeshore Blvd
Destination will be on the right 0.2 mi
45.6 mi – about 1 hour 0 mins
Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort
2870 Lakeshore Blvd
Nice, CA 95464

DAY TWO
31. Head west on Lakeshore Blvd toward Collier Ave 0.2 mi
32. Take the 1st right onto Collier Ave 0.2 mi
33. Slight right to stay on Collier Ave 338 ft
34. Take the 1st left onto CA-20 W 0.7 mi
35. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on CA-20 W 3.4 mi
36. Turn right onto Main St 0.2 mi
37. Take the 1st left onto 1st St 446 ft
38. Turn left onto Mendenhall Ave 0.2 mi
39. Turn right onto CA-20 W 0.5 mi
40. Turn left onto CA-29 S 13.7 mi
41. Turn left onto Thomas Dr
Destination will be on the right 279 ft
19.2 mi – about 25 mins
Steele Wines Inc
4350 Thomas Dr
Kelseyville, CA 95451

42. Head north on Thomas Dr toward Argonaut Rd 0.4 mi
43. Continue onto Big Valley Rd 0.4 mi
44. Slight right onto Stone Dr 0.8 mi
45. Turn right onto Soda Bay Rd 2.7 mi
46. Turn left to stay on Soda Bay Rd 2.9 mi
47. Head east on Soda Bay Rd toward Bergesen Dr 6.7 mi
48. Turn left onto Point Lakeview Rd 4.7 mi
49. Turn left onto Walnut Ln
Destination will be on the left 0.1 mi
11.5 mi – about 20 mins
McVicar Wildlife Sanctuary
Lower Lake, CA 95457

50. Head southwest on Walnut Ln toward Point Lakeview Rd 0.1 mi
51. Turn left onto Point Lakeview Rd 2.2 mi
52. Turn left onto CA-29 S 1.9 mi
53. Turn left onto CA-53 N 7.4 mi
54. Turn left onto CA-20 W
Destination will be on the left 16.0 mi
27.6 mi – about 38 mins
CEAGO WINERY & BIODYNAMIC FARM
5115 California 20
Nice, CA 95464

55. Head northwest on CA-20 W toward Bartlett Springs Rd 2.3 mi
56. Slight left onto Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Rd 328 ft
57. Continue onto Lakeshore Blvd
Destination will be on the right 0.2 mi
2.6 mi – about 5 mins
Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort
2870 Lakeshore Blvd
Nice, CA 95464

What's a Few Hours, Anyway?

Road Trippin’
with Steve McCarthy

What’s two hours worth? Lot’s of answers to that. Time with a newborn? Priceless. At the higher minimum wage that people are screaming for? About $30. Before taxes. On a Road Trip? It’s the difference between a mind stultifying endless slog up the I-5 and the FAR more pleasant cruise up the 101. Two whole freakin’ hours longer. That’s it. It’s the difference between eating McKing Jr. and a Bison Burger in Atascadero. It’s the difference between a Denny’s pancake and waffles at the Worker Bee in Carpinteria. It’s the difference between rolling hills, dotted with oak trees, a road that gently sweeps through vineyards and rich farmland and the cattle pens in Kettleman City. It’s the difference between a parade of semis, limited to 55 mph trying to pass each other at 57 mph, while some sanctimonious asshat in a Prius hogs the fast lane at 65, “Saving the Planet.” So, what brought all this on?
One of our dearest friends, Pam is about to become one of our Oldest Friends. She’s hitting 60. As in years, not MPH. Sixty is a rough one. It's the age when you know you are all of a sudden, "Old." There's a tendency to look backwards. A lot. To need to reconnect with people from one's past. A tendency to reflect on what you've done with your life. It marks the point when you're starting the last of your Biblically allotted "Four Score Years." The crappy part is, it's like hitting 20, when you're not a teen, can vote, but can't drink. At 60, you're not old enough for Social Security or Medicare, but old enough for the Senior Menu and Discounts.
        Marianne and Pam had babies together, shared baby sitting duties, breast feeding advice, and swapped lies about their husbands. Bill, Pam’s husband at the time is perhaps my dearest and oldest friend. Pam is coming south from Washington to Clearlake, where Bill lives, to celebrate with their kids and friends. We are going. Instead of doing the Southwest Tour I talked about, we’re heading for the wine country, then to the NoCal Coast. Not a bad trade off. Naturally, that means making a choice of route.

