Road Trippin’ 

with Steve McCarthy

The Grand Hotels

OK, I know, we usually tout cheapo motels. I mean, if the best thing about your trip is the hotel room, maybe your trip wasn’t all that great. How much time do you spend in it with your eyes open? HOWEVER, there are times when you have to treat yourself. Times when you really should blow the budget and eat mac and cheese for the next month. There are a few places right here in California (well, OK, I cheated and included one in Arizona, but you’ll see why) that are the Grandest of the Grand Resort Hotels. 

These are the places that have been around forever. These are the places that catered to the well heeled traveler, back when all motoring was an adventure. These are the places where you wish you had a Packard, a Dueseneberg, or something of that ilk to roll up in, rather than the family Camry. These are places that you should at least Dress For Dinner. Seriously, you should treat yourself (and a special friend) to at least a couple of these. 

Now, we’ve hit most on this list, at least for food or a drink. Three we’ve stayed in. Each time, it was a glorious adventure that made us feel as if we reeked of class and cash. In each case, there is an attitude that you have to take with you. 

First, none of these is a Holiday Inn. Do not expect the same kind of corporate amenities. Do not expect the kind of forced sparkly sterility that passes for “elegance” in today’s world. These are what is referred to today as Old School. Many have been “uprated for the modern traveler” but most have not. Thank God for that. One (at least) has no TVs in the rooms! 

And second, SLOW THE HECK DOWN! Take each at the leisurely pace of a bygone era. Stroll, linger, wait, relax. Soak it all in. There’s plenty of time to rush back to the Rat Race. These are places to escape that. Nothing irritates me more than some pushy yuppie who writes bad reviews because the wifi wasn’t fast enough, or the staff didn’t snap to attention the minute they graced the place with their holy presence. 

So, what are these places? I’ll go through them in alphabetical order, so’s to not show any favoritism. There are others, but these are the cream of the crop. I’m including links to wikipedia so you can learn more. Prices are in parentheses, and may of course change. 

1. The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahwahnee_Hotel ($340)

Built in 1927, it’s one of the finest resorts in the world. Heck it’s in Yosemite, for crying out loud! For setting, it rates an A+ only because the scale doesn’t go any higher. It’s the height of elegant tourism. I’ve only managed to see the lobby, more’s the pity, but even that peek into the past was amazing. Interestingly, it and the El Tovar are also the only ones on my list that isn’t on or near Highway 101, showing that California travelers flocked to the Coast Route as THE place to travel.

      2. The Benbow Inn, Garberville, CA http://www.benbowinn.com ($140)

This wonderful place dates from 1926, and yes, we’ve stayed and eaten here. It is amazing! There are NO televisions in the rooms, there IS however a pair of wine glasses and a carafe of sherry in each room. The lobby has tables with games and puzzles set out and the restaurant and bar are terrific! The Redwoods are only a shade less spectacular than Yosemite, so, the views are worth it all. 

       3. Beverly Hills Hotel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beverly_Hills_Hotel ($515-gasp)

OK, I know. But still, you at least have to have a drink in the bar. Dating from 1912, it reeks of Hollywood History. Marianne and I had drinks there one evening. It was pretty cool. Even if we rolled up in her ’66 Mustang. We were at least dressed for it, if the car was not. 

     4. Hotel del Coronado, near San Diego, CA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_del_Coronado ($350)

This is the oldest on the list, built in 1888. It’s one of the few wooden Victorian hotels left. At the time, it was the largest resort hotel in the world! It’s also the second largest wooden structure in the US! The largest is the blimp barn that makes up what is now the Tillamook Air Museum, and yes, we’ve been there too! I got to stay there once way back when I was a bus driver. Had a Little Old Lady group, got a free room, free dinner, AND got paid for the privilege. Make sure you stay in the REAL hotel, not the new annex. 

     5. El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon, AZ. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Tovar_Hotel ($200)

This is some twenty-five years newer than the Coronado, built in 1905 as part of the Santa Fe Railroad’s push to show American’s the Wild West. It was originally run by Fred Harvey and is clearly tied with the Ahwahnee for most spectacular scenery. It’s almost on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Can’t get much cooler than that! Take the Grand Canyon RR there for the full experience! The food is wonderful, especially in the winter. Warming onion soup and soft bread that warms you down to the toes. 

     6. Fairmont, San Francisco, CA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairmont_San_Francisco (($400+gulp)

THE GRAND DAME of California hotels. It survived the 1906 earthquake! The United Nations was created there, and Tony Bennet first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” there. Need I say more? One has drinks at the Top of the Mark, and STAYS at the Fairmont. 

