Driving Nirvana

Awesome road

Stewarts Skaggs Point Spring Road and Hwy 1

A more complete route suggestion

Great Twisties 34 miles of the best road you'll ever come across on Stewarts Skaggs Point Spring Road. Very few driveways or X-roads, and you probably won't see more than a handful other vehicles.

Remember when driving was actually fun? When you'd get in the car and go somewhere just to explore? Every once in a while we enthusiasts have to remind ourselves that our cars are more than just a way to get to work and bring home groceries, no matter what the depressing set of digits on the gas pump says. When it's time to blow the cobwebs off your brain and some carbon off the valves, there's no substitute for a great driving road. For some, that road is a physical and mental workout. For others, it's a peaceful backdrop. Either way, we all have that special road that washes the soul clean and makes climbing behind the wheel for tomorrow's hour-long commute manageable.

The classic distinction between journey and destination, as the end-point is the ever-present view running parallel to the car.

While they may be ominous for less-seasoned drivers, tortuous byways are part of the allure for many coastal motorists. Kurt Fischer, president of Porsche Club of America's Redwood Region, based in Santa Rosa, says the Stewarts Point-Skaggs Creek road presents nearly 200 turns as it winds 35 miles through vineyards, valleys, mountains and streams toward the stunning coastline of Highway 1 near Bodega Bay. This is perfect terrain for the Porsche, Fisher says, "Any model will do, from the oldest 356 to the newest 997. The suspension, motor, transmission-the Porsche was designed for roads like these." LINK FOR MAP Suggested place to stay Video - Cliff Cove Chalet - Jenner, California

Facebook | My Photos - Porsches In The Park - Gardnerville, Nevada

Facebook My Photos - Porsches In The Park - Gardnerville, Nevada: "http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=40524&l=fc694&id=730192740"

World oil reserves quickly depleting?

Keeping up with the growing requirements for oil in 1st and emerging economies is straining every facet of the oil industry. Add to that, we are running out! read more digg story

California new law approaching July 1st

Not only is talking hands-free on your wireless phone a good idea for safe driving, starting July 1st, 2008 – if you’re 18 or older – California law requires it.* With this new law fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to pick up a hands-free accessory. Follow the law all the way to your local AT&T store today. (California Vehicle Code Section 23123) We know you love your mobile phone. You call your friends, family, and business associates from everywhere: at the store, at the beach, in the shower. Okay…maybe not the shower? Well, starting on July 1, 2008, if you talk on your phone while you’re driving, you’ll need to use a hands-free listening and speaking system. Drivers cited will be subject to a fine of $20 (at least $70 with fees and penalties) for a first offense and $50 (at least $175 with fees and penalties) for subsequent offenses. Push to talk (PTT) systems, such as those from Nextel, will be exempt from the hands-free edict until July 1, 2011. California Driving Handbook & Auto Information California Driving: Road Rules & Driving Laws

Pacific Coast Hwy 1 tour to Morro Bay

Big Sur, California"The Greatest Meeting of Land and Sea" Down Hwy 1 - now where are the Porsches?

Tour details: Here are the details: meet in San Jose (off Hwy 101 & Hwy 85 - Bernal Road exit see below for more details) and caravan down to Monterey/Carmel area and down Pacific Coast Hwy 1. The directions to this route are pretty straight forward since it stays on one road, highway 1, the whole time.

The route is part of a stretch of Route One that was voted to be one of the "10 Best Drives" by the members of USAA insurance in 99 and made the list of 120 road trips highlighted in the Reader's Digest book "The Most Scenic Drives In America" Along this route you will see coastal scenery that will leave you breathless. Opposite the ocean, inland scenery is as inspiring with its display of rolling hills, rock outcroppings, picturesque waterfalls, redwood forests, flowered meadows, lush valleys, and majestic coastal mountains. Along the route you will see a number of light houses, 18th century Spanish missions, and a variety of animal life including sea lions, sea otters, sharks, bat rays, gray whales, brown pelicans, and peregrine falcons as well as monarch butterfly winter sanctuaries.

Lunch stop @ Nepehente Restaurant in Big Sur! Or stop for picnic lunch at Mill Creek Park.

Perched 800ft above the Pacific on a rocky promontory, Nepenthe Restaurant has the second-best view on the Big Sur coast.

Nepenthe Restaurant, Big Sur, CA

Nepenthe's website:http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/ WEATHER CAM: http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/images/weather-cam.html

See this Nepenthe Live Cam during daytime for great view: click image for larger view Check out today's view South from Nepenthe's back verandah Nepenthe's Verandah is like the prow of a ship. From this deck, visitors can enjoy a view of the early morning sunrise over the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, a relaxing afternoon, an intimate evening or a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean. While there can be a wait for this small deck, it is always worth it.