Good Ol’ Google Maps naturally defaults to the I-5 north, then cutting west above Sacramento to Clearlake. Some 494 miles. Seven hours, eighteen minutes of driving time. The alternate Central Valley Route of Hwy. 99 is 498 miles and about a half-hour longer. At least along the 99 there are places to stop to eat that don’t involve crappy fast food (WOW, there’s a redundancy if ever there was one!). But mostly, each is an unending panorama of flat farmland, offering little in variety. At least on the 99 you might spot a train or two, and get to tick off the towns as they roll by. Bakersfield, Delano, Pixley, Tulare, Kingsburg, Fresno, and on and one. This was the route we’d take to see the Grand Folks in Sacramento. Then at least, each small town was a separate, distinct entity. Now, they are rapidly growing together.
Then, there’s that two hour difference. US Highway 101. The El Camino Real. The King’s Highway. The ORIGINAL California Road Trip Route. An investment of two hours is all it takes to see the quintessential California landscape. Rolling hills, oak trees, Pacific Ocean, missions, and great food. Now, because there’s more to see, you might windup spending more time poking about. Is that a bad thing? So you add another hour or two? Look at what you gain!
Time, therefore, is not merely money. Time is experiences. The more time you take poking about, the richer your life is. Richer in far more permanent ways than mere money.

1,267 miles, 22 h 40 min
Monrovia, CA

1. Merge onto I-210 W 8.3 mi
2. Continue onto CA-134 14.1 mi
3. Merge onto US-101 N 72.1 mi
4. Take the Casitas Pass Road exit 0.2 mi
5. Turn left onto Casitas Pass Rd 0.2 mi
6. Turn right onto Carpinteria Ave 0.3 mi
7. Turn left onto Linden Ave
Breakfast Destination will be on the right 131 ft
96.1 mi / 1 h 36 min
The Worker Bee Café
973 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013

8. Head northeast on Linden Ave toward Carpinteria Ave 0.3 mi
9. Sharp right to merge onto US-101 N 0.1 mi
10. Merge onto US-101 N 152 mi
11. Take the Leavesley Rd/CA-152 W exit 0.4 mi
12. Merge onto San Ysidro Ave
13. Destination will be on the right 0.3 mi

Garlic Shoppe
8650 San Ysidro Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020


14. Head southeast on San Ysidro Ave 0.3 mi
15. Turn right onto Leavesley Rd 210 ft
16. Merge onto US-101 N via the ramp to San Jose 30.7 mi
17. Take the exit onto I-880 N toward Oakland 40.3 mi
18. Merge onto I-80 E 3.5 mi
Keep right to continue on I-580 W,
follow signs for San Rafael/Point Richmond
Partial toll road 13.2 mi
20. Take the exit onto US-101 N 11.9 mi
21. Take the Atherton Ave exit toward San Marin Dr 0.2 mi
22. Turn left onto Atherton Ave 0.2 mi
23. Continue onto San Marin Dr 2.7 mi
24. Turn right onto Novato Blvd 6.3 mi
25. Turn left onto Point Reyes Petaluma Rd 0.4 mi
26. Turn right
Destination will be on the right 230 ft

112 mi / 1 h 55 min
Marin French Cheese
7510 Point Reyes Petaluma Road, Petaluma, CA 94952