     7. The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, CA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_Inn ($190)

We just stayed here. It was great. It’s also the New Kid on the Block, opened in 1958. That means Marianne and I are older than it is. It’s a tribute to 50s kitschy. It’s tacky. It’s over the top. The urinal in the men’s room is a rocky water fall. The dining room is decked out in red flocked wall paper and gilt cherubim and seraphim and gold and crystal chandeliers. Instead of an elegant Packard, you need a Caddy convertible, wear plaid Bermuda shorts and a straw hat. It’s beyond everything a California Beach Resort should be. 

OK, I know there are probably a few more, but these are The Essentials. At least visit them and have a drink in the bar or a dish of soup in the restaurant, and imagine an era when hotels purposely tried to look and feel different. A time when we weren’t cookie cuttered into bland imitations of what was truly spectacular and Grand. 

Road Trippin’
with Steve McCarthy

Yosemite Sam Memorial Trophy Dash--Day Two

THE GREATEST NATURAL WONDER IN THE WORLD. Or one of them anyway. There are some caveats to a trip to Yosemite. First, ALWAYS check to see if the roads into the park are open. ALWAYS. Fires, landslides, and snow can always impact this trip. Expect the unexpected. Now, I’ve TRIED to make sure the directions work, but remember, from past trips to the area, GPS,Maps, Reality don’t always dovetail together. Have a good map with you and look sharp for road signs, and be careful, locals seem to think it’s a fun game to rotate signs!
The next bit of advice is to pack a lunch, but DO NOT LEAVE FOOD IN THE CAR THE BEARS WILL RIP YOUR CAR APART TO FIND IT!!!!! The Ahwahnee is one of The Great Resort Hotels, but the food there is EXPENSIVE. There are other places to get food in the park, but it’s only not as expensive as the hotel. It’s up to you.
Third-BRING A CAMERA! Stop at Inspiration Point, just out of the tunnel leading into the park. It is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes. If it doesn’t, there is something seriously wrong with you! Handel should be ringing in your ears when you pop out of that tunnel!
As usual, enjoy the roads, understand that this is one of THE most popular places to visit, so be patient with the traffic. Have Fun and watch out for Crazy Rabbits!

DAY TWO!

Edgewater Inn Reedley
1977 West Manning Avenue
Reedley, CA 93654

1. Head east on W Manning Ave toward Kings River Rd 0.5 mi
2. Turn left to stay on W Manning Ave 0.3 mi
3. Turn left onto N Reed Ave 8.1 mi
4. Continue onto CA-180 W 0.7 mi
5. Turn right onto N Piedra Rd 8.5 mi
6. Turn right onto E Trimmer Springs Rd 13.7 mi
7. Turn left onto Maxon Rd 5.0 mi
8. Turn right onto Watts Valley Rd 3.1 mi
9. Continue onto Burrough Valley Rd 4.3 mi
10. Turn right onto Tollhouse Rd 1.2 mi
11. Continue straight onto Lodge Rd 6.6 mi
12. Continue onto CA-168/Auberry Rd 1.1 mi
13. Slight right onto Auberry Rd 9.3 mi
14. Turn right onto Millerton Rd 5.7 mi
15. Turn right onto N Fork Rd 0.6 mi
16. Continue onto Rd 206 1.6 mi
17. Turn right onto Rd 145 1.4 mi
18. Continue onto Rd 211 7.2 mi
19. Continue onto Hildreth Rd 0.5 mi
20. Turn right onto Rd 200/N Fork Rd 11.4 mi
21. Turn left onto Crane Valley Rd 1.6 mi
22. Turn left onto Teaford Saddle Rd 6.1 mi
23. Turn right onto Rd 426/Crane Valley Rd 0.9 mi
24. Slight left onto Rd 222/S Shore Rd 1.8 mi
25. Turn left onto Rd 222/Bass Lake Rd 0.3 mi
26. Turn left to stay on Rd 222/Bass Lake Rd 3.4 mi
27. Turn right onto CA-41 N 12.4 mi
28. CA-41 N turns left and becomes Wawona Rd 26.2 mi
29. Continue onto Southside Dr 4.1 mi
30. Turn left onto Sentinel Drive 0.3 mi
31. Turn right onto Northside Dr 0.1 mi
32. Northside Dr turns left and becomes Village Dr 0.2 mi
33. Turn right onto Ahwahnee Drive 0.5 mi
34. Turn right to stay on Ahwahnee Drive
Destination will be on the right 266 ft

The Ahwahnee
1 Ahwahnee Drive
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

