We're heading down to Kirk Creek Campgrounds in Big Sur in a couple of days, and I'm not so sure about being on the "ocean side" of the road on the way down. I know, I know, spectacular scenery, aren't we lucky etc. etc. but I'm not that good in a cozy ground-hugging auto, so how am I going to be peering off into the wild blue in a big truck with a biiig trailer in tow?
Word on the street is that I have gasping issues. (OK the street is our driveway and the word is spread by daughters and husband....that's so wrong.)
Have any of you done this drive towing 25' or more? Would love any input.
Many thanks,
Janet---The really scary part of the road is south of Big Sur. If you're driving south from Aptos, it's about 25 scenic miles south of Carmel to the camp grounds. Go ahead and gasp and tell the driver it's the spectacular scenery that makes you do this. Or, move to the driver's seat where you have to focus on the job at hand. Have a great trip.
Thanks Bob. Great advice, and I'll do my best to follow it, except for the driving part. Although I've been very comfortable towing "inland" I just don't think I can manage maintaining my cool on those spectacular cliff-side curves. But I promise to work hard on the "oh wow look at that gorgeous geological formation at the bottom of this sheer drop" part of the shriek.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Just think you could be driving the Going to the Sun road in Glacier National Park! Of course it would appear that my tow vehicle may barely meet the vehicle limitations for the drive as long as I fold the mirrors in!
We're heading down to Kirk Creek Campgrounds in Big Sur in a couple of days, and I'm not so sure about being on the "ocean side" of the road on the way down. I know, I know, spectacular scenery, aren't we lucky etc. etc. but I'm not that good in a cozy ground-hugging auto, so how am I going to be peering off into the wild blue in a big truck with a biiig trailer in tow?
Word on the street is that I have gasping issues. (OK the street is our driveway and the word is spread by daughters and husband....that's so wrong.)
Have any of you done this drive towing 25' or more? Would love any input.
Many thanks,
Janet,
Just close your eyes or better yet you drive and let Terry gasp.
Enjoy the scenery.
__________________
Michelle
If you think you are having a bad day go to the hospital and visit the children.
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT)
Daisy, (06 Turbo Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command, the perfect TV)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar)
45,000 miles in two years! http://Michelles-Adventures.US
Hi Janet, Jan and I were just at Plaskett Creek CG last weekend, and make frequent trips towing up the Big Sur Coast to Pfieffer Big Sur. In fact we will be up there again in June. Since we used to live there, we are both very accustomed to the road. Jan used to get car sick on that road quite often, but no longer. When travelling south, don't look over the edge, but keep your eyes focused on the road horizon in front of you. Take it slow and You'll do fine! I'm not sure if you have reservations at Kirk Creek, but FYI they started doing reservations there and at Plaskett this year. Only certain sites are reservable though. Enjoy your trip!
Thanks, Mike. My knuckles are already getting a little color into them.
And Michelle? Are you kidding? That would be as unlikely as you getting a donorbikemotorcylceohnevermind. Anyway--Terry doesn't know how to gasp as politely as I do, so it's not an option.
Thanks for your valuable input from real "locals" Steve! I'll do my best to avert my eyes.
We were surprised that res. are now available (and all taken of course) but still plenty of first-come sites, so we'll give it a shot. Plaskett Creek is our fall-back.
Will enjoy and document. (And think about the trip-not-taken, Going to the Sun....Yowza.)
Thanks, Mike. My knuckles are already getting a little color into them.
And Michelle? Are you kidding? That would be as unlikely as you getting a donorbikemotorcylceohnevermind. Anyway--Terry doesn't know how to gasp as politely as I do, so it's not an option.
Oh come on. You can do it!
You had beter just watch out what you say about my bike! I just may show up one day sans the trailer! I haven't figured out how to get Sarah to ride yet.
__________________
Michelle
If you think you are having a bad day go to the hospital and visit the children.
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT)
Daisy, (06 Turbo Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command, the perfect TV)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar)
45,000 miles in two years! http://Michelles-Adventures.US
I'm not sure if you have reservations at Kirk Creek, but FYI they started doing reservations there and at Plaskett this year. Only certain sites are reservable though.
Steve, I wasn't aware of that - thanks for the info.
Janet, I too have had my 25' up to Plaskett a couple of times with no issues whatsoever. You'll be fine.
Dave
__________________
AIR #15800
"Wimpy" 1/2 ton 2002 GMC Sierra 4X4 Z-71 Gasser
2000 Safari SS 25'
so how am I going to be peering off into the wild blue in a big truck with a biiig trailer in tow?...
Have any of you done this drive towing 25' or more? Would love any input.
Many thanks,
I'm sure you'll be fine, I have done that road a couple of times on my way from the Bay area to Long beach with the Overlander and I think even the Sovereign. I did not know what to expect ( possibly a good thing ), and a few people tried to discourage me taking a trailer that way ( SOMETIMES, ignorance is bliss ) but I had no problems. I remember a few tighter spots, but common sense and responsible driving will get you there, and don't be afraid to take a break and stretch your legs. I would'nt worry about the gasping, just say it is the scenery taking your breath away.
My wife and I just drove back from Cambria on 1. Granted, it was hillside, not cliffside so my wife was not THAT concerned. The traffic runs pretty slow even for cars so speed shouldn't be an issue. Your drive isn't as twisty as it can be further down the road. We even stopped and had lunch on the cliff side of the road with some pretty spectacular scenery.
Piece of cake with your 25-footer. None of the curves are very tight. Just take your time. No hurry. Enjoy the journey.
Janet,
I am with Mike on this one, we have done it many times, and with your rig set up to perfection (equalizer 1200# envy) you will have no problem. In fact, I enjoy the coast route, it really shows off how well an Airstream travels down the road.
time
__________________ Travel is in my blood, adventure is my passport, aluminum is my favorite construction medium, and therefore, an Airstream was my destiny.
Janet, you guys will be fine. Enjoy the drive and the views along the way. Traffic will be light due to fuel prices, so don't be surprised if you find yourself behind even slower traffic than yourselves
Jeff
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