27. Head northeast toward Point Reyes Petaluma Rd 230 ft
28. Turn left onto Point Reyes Petaluma Rd 4.8 mi
29. Continue onto D St/D street Extension
Continue to follow D St 4.4 mi
30. Turn left onto Lakeville St 0.1 mi
31. Take the 1st right onto E Washington St 0.8 mi
32. Take the ramp onto US-101 N 0.2 mi
33. Merge onto US-101 N 19.8 mi
34. Take the River Rd exit toward Guerneville 0.2 mi
35. Turn right onto Mark West Springs Rd 5.3 mi
36. Continue onto Porter Creek Rd 4.7 mi
37. Turn left onto Petrified Forest Rd 4.4 mi
38. Turn left onto CA-128 W/Foothill Blvd 0.8 mi
39. Turn right onto Tubbs Ln 1.3 mi
40. Turn left onto CA-29 N 29.4 mi
41. Continue onto CA-53 N 2.9 mi
42. Turn left onto Lakeshore Dr
43. Destination will be on the left 0.4 mi
79.7 mi / 1 h 46 min
Best Western El Grande Inn
15135 Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake, CA 95422

Day Two
OK, from here on, you’re kinda on your own. I’ve traced out a route that hits some neat stuff. The Skunk Train, Fort Ross, The Roaring Camp and Big Trees RR, all manner of things to see along the way. Somewhere, you’ll need to stop for the night. I’ll let you figger it out, that’s what we’ll be doing. Take a chance! Same is true with places to eat. There are all manner of great places you can find along the way. I also used the Freeways to detour around Frisco. If you WANT to, head across the Golden Gate Bridge and see what the locals like to call The City. For all it’s snobbishness, Frisco DOES have great food! Above all, Relax and Enjoy! After all, what’s a few hours here or there?

1. Head east on Lakeshore Dr toward W 40th St 0.3 mi
2. Take the 1st right onto CA-53 S 3.0 mi
3. Turn right onto CA-29 N 30.8 mi
4. Turn left onto CA-20 W 18.9 mi
5. Take the ramp onto US-101 N 16.1 mi
6. Turn left toward Coast St 236 ft
7. Turn left onto Coast St 302 ft
8. Take the 1st right onto Pine St 135 ft
69.2 mi / 1 h 18 min
Willits, CA

9. Head east on Pine St toward Coast St 135 ft
10. Turn right onto Coast St 0.2 mi
11. Slight right to stay on Coast St 0.3 mi
Take the 3rd right onto CA-20 W/
Fort Bragg Rd/Fort Bragg-Willits Rd
Continue to follow CA-20 W 32.6 mi
14. Turn right onto CA-1 N/S Main St 1.8 mi
15. Turn right onto E Laurel St 197 ft
16. Turn left 85 ft
34.9 mi / 51 min
Fort Bragg, CA

17. Head south toward E Laurel St 0.1 mi
Turn right at the 2nd cross street
onto E Redwood Ave 207 ft
19. Turn right to stay on CA-1 S 24.4 mi
20. Turn right onto CA-1 S/Main St
Continue to follow CA-1 S 72.5 mi
21. Continue onto Valley Ford Rd 3.3 mi
22. Turn left onto Roblar Rd 6.5 mi
23. Turn right onto Stony Point Rd 3.4 mi
Turn left to merge onto US-101 S 0.2 mi
25. Merge onto US-101 S 25.9 mi
26. Take the Interstate 580 exit 0.5 mi
Merge onto I-580 E
(signs for Richmond Bridge/Oakland) 13.1 mi
28. Merge onto I-580 E/I-80 W 3.8 mi
29. Take the exit on the left toward Alameda/San Jose 1.5 mi
30. Merge onto I-880 S 44.3 mi
31. Continue onto CA-17 S 22.9 mi
Take the Mount Hermon Road exit
toward Felton/Big Basin 0.2 mi
33. Turn right onto Mt Hermon Rd 3.5 mi
34. Turn left onto Graham Hill Rd 0.5 mi
35. Slight right
Destination will be on the right 0.5 mi
247 mi / 5 h 20 min
Roaring Camp Railroads
5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018