1. Head east on Ahwahnee Drive toward Village Dr 0.6 mi
2. Turn left onto Village Dr 0.2 mi
3. Turn right onto Northside Dr 3.5 mi
4. Slight right to stay on Northside Dr 2.1 mi
5. Continue onto El Portal Rd 7.1 mi
6. Continue onto CA-140 W 25.7 mi
7. Sharp left onto Triangle Rd 1.8 mi
8. Turn right onto Carleton Rd 2.8 mi
9. Continue onto Silva Rd 1.1 mi
10. Turn left onto CA-49 S 21.7 mi
11. Turn right onto CA-41 S 26.2 mi
12. Turn left onto Rd 145 3.3 mi
13. Turn right onto Rd 206 1.7 mi
14. Continue onto N Fork Rd 0.6 mi
15. Turn right onto N Friant Rd 5.2 mi
16. Slight left onto N Willow Ave 4.0 mi
17. Turn left onto W Shepherd Ave 5.8 mi
18. Turn left onto CA-168 3.4 mi
19. Turn right onto E Shepherd Ave 0.5 mi
20. Turn right onto N Academy Ave/N Academy Ave Exd 4.0 mi
21. Turn left onto E Shaw Ave 2.0 mi
22. Slight right onto N Zediker Ave 1.0 mi
23. Turn left onto E Ashlan Ave 0.5 mi
24. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto N Riverbend Ave 3.0 mi
25. Turn left onto E Belmont Ave 0.8 mi
26. Turn right onto N Oliver Ave 1.3 mi
27. Slight right onto S Rainbow Route 3.1 mi
28. Turn left onto S Newmark Ave/S Rainbow Route
Continue to follow S Newmark Ave 7.5 mi

29. Turn left onto E Manning Ave
Destination will be on the right 3.4 mi

Edgewater Inn Reedley
1977 West Manning Avenue
Reedley, CA 93654

Road Trippin’
with Steve McCarthy

The Yosemite Sam Memorial Trophy Dash

The single most spectacular place in California, if not the western United States is without a doubt, Yosemite. I’m rather ashamed I haven’t suggested a Road Trip there. Until now. There are so many ways to get there, and so many possibilities, maybe I was just intimidated.
One way, would be to get yourself up Hwy 395 and at Lee Vining, head over the Tioga Pass. That has limitations. First, as the highest mountain pass in California, it’s a challenge all on it’s own. Second, it’s not open until at least June 1. If it’s been a heavy winter, later. It closes before the first snowfall, so timing is limited. That means too that you have to drive yer Auld Crate on 395 in the summer. Not always pleasant for car OR driver.
When you look at it, especially if you’ve never been to Yosemite, there is only one REAL way to enter the park. That’s by way of Inspiration Point. You drive through this long tunnel, and then, suddenly, Angels Sing Halleluyahs and there is a full color, full size Ansel Adams picture in front of you. If there are no tears in your eyes, you are a hopeless curmudegon. Turn around, go home, you are not worthy!

Naturally, for most mundane trippers, it’s up over the Grapevine, then up 99 and turn right. Boring. We of course want to take a more interesting route. Day One covers familiar territory. It’s not much different from the Journey to the Center of the Earth we did a couple of years ago. Instead of Visalia, this time we’ll stop a little closer to Yosemite in the town of Reedly. There are several motels available, and some good restaurants in the Old Town.
Naturally, Spring is the best time to do this drive, but be prepared! First, there is some mountain climbing invoolved. Well, a LOT of mountain climbing. That means cooling systems must be in good shape. The later in the spring you go, the hotter it will get. Summer can be quite warm. The other possibility is a late spring snow storm, so watch the weather! Summer is also a bad time because the place is CRAWLING with visitors. That means that traffic is difficult at best. Another problem is forest fires. They can close the roads and create all manner of issues. Check the news and the CHP traffic alerts for the area. As usual, carry a good map. Sometimes, GPS will not help you.
One of the highlights of Day One is the drive up San Fancisquito Canyon. Look for evidence of the Dam Disaster that almost wiped out Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Ventura! Other than that, this is a spectacular drive, so bring a camera, a picnic lunch and Enjoy!
THESE ARE REVISED DIRECTIONS. YOU WILL NEED A MAP TO KEEP ON COURSE! GPS/MAP/REALITY DON'T ALWAY JIBE WITH EACH OTHER! 
The Yosemite Sam Memorial Trophy Dash

Day One

Eggs 'N' Things
27560 Newhall Ranch Road #301
Valencia, CA 91355

1. Head northwest on Newhall Ranch Rd toward Dickason Dr 0.8 mi
2. Turn right onto Copper Hill Dr 2.8 mi
3. Turn left onto San Francisquito Canyon Rd 6.0 mi
4. Turn right to stay on San Francisquito Canyon Rd 13.1 mi
5. Turn left onto Elizabeth Lake Rd 0.8 mi
6. Turn right onto Johnson Rd 3.2 mi
7. Continue onto 110th St W 7.7 mi
8. Turn right onto CA-138 E 2.0 mi
9. Turn left onto 90th St W 12.1 mi
10. Continue onto Tehachapi Willow Springs Rd 14.8 mi
11. Turn left onto Rte 58/E Tehachapi Blvd 2.7 mi
66.0 mi – about 1 hour 23 mins

Apple Shed Inc
333 East Tehachapi Boulevard
Tehachapi, CA 93561
A good place for a late breakfast!