Cross the Bixby Bridge You will also cross the much photographed Bixby Bridge (you've probably seen this bridge in a few movies, postcards or TV commercials). It arches 256 feet above the meeting of the Bixby Creek and Pacific ocean. Just south of Bixby Bridge, the Point Sur Lighthouse stands atop a 360ft-high volcanic rock rising straight out of the surf. In continuous operation from 1899 to 1974, today it’s part of a state historic park that you can visit only by guided tour (reservations not accepted).

Have a great drive down the coast! http://av.steppenwolf.com/mp3s/all_time_greatest_hits_lo/brntbwldl.mp3

Coastal Overlooks

Run to the Coast

You can’t beat the San Mateo Coast for verdant springtime splendor—and you can do it in an afternoon. Rolling hills rise from the craggy coast, covered with different species of grass that create a patchwork of subtly different hues.

From San Francisco: 60 minutes to San Gregorio, via I-280 south to Hwy 1 south in Pacifica.

Chase the margin of green along the old stagecoach route,

Stage Rd,

from San Gregorio to Pescadero.

Then continue south along Cloverdale Rd,

past picturesque horse farms lined with white split-rail fences. At Gazos Creek Rd, turn right to Hwy 1 north.

Travel time from SF: 60 minutes to San Gregorio, via I-280 south to Hwy 1 south in Pacifica.

What to See: The Pigeon Point Lighthouse, on your return trip north up Hwy 1.

Where to Eat:

Duarte’s Tavern, a country-Americana roadhouse in Pescadero. More information

Where to Pack a Picnic: The San Gregorio Store, a frozen-in-time 19th-century general store.

San Mateo Coast Beaches The San Mateo coast beaches are some of Northern California’s most majestic. Come on a weekday and you’ll have the sand to yourself. Get there early—before 10am—to claim a grill at one of the picnic areas, or sleep late and bring your own self-contained Weber. The beaches are strung together like pearls on a strand, don’t assume all the county’s beaches are alike. Far from it. Each has its own flavor and amenities. Bean Hollow State Beach, is the only dog-friendly beach this side of Half Moon Bay. Here’s a rundown of favorites.

San Gregorio State Beach, Pescadero State Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Bean Hollow State Beach, Año Nuevo State Reserve, Pomponio State Beach,

When the beach is not in your plans, you can watch hang gliders take their lives into their own hands at Fort Funston on your start or return of your road trip.

Patterson Via Mt. Hamilton

Mt. Hamilton from Patterson

Another trip via Mt. Hamilton from Patterson. From Porsche Club of America

As you exit Interstate 5, go west and immediately turn right onto Del Puerto Canyon Road. Further west, the canyon narrows sharply, the curves tighten and second gear is often required. As the road climbs, the pavement is not in very good shape, but the quality improves once you reach the Santa Clara County line. At The Junction, you could turn right and go back to Livermore, 31 miles away, but it's more fun to turn left onto San Antonio Valley Road towards San Jose.After a short rest, keep going west toward San Jose on Mount Hamilton Road. More tight and twisty stuff, all downhill. The road is quite narrow, and unfortunately the pavement is in fairly bad shape, so take it easy. It can get crowded on the weekends. Enjoy the view if you can, and practice heel and toeing on the down shifts.

Journey Through an East Bay Backroad - Top of Mt. Hamilton

Journey Through an East Bay Backroad - Top of Mt. Hamilton

Great California drive in the Spring, not in the Summer! With the sky the brightest blue, fields popping out all over in electric greens, and the invigorating Spring charge to the air, the time is to get outside now. But Spring is never the time to go anywhere fast: This is the season of the journey, not the destination.

Video

Web Cam

Lick Observatory

Loneliest Road Tour

U.S. Highway 50 - Loneliest Road in America Tour

Notes of tour by Porsche Club Of America

Lonely roads, especially if they are well-surfaced and lightly traveled, are perfect for touring Porsches. This fact is well known to PCA, who planned an excellent weekend trip to the furthest reaches of eastern Nevada, via the now-famous "Loneliest Road in America", US 50.

"Hit The Trail " Tour by Porsche Club Of America

"Hit The Trail" Tour- more information here

If you are having breakfast at the Country Inn before the tour, resist the urge to have that 8th cup of coffee unless you really can go a couple of hours between pit stops.

Porsche Road Destination - "Hit The Trail" - South San Jose, Gilroy and San Martin Area Great country backroads, lots of twisties, awesome scenery, excellent winery and great food at the end of the trail. You don't want to miss this route and all it has to offer.

Country Inn Cafe, San Jose-information here

Clos La Chance Winery-information here

Trail Dust BBQ, Morgan Hill- information here