West US

[hick]

Taking on the Pacific Coast Highway in 2 days.

Well,...it's blown out from last year's landslides at two sections (between LA and San Fran), so we're not technically driving the "PCH" since it officially consists of San Diego > San Francisco, while some travelers consider it to be something much further (Baja California to Seattle, for instance).

At any rate, we're bypassing the trouble areas, since we don't have time for backtracking, etc. and taking San Diego to San Fran off the coast (the rather boring I5 route).

After San Fran we'll stick to the coast as closely as possible till we head east at the top of the "thumb" in WA state at and around Olympic Natl. Park. If time, weather and unforeseen circumstances treat us better than a cranky dad treats his red-headed stepchild, then we may make one or some inland forays (Redwoods, Crater Lake, Mt. St. Helens, Olympic Natl. Park and Mt. Rainier top the list).

The wifey is gonna' fly to Anchorage from Seattle and chill while I cross Canada via the rather picturesque (if not occasionally bleak) Cassiar Hwy.



When I get to Anchorage, I'll have a day or two of the hotel life before we start working on getting off the grid (and coming back on) for variable amounts of time over the course of a month.



Our wheels:



My weapons of choice this year:






A few of my intentions:


Solid bear shots


heavy halibut

Early season lake trout


Live rugged for short spells.




Watch this space. About to launch off......(3).....(2)......

[hick]

sumpin' likea' dis:



but more coastal. google maps is a cvnt

[nidhogg]

You sure you can take that gun into Canada?

[hick]

You're very aware, Nid. No handguns shall pass thine border. I'll buy it in Anchorage.

[nidhogg]

^ Did not want to see you get into trouble mate. Canadians take their gun security at the border pretty seriously.

Looks like an awesome trip.

[hick]

Cheers. Gonna' be "epic" as the renter/dealer of the Ursa Minor (wrangler jeep camper) likes to say.

We'll start the journey with a night on his yacht ported in San Diego, tonight. tick tock tick tock. Pretty excited.

[david44]

Look forward to it, I've only driven it from Mexico to the Bay.
I'm sure you are aware of the rockfalls on the Contra Costa between Cambria and Andrew Morales near Esalen and the naval college.It's a big detour across the range but sure worth hugging the Big Sur coast one of the best this side of Ireland.

Cambria Moro bay,Carmel-by-the-Sea all nice stopovers, the cabin at big Sur is a good coffe break near the A Morales National Park campsite

[reddog]

I like watching the TV show about Canadian border crossings where they always catch yanks who don't seem to understand you cannot just cross
a international border tooled up with their guns.

[hick]

^^ Yes, David - thank you and well aware. No time for backtracks this trip, so Big Sur, Cambria are out. It's ok tho.
San Fran will make a fine starting point for the other direction in th next couple years. Yes, that southern route you took on intrigues me and have a growing plan in mind to take it all the way down to SA's tip (Tierra Del Fuego region) and try to get a glimpse of that great, white block of southern ice. Charter boat from there to taste it for a fortnight. Prolly want to do that one w/ a converted bus or sum such.

Thanks for the tips.

[Dasher]

Looks like a great trip.

[tunk]

You are a lucky man hick. Your trip is something I have always wanted to do.

[OhOh]

Are you based on the west coast ?

[TizMe]

Have you already bought that GoPro Karma drone?

[bsnub]

heavy halibut

That is on the menu tonight here. The lady and I are just back form Pike place market with a nice hunk of fresh halibut. She plans on grilling it in a cast iron skillet with wood chips to give it a smokey flavor.

Cheers. Gonna' be "epic" as the renter/dealer of the Ursa Minor (wrangler jeep camper) likes to say.

How did you find that connection? I would love to rent one of those this summer.

[hick]

How did you find that connection? I would love to rent one of those this summer.

Just lucky to find him

Ron Nieman
alaskarentacar.net

(gave you wrong last name in PM)

He's solid Sitting on his yacht in San Diego right now

only rents in AK tho

call him - he can refer

[hick]

Are you based on the west coast ?

based nowhere now I'm jobless

family in FL and Issarn

[AntRobertson]

Looks fantastic, I'd love to do something like that.

Enjoy!

[hick]

Have you already bought that GoPro Karma drone?

yep bought it at best buy in FL

crashed it on the 2nd flight

Resynched it, brushed it off and she's still flying, so...learned a lesson about there

[OhOh]

family in FL and Issarn

So you understand US ways and cultures.

I wasn't sure where you came from originally.

Thanks. Keep the pictures and stories coming.

Are their any restrictions taking drones into/out of Canada or their usage? Always good to survive your first crash and walk away shaken but sturdy.

[Davis Knowlton]

So you understand US ways and cultures.

Easy. When people yell "Duck", they ain't talking about no crispy fried fowl. If not a native English speaker, learn to recognize the word!

[OhOh]

As opposed to walking into a Bangkok bar and shouting, "I'm here girls, come and get it!". Just to clarify to all why your there, of course.

[cyrille]

Do any of your gags ever work?

[hick]

Fark! Bay bridge SF, 40 mins minimum Gotta work on my timing a bit

[hick]

Esan Classic restaurant on Larkin St. in San Fran. Even signage in Thai only.
I don't know what the hell,...the woman NEEDS plara, ok?
She can't function at a reasonable level without a fix of that horrid, spoiled fish gunk at least 2-3 times a week.
Yeah, she'll be procuring some take away for the bush. Prolly keep the bears at a distance, at least.
Buddha wept - we're going to Korean bbq right after this!

[Norton]

Esan Classic restaurant

Buddha wept - we're going to Korean bbq right after this!

Shame as SF has some of the finest steak and seafood resturants in the country.