12. Head west on E Tehachapi Blvd toward S Davis St 1.4 mi
13. Continue straight onto Red Apple Ave 0.8 mi
14. Turn right onto Westwood Blvd 1.4 mi
15. Turn right onto Woodford-Tehachapi Rd 8.2 mi
16. Slight left to stay on Woodford-Tehachapi Rd 0.6 mi
17. Turn left toward CA-58 W 121 ft
18. Turn right to merge onto CA-58 W 5.0 mi
19. Turn right onto Bealville Rd (signs for Caliente) 2.0 mi
20. Turn left onto Caliente Bodfish Rd 4.6 mi
21. Slight right onto Bena Rd 10.1 mi
22. Continue onto Edison Hwy 2.1 mi
23. Turn right onto Comanche Dr 4.9 mi
24. Continue onto Alfred Harrell Hwy 5.5 mi
25. Alfred Harrell Hwy turns right and becomes River Rd 397 ft
26. Turn left to stay on River Rd 0.3 mi
27. Continue onto Alfred Harrell Hwy 3.4 mi
28. Take the ramp to Oildale (LOOK SHARP-IT’S A SMALL SIGN!) 0.2 mi
29. Merge onto Alfred Harrell Hwy 0.4 mi
30. Merge onto China Grade Loop 0.5 mi
Turn left to stay on China Grade Loop 2.5 mi
32. Turn right onto Manor St 1.3 mi
33. Turn right onto N Chester Ave 0.5 mi
34. Turn right onto N Chester Ave/S Granite Rd 0.2 mi
35. Continue onto N Chester Ave Ext 1.1 mi
36. Turn right onto Bakersfield-Glennville Rd/Granite Rd
Continue to follow Granite Rd 12.4 mi
37. Slight left onto Woody Rd 2.2 mi
38. Continue onto Bakersfield-Glennville Rd 6.7 mi
39. Continue onto Woody Rd 2.4 mi
80.7 mi – about 2 hours 19 mins
Woody, CA There’s not much there, just a check point to keep on track.
40. Head north on Woody Rd toward CA-155 E 131 ft
41. Slight right onto CA-155 E 8.6 mi
42. Slight left onto Jack Ranch Rd 0.7 mi
43. Slight right onto White River Rd 112 ft
44. Slight left onto Jack Ranch Rd 4.7 mi
45. Turn left onto M-3 2.5 mi
46. Continue onto White River Rd 3.5 mi
47. Continue onto Mountain Rd 109 0.4 mi
48. Continue onto Mt Rd 109/Old Stage Rd/Old Stage Coach Rd
Continue to follow Old Stage Rd/Old Stage Coach Rd 18.3 mi
49. Merge onto Rd 264 0.8 mi
50. Continue onto Ave 116 1.3 mi
51. Continue straight 0.2 mi
52. Merge onto Rd 252/S Plano St 3.3 mi
53. Turn right onto CA-190 E/E Poplar Ave
Continue to follow CA-190 E 14.7 mi
54. Turn right onto Tule River Dr 72 ft
59.1 mi – about 1 hour 32 mins
Springville, CA
Good Eats here, try the Hamburger Stand
35684 California 190, Springville, CA
(559) 539-2943

55. Head northwest on Tule River Dr toward CA-190 E 72 ft
56. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto CA-190 E 0.9 mi
57. Turn left onto Balch Park Rd/Springville-Milo Rd 6.1 mi
58. Turn left onto M-296/Yokohl Valley Dr 22.6 mi
59. Turn right onto CA-198 E/Sierra Dr 6.1 mi
60. Turn left onto CA-216 W 7.5 mi
61. Continue straight onto Ave 344 2.7 mi
62. Turn right onto Rd 172 5.0 mi
63. Turn left onto CA-201 W/Avenue 384
Continue to follow Avenue 384 11.5 mi
64. Turn right onto Rd 80 3.0 mi
Turn left onto Avenue 408/W Kamm Ave 3.0 mi
66. Turn right onto Rd 56 3.0 mi
67. Continue onto S Frankwood Ave 1.0 mi
68. Turn right onto E Dinuba Ave 315 ft
69. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto I St 1.1 mi
70. Continue onto W Manning Ave 0.8 mi
71. Make a U-turn at S Rio Vista Ave
Destination will be on the right 0.4 mi
74.7 mi – about 1 hour 54 mins

Edgewater Inn Reedley
1977 West Manning Avenue
Reedley, CA 93654

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