1. Head northeast 0.3 mi
2. Turn right toward Graham Hill Rd 0.1 mi
3. Turn right onto Graham Hill Rd 5.0 mi
4. Continue onto Ocean St 0.3 mi
5. Turn left onto Plymouth St 0.1 mi
6. Keep left to stay on Plymouth St 135 ft
7. Merge onto CA-1 S via the ramp to Watsonville 476 ft
8. Merge onto CA-1 S 17.8 mi
9. Take the exit toward Salinas Rd 0.3 mi
10. Turn left onto Salinas Rd
11. 1.3 mi
12. Slight right onto Werner Rd 0.2 mi
13. Turn right onto Elkhorn Rd/Hall Rd
Continue to follow Hall Rd 3.6 mi
14. Turn right onto San Miguel Canyon Rd 4.6 mi
15. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to Vierra Canyon Rd
 From the 101, I’m sure you can get home!

Road Trippin'--The South West!

Road Trippin’
with Steve McCarthy

Before I get started, I have a shameless plug! Son of Road Trippin’ has been released! Yes, the Long Awaited Sequel to my first book, Road Trippin’ is now available. Autobooks will have copies as soon as they get printed, so get your copy NOW!
OK, I’ll be honest. This trip is a Leap of Faith. Well, most of it is. We’d planned on this Road Trip to be our Annual Trek, but other things have come up and well, it’s gonna be delayed. No worries, YOU can blaze the trail for us and let us know what worked! If you’ve done a few of our trips, you should be well seasoned by now, and able to roll with the punches. Realize that not everything goes as planned, you have to adapt on the fly, and you’ll be just fine.
I’d like to make a few suggestions for this journey. One, a GPS. These little things can be useful, especially if you’re hunting for a place to eat or rest your weary head. Two, a radar detector. Most states are using speed traps as revenue enhancement, so being forewarned is being forearmed! Three, Watch your fuel levels! A lot of this Trek is on LONG LONELY ROADS! Like Pee Breaks, never pass up an opportunity to top up from anything below half tank. Four, Bring stuff for picnic lunches! You will probably find neat places along the road to toss out a blanket and share a loaf of bread, some salami and cheese, and a nice view. Sure beats the Mickey D! Five, I’ve only suggested a couple of places to stay. Six-time of year. Unless you have great A/C, don't do this in the summer! Spring and Fall are best. Otherwise, find something local that fits your style and enjoy!
So, what’s this trip about? The Great Southwest! Lots of sand and cactii, lots of turquoise (!) and lots of spectacular scenery. There’ll also be a good hunk of history and enough funky stuff to keep you amused.
The first leg is a well known one. Get your kicks on Route 66. Try the Summit Inn at the top of Cajon Pass for breakfast, and maybe Mr. Ds in Kingman for lunch. Don’t gas up in Needles. They have the worst prices! Flagstaff will be the place to stop the night. There are a bunch of good motels near the old town, and the old part of Flagstaff has a ton of good places to eat and shop.
Next day, we’re headed south to Douglas, Arizona. Not much of a town, and a picnic lunch might be a good idea. Douglas isn’t much of a town, but the Gadsen Hotel is THE place to stop. It’s ancient, a bit funky, but has the largest TIFFANY STAINED GLASS WINDOW IN THE WORLD! I’ve so far only seen photos, but MAN this looks neat! Browsing about, it seems there are some good places to eat. I’m sure the hotel staff will recommend something. Or, let your fingers do the clicking.
The third day heads us to El Paso for BBQ and lunch. I pulled several possibilities from a local website and they all sound REALLY good! Pick one. It’s hard to go wrong with Texas BBQ! From there, it’s more of the Great American Desert to the funkiest place in the country, ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO!
Yes, folks, THAT Roswell. Of Alien Landing Fame. It’s a hoot. Tacky doesn’t do it justice. But even if you are a cynical unbeliever (like I am) this is a place you really have to see. Once. It’s High Kitsch! There’s museums (really gift shops) and alien crap everywhere. Go ahead. You know you want to!
From there on Day Four, it’s real history time. Tucumcari was an important place in the lore of the Wild West. Stop and see the stuff there. It was one of those great tourist traps in the days of Old Route 66.
After that, we’ll get artsy. Taos, NM is a haven for the creative. Take the time to poke around. After that, spend the night in Santa Fe. This is a great place, especially around the old town area. There are lots of places to eat and stay, so take your pick and enjoy.
Day five will take us to one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. The View is set smack dab in the middle of Monument Valley. Constant Reader will know we are obsessed by the beauty of this place. The hotel is fairly new (we haven’t had the pleasure of staying there, but reviews are excellent.), and reservations might be a good idea. It’s run by the local Native Americans.
If Monument Valley isn’t enough, the next couple of days will knock your socks off! Head up into Utah to the Arches, then Brice Canyon, then Zion. These are National Parks and will charge an admission fee. Some hiking may be involved so be prepared! The rock formations are incredible. You may want to build in an extra day or two, depending on how much exploring you want to do. There are motels and restaurants near each place.
From Zion, it’s a straight shot home on the good old I-15. Yeah, I know. But sometimes, you have to bite the bullet and just do it. Try not to waste time and any money you have left in Lost Wages!


