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Question
Hi Jason, we are flying to San Diego in July,hiring a car and travelling up to Yosemite, on to San Francisco and down ooast to San Diego again. A two week stay.
We are looking for ideas for an interesting route to Yosemite, taking an overnight stop en route. We are happy with reasonable priced accommodation, once it is clean and comfortable (not camping) We have not yet booked accommodation at Yosemite but thinking of the Yosemite Bug at El Portal for 2 nights.
After that we are heading for San Franscisco, could you advise interesting route for this drive also. Thanks, Mary
Mary,
I would take I-15 north out of San Diego then merge onto the 395 in victorville. This will take you all the way north to the Lee Vining entrance into Yosemite. When heading to San Francisco I would take the 120 east to the 205 east. This will take you into the east bay area, from there you can sight see and work your way into the city.
I don't really know of any interesting places to stay aside from the Madonna inn (cheesy theme rooms and funky atmosphere you could google "the Madonna Inn".) The only problem with taking the central valley route, I-99 or I-5, is that it is congested with trucks and other mororists, plus it stinks in July. It will be very hot no matter which way you go but I prefer to head up on the eastern side of the Sierra's rather than the western.
You should get a map and study it because there are a bunch of great state highways to take once you get further north. Many of which have historical significance. A little further north of Yosemite is state route 50 which takes you through many small gold rush towns and through the parts of California made famous through the writings of Mark Twain. There actually is a Caliveras county and they do actually have a frog jumping contest.
Your return trip will be amazing, the California coast is unbelievable and a south bound trip is the best way to see it because you are driving on the right and don't have to look across traffic to see the view.
I hope I have been of some help, enjoy your trip and I encourage you to study maps and google anything that looks interesting to you.
Jason Curodeau
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 8 | Clarity of Response = 8 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Jason, thanks for help. Still not sure what we will do. As we were never in California before and the routes mean nothing to us at the moment. I'm sure we will survive the trip anyway and muddle our way around. | ||
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Jason Curodeau
Expertise
I can answer all questions regarding best routes of travel. Although I cannot predict traffic conditions, I can provide the most scenic and dynamic route for the traveller on a budget and or schedule. I also know the most direct and yet scenic routes.
Experience
I have had the opportunity to travel quite extensively throughout the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest, both as a resident and traveler. My search for adventure and new experiences has given me the thirst for the "road less travelled". Because I am not independently wealthy, the road I travel is as an admirer of the journey. As long as I can find a place to sleep for next to nothing, pack some food, and afford the gas I am down the road. If given a description of the prospective travelers needs I can easily provide them with detailed route options independent of their finances and suited to their needs.
Most of my travels have been by automobile. I recently purchased a motorcycle and I am taking ten day trip from Joshua Tree to Auburn California and I am taking back roads and state highways the entire way. I will take a day trip around Lake Tahoe, where I lived for two years, and cruise the old highways of the Gold Mining era. I will cut across towards the Pacific and slowly wind my way down the coast taking in every minute smell and experience temperature changes subtly created by the shadow of leaves
Organizations
Some friends and I from the area have started a local music and art "zine" and have experienced some very positive community feedback.
Education/Credentials
I am currently a full-time, thirty-seven year old student and I am preparing to begin a career in primary education. I have chosen this field not only because I feel it will be rewarding but also for the travel time it will allow me. I anticipate frequent world travel in my near future.
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