The Easy part is the 210 to the I-15 North, Eat breakfast at the Summit Inn at the top of Cajon Pass. Then:

1. Keep right to continue on I-40 E, follow signs for Needles 49.9 mi
2. Take the exit toward Ludlow 0.3 mi
3. Turn right onto Crucero Rd 364 ft
4. Turn left onto National Trails Hwy 62.6 mi
5. Turn left onto Historic Rte 66 E 16.7 mi
6. Continue onto Goffs Rd 12.5 mi
7. Turn right onto US-95 S 6.5 mi
8. Turn left to merge onto I-40 E/US-95 S toward Needles 0.3 mi
9. Merge onto I-40 E/US-95 S
Continue to follow I-40 E
Entering Arizona 21.9 mi
10. Take exit 1 toward Golden Shores 1/Oatman 0.2 mi
11. Turn left onto Co Hwy 10/Oatman-Topock Hwy
Continue to follow Co Hwy 10 47.8 mi
12. Turn right onto Historic Rte 66 0.4 mi
13. Turn left to merge onto I-40 E toward Flagstaff 0.4 mi
14. Merge onto I-40 E 8.2 mi
15. Take exit 53 for State Route 66 E/Andy Devine Ave toward Kingman Airport 0.2 mi
16. Turn left onto AZ-66 E/B-I 40/Historic Rte 66
Continue to follow AZ-66 E/Historic Rte 66 83.3 mi
17. Turn left onto I-40BUS W 1.2 mi
18. Turn left to merge onto I-40 E toward Flagstaff 0.3 mi
19. Merge onto I-40 E 70.1 mi
20. Take exit 191 for Interstate 40 Business toward Flagstaff 0.6 mi
21. Turn right onto I-40BUS E/Historic Rte 66 3.8 mi
22. Turn left onto Historic Rte 66/Milton Rd
Continue to follow Historic Rte 66 0.6 mi
23. Turn left onto N Humphreys St 394 ft
24. Take the 1st right onto W Aspen Ave 358 ft
25. Take the 1st right onto N Beaver St 354 ft
26. Take the 1st right onto Historic Rte 66 331 ft
Flagstaff, AZ
Drive 390 mi, 7 h 26 min

Day Two
Flagstaff, AZ

1. Head west on Historic Rte 66 toward N Humphreys St 0.6 mi
2. Continue onto Milton Rd 1.0 mi
3. Turn right onto W Forest Meadows St 0.1 mi
4. Turn left onto S Beulah Blvd 0.6 mi
5. Turn left onto Lake Mary Rd 53.6 mi
6. Turn right onto AZ-87 S 35.5 mi
At the traffic circle, continue straight onto AZ-260 E/AZ-87 S 0.6 mi
8. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on AZ-260 E/AZ-87 S 240 ft
9. Exit the traffic circle onto AZ-260 E/AZ-87 S
Continue to follow AZ-87 S 17.6 mi
10. Turn left onto AZ-188 S 60.9 mi
11. Turn left onto US-60 E 2.9 mi
12. Turn right onto N Broad St 430 ft
13. Continue onto W Ash St/Willow St 3.3 mi
14. Continue onto US-70 E 0.9 mi
15. Slight left to stay on US-70 E 74.2 mi
16. Turn right onto US-191 S/S 1st Ave
Continue to follow US-191 S 16.6 mi
17. Turn right onto AZ-266 W 19.3 mi
18. Turn left onto Fort Grant Rd 8.6 mi
19. Turn left onto Ash Creek 2.9 mi
20. Turn right onto S Brookerson Rd 3.0 mi
21. Continue onto Fort Grant Rd 14.9 mi
22. Continue onto W Rex Allen Dr 1.1 mi
23, Turn right onto AZ-186 E/N Haskell Ave (signs for Interstate 10 Business) 0.7 mi
24. Turn left onto AZ-186 E/E Maley St
Continue to follow AZ-186 E 5.9 mi
25. Slight right toward S Kansas Settlement Rd 0.2 mi
26. Continue straight onto S Kansas Settlement Rd 20.0 mi
27. Turn left onto US-191 S 43.0 mi
28. Turn left onto AZ-80 E 1.5 mi
29. Continue onto G Ave
Destination will be on the right 0.3 mi / 1 min

Gadsden Hotel
1046 G Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607
Drive 426 mi, 7 h 50 min

Day Three

Gadsden Hotel
1046 G Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607

1. Head north on G Ave toward 11th St 0.3 mi / 1 min
2. Turn right onto AZ-80 E/Pan American Ave
Continue to follow AZ-80 E
Entering New Mexico 48.2 mi
3. Continue onto NM-80 N 8.1 mi
4. Turn right onto NM-9 13.9 mi
5. Turn left onto NM-338 N/NM-9 E 0.1 mi
6. Take the 1st right onto NM-9 E 95.1 mi
7. Continue onto A003 County Rd 3.1 mi
Continue onto A 001 County Rd 0.3 mi
9. Continue onto State Hwy 9 34.4 mi
10. Turn left onto NM-136 E 2.6 mi
11. Turn right onto Airport Rd 2.3 mi
12. Turn right onto McNutt Rd
Entering Texas 8.3 mi
13. Continue onto Anapra Rd 0.2 mi
14. Take the ramp onto W Paisano Dr 1.3 mi
15. Turn left onto Executive Center Blvd 1.1 mi
16. Turn right onto N Mesa St 2.0 mi

221 mi / 4 h 16 min
El Paso, TX

For Lunch, pick one. They all sound GOOD! I got these comments from a website run by a local radio station.
http://klaq.com/who-has-the-best-bbq-in-el-paso-heres-my-top-5-or-6/

A. StateLine- 1222 Sunland Park Dr, El Paso, TX 79922I’m a big fan of the baby back rib platter and brisket. Amazing !!!
B. Rib Hut- 2612 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902Try the beef rib plate or the sausage plate, always filling  and finger licking awesomeness!
C. Smokey’s Pit BBQ and Saloon 346 N Lee Trevino Dr #207 El Paso, TX 79936( any of the 3 locations )- The pork ribs and beans are always a treat. Try their smoked turkey (moist and juicy) and some of the chili con queso.
D . Rudy’s (7970 Gateway Blvd E. El Paso, TX 79907 Always consistent. The St.Louis BBQ ribs and the baby backs are off the bone deli-sh! (n.b. This might be the best choice, it’s on the road out of town.)
E. Famous Dave’s 1360 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936- Check out the any of  ribs with the rich and sassy BBQ sauce, and you can’t forget  the corn muffins.

17. Head southeast on N Mesa St toward E Schuster Ave 0.5 mi
18. Turn left onto E Rio Grande Ave 1.4 mi
19. Continue onto Grant Ave 0.9 mi
20. Turn right onto Elm St 0.1 mi
21. Turn left onto Pershing Dr 1.6 mi
22. Continue onto Dyer St 1.0 mi
23. Turn right onto Monroe Ave 236 ft
24. Slight left onto Forrest St/Monroe Ave 308 ft
25. Continue onto Cassidy Rd (signs for Gateway S) 0.2 mi
26. Turn left onto Gateway N Blvd 0.8 mi
27. Slight right onto Railroad Dr 3.8 mi
28. Slight left onto McCombs St 4.8 mi
29. Turn right onto US-54 E/Gateway N Blvd
Continue to follow US-54 E
Entering New Mexico 70.8 mi
30. Turn right onto Charlie Lee Memorial Relief Route 5.4 mi
31. Turn left onto US-70 E/N White Sands Blvd
Continue to follow US-70 E 114 mi
205 mi / 3 h 35 min
Roswell, NM

Day Four

Roswell, NM

1. Head east on W 2nd St toward N Main St 82 ft
2. Take the 1st left onto US-70 E/N Main St 5.3 mi
3. Take the US-70 E/US-70 W ramp to Portales/Ruidoso 0.2 mi
4. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Portales and merge onto US-70 E 61.1 mi
5. Turn left onto NM-330 S/S Roosevelt Rd Ak/Texico Ave
Continue to follow NM-330 S 20.4 mi
6. Continue onto NM-267 14.2 mi
7. Turn left onto Denby Ave 1.0 mi
8. Turn right onto NM-268 N/Brownhorn St
Continue to follow NM-268 N 27.5 mi
9. Turn left onto NM-209 N/State Rte 18
Continue to follow NM-209 N 30.9 mi
10. Continue onto S 1st St 364 ft
11. Turn right onto E Mc Gee Ave 377 ft
12. Take the 1st right onto S Adams St 358 ft
13. Take the 1st right onto E Tucumcari Blvd 410 ft
14. Take the 1st left onto S 1st St 33 ft
161 mi / 2 h 52 min
Tucumcari, NM

15. Head south on S 1st St toward E Hines Ave 325 ft
16. Take the 1st right onto E Hines Ave 364 ft
17. Take the 1st right onto S 2nd St 364 ft
18. Take the 1st right onto E Tucumcari Blvd 397 ft
19. Take the 1st left onto NM-104 W/S 1st St
Continue to follow NM-104 W 106 mi
20. Continue onto E University 0.3 mi
21. Turn right onto Grand Ave 0.7 mi
22. Turn left onto Mills Ave 0.7 mi
23. Turn right onto NM-518 N/7th St
Continue to follow NM-518 N 72.7 mi
24. Turn right onto NM-68 N/Paseo Del Pueblo Sur 3.5 mi
25. Continue onto Paseo Del Pueblo Norte 312 ft
26. Turn right onto Barela Ln 121 ft
27. Take the 1st right to stay on Barela Ln 253 ft
185 mi / 4 h 2 min
Taos, NM

28, Turn right onto Kit Carson Rd 105 ft
29. Turn left onto NM-68 S/Paseo Del Pueblo Sur
Continue to follow NM-68 S 45.3 mi
30. Continue onto S Riverside Dr 1.8 mi
31. Continue onto US-285 S/US-84 E 22.2 mi
32. Turn left onto W Alameda St 0.6 mi
33. Turn left onto N Guadalupe St 413 ft
34. Take the 1st right onto W San Francisco St 0.3 mi
70.3 mi / 1 h 22 min
Santa Fe, NM

Day Five
Santa Fe, NM

1. Head east on E San Francisco St toward Cathedral Pl 289 ft
2. Turn right onto Cathedral Pl 0.2 mi
3. Turn right onto E Alameda St 0.3 mi
4. Turn left onto Don Gaspar Ave 20 ft
5. Turn right onto W Alameda St 0.9 mi
6. Turn right onto US-285 N/US-84 W/N St Francis Dr
Continue to follow US-285 N/US-84 W 15.5 mi
7. Take the NM-502 W/Los Alamos exit 0.2 mi
8. Turn left onto Los Alamos Hwy 1.7 mi
9. Continue onto NM-502 6.2 mi

36.1 mi / 45 min
Los Alamos, NM

10. Continue straight onto NM-501 W 2.9 mi
11. Turn right onto NM-4 W 49.6 mi
12. Turn right onto US-550 N 120 mi
13. Turn left onto Co Rd 7010 12.9 mi
14. Turn right onto Co Rd 7100 1.7 mi
15. Turn right onto NM-371 N 5.5 mi
16. Turn left onto US-64 BYP W/W Murray Dr 0.9 mi
17. Turn left onto US-64 W/W Main St
Continue to follow US-64 W 27.4 mi
18. Turn right to stay on US-64 W
Entering Arizona 26.0 mi
19. Continue straight onto US-160 W 71.7 mi
20. Turn right onto US-163 N
Entering Utah 23.7 mi
21. Turn right onto Monument Valley Rd
Entering Arizona
Destination will be on the right 3.7 mi


349 mi / 6 h 8 min
The View Hotel
Indian Route 42 East, Monument Valley, UT 84536

 Day Six
The View Hotel
Indian Route 42 East, Monument Valley, UT 84536

1. Head southwest 0.6 mi
2. Continue straight onto Monument Valley Rd/Monument Valley Tribal Park Rd
Continue to follow Monument Valley Rd
Entering Utah 3.1 mi
3. Turn right onto US-163 N/US-163 Scenic N 41.0 mi
4. Continue straight onto US-191 N 30.1 mi
5. Turn right onto E Center St 0.1 mi
6. Slight left onto US-191 N/N Grayson Pkwy
Continue to follow US-191 N 79.0 mi
7. Turn right onto Arches Entrance Rd
Destination will be on the right 0.6 mi
155 mi / 2 h 42 min
Arches National Park
Moab, UT

8. Head east on Arches Entrance Rd 0.6 mi
9. Turn right onto US-191 N 21.7 mi
10. Turn left toward Ruby Ranch Rd 8.2 mi
11. Turn right onto Ruby Ranch Rd 0.4 mi
12. Continue onto Old Hwy 6 & 50 11.7 mi
13. Turn right onto E Main St 1.8 mi
14. Turn left onto S Long St 0.3 mi
15. Slight left onto Green River Ave 0.1 mi
17. Take the 1st right onto Airport Rd 0.4 mi
18. Continue onto County Rd 3.9 mi
19. Turn right onto Old Hwy Hanksville 3.0 mi
20. Continue onto Old State Rte 24 8.1 mi
21. Turn left onto UT-24 W 40.1 mi
22. Turn right to stay on UT-24 W 81.7 mi
23. Turn left at Hogback Rd 1.5 mi
24. Continue straight onto Browns Ln 1.3 mi
25. Turn left onto UT-62 S 26.3 mi
26. Turn left onto UT-22 S 7.4 mi
27. Continue onto Johns Valley Rd 34.4 mi
28. Continue onto UT-63 S
Destination will be on the right 2.6 mi


255 mi / 5 h 58 min
Bryce Canyon National Park
Hwy 63, Bryce Canyon, UT 84764

29. Head north on UT-63 N toward FR1173 2.6 mi
30. Turn left onto UT-12 W 13.6 mi
31. Turn left onto US-89 S 43.2 mi
32. Turn right onto UT-9 W
Partial toll road
Destination will be on the left 25.4 mi
84.8 mi / 1 h 45 min
Zion Park Motel
865 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767

Day Seven!  Head for HOME!

1. Head west on Zion Park Blvd toward S Paradise Rd 2.3 mi
2. Continue onto UT-9 W/E Main St
Continue to follow UT-9 W 16.9 mi
3. Turn left onto N State St 11.3 mi
4. Turn left at Champs RC Raceway onto 6300 W/Telegraph St
Continue to follow Telegraph St 5.7 mi
5. Continue onto W Red Cliffs Dr 2.2 mi
6. Continue onto S River Rd 1.0 mi
7. Turn right onto E 700 S 0.6 mi
8. Turn right onto S 700 E 92 ft
40.1 mi / 56 min
St George, UT

9. Head South on the I-15 to LA.
It’s under about 400 miles to LA down the I-15. Try and not waste your time and money in Lost Wages!