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50th Birthday Bucket List trip on PCH

Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Hi SoCal Speedster guys. I'm turning 50 in August and have been thinking about what to do to celebrate. Last year, I had a big party and my band played and, frankly, I don't want to host another big party this year.

My eldest son is now living in Seattle. He suggested earlier that we meet somewhere and go on a trip together. This morning, I thought, why not PCH? It's a direct flight to LAX for both of us and I have some frequent flyer miles to burn.

My idea would be to rent a convertible and drive up to San Francisco and back stopping to catch some of the sights.

Several questions:

- Recommendations of where best place to rent a convertible out of LAX
- Site-seeing suggestions
- Would anyone be game to give us both right seat space on a local cruise when we were there if we scheduled our arrival around a weekend?

Tom Blankinship

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Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Hi SoCal Speedster guys. I'm turning 50 in August and have been thinking about what to do to celebrate. Last year, I had a big party and my band played and, frankly, I don't want to host another big party this year.

My eldest son is now living in Seattle. He suggested earlier that we meet somewhere and go on a trip together. This morning, I thought, why not PCH? It's a direct flight to LAX for both of us and I have some frequent flyer miles to burn.

My idea would be to rent a convertible and drive up to San Francisco and back stopping to catch some of the sights.

Several questions:

- Recommendations of where best place to rent a convertible out of LAX
- Site-seeing suggestions
- Would anyone be game to give us both right seat space on a local cruise when we were there if we scheduled our arrival around a weekend?
Cuzn Vinny 90264Cuzn Vinny 90264
Tom, you don't say when in August, but as it turns out August is the month of the Biggest car events on the west coast, with the Concours at Pebble beach and all the auctions in Monterey, Historic Auto races at Laguna Seca....not to mention Hot August Nights in Reno...
Your pants will be wet for a week...or two
All the rental company's service LAX, so getting a drop top is eazy..
DUBSTUBDUBSTUB
I haven't been up there to see, but signs around Cambria (South of Hearst Castle) say that the road is closed at Rocky Peak. That's about 15 or 20 miles north of Cambria. I would think, however, that one lane will be open soon, if not already. It's a great drive, but the delays might make it tuff. There are, however, plenty of places to have a cool one on the way.
Willy PWilly P
Tom, as Vince mentioned the Monterey Historic Races, Pebble Beach Concours week in August is an incredible time for a car guy. There are numerous car shows, 2 weekends of historic racing with cars you have only dreamed about, auctions of world class cars, and all in the setting of Carmel. Monterey, Laguna Seca rece track. I would be happy to give you much info about this scene. I will be camping at the race way and have room for a couple of guests. It is hard to get rooms because of the popularity. Some SOC folks will be stopping by during the week. Call me 561 301 7885 if you want more info. Don't miss this!
FM Former Member
Tom,
I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA, which is a 40 minute drive from Cannery Row, Monterey. I spent the first 18 years of my life in that area and can tell you some great places to go/eat/see. I know the entire area from Big Sur all the way up to San Francisco like the back of my hand. My entire family still resides in that area and your post has me very homesick!! PCH is a fantastic drive. I would like to point out a few places in Santa Cruz since it is on the way to San Francisco. If you are interested please let me know.


SG
FM Former Member
Tom,

pls ck in with me next week at Carlisle. We have a time share in Carmel, and I have attended the August Car events on the Monterey Pennisula 7 times, and as recently as last year. We will be in Carmel the last two weeks of this June.

I can also make several scenic & meal stops not to miss.





U unclegeezer
beach/pier/shops in cayucos... hoppe's for the best meal...

harmony winery has very good wine, according to my excellent wife...

henry miller library in big sur. magnus is a great guy, good musician, and has a superb space on hwy 1... henrymiller.org

sofanya's dome house and gallery in palo coloarado...sofanya.com

peppers in pacific grove for lunch or dinner...then hit ocean view drive and 17 mile drive...

boarwalk on asilomar beach...

chart house on cannery row in monterey for expensive views and food...worth it.. tell ellen that marcus gurley sent you.

epsilon in monterey = excellent greek...

san francisco zoo...

fort point at the golden gate bridge...

El FrazooEl Frazoo Supporting Member
I've done the PCH from San Diego to San Fran a couple of times, once in my old '56 A coupe, and once in a rental, many years later. All is good. Make many stops along the way. The CA locals here can keep you loaded w/ cool spots to see and to dine. And while I have not made the classic car shows/races in Monterey, such is on my short list. You should do that, if you have the time and flexibility. Take Will P. up on his offer, he knows the scene and is a great host.
Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Trip us starting to take shape:

- Arriving late on Monday the 22nd
- Cruising up and down PCH Tuesday through Friday
- Jamming with Jim Ignacio's band on Friday
- Hopefully, cruising with the SoCal guys on Saturday
- Son returning to Seattle on Saturday night
- Me, possibly staying Saturday night at friend's in Oxnard, going out on his boat on Sunday and taking the red eye home.
FM Former Member
Tom, it looks like you will be arriving just after the numerous car events on the Monterey Penninsula. Hopefully the PCH will be "whole" again by then (right now their is a 20 mile stretch that is closed just south of big sur.

Best website to see wht's up" www.montereyherald.com

Sure bets for meals in Carmel & area:
Little Napoli in Carmel
Rocky Point 12 miles south of Carmel on the PCH
Wills Fargo in Carmel Valley
breakfast at The Big Bear diner in Monterey
lunch at the Cottage in Carmel
pizza: bottom level of the Barnyard (across US 1)

Great drinks but lousy food: Carmel Mission Inn (owned by, "Go ahead, make my day")

And DO NOT LEAVE THE AREA without tasting Carmel Wheat Beer, bottled by Ukiah Brewing Co.

Best bet for a sunset drink: the patio at Spanish Bay Resort

Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Thanks for all the info Tom. I decided to postpone my trip. It should be a little quieter then, and hopefully cheaper. I will check some of these place out. Also, I'm married to a German and they believe that it's bad luck to celebrate (or wish someone a happy birthday) before the actual date. You never can be too safe :) I realy enjoyed meeting you in Carlisle and trying to keep up with Big Bird.
Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV
I didn't know that our Jim and Tom were in bands. Hot stuff.

Here's a picture of our Bluegrass abnd "Mountain Valley Bluegrass Band". I play banjo and we are pretty active in the Hot Springs area.
An every other week gig at large BBQ place, aboard the Belle Of Hot Springs---a paddlewheeler on Lake Hamilton, The Farmers Market some Saturdays and a lot of old folks homes.

Back to Tom's Bucket List PCH trip----------------------

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MusbJimMusbJim'14 VS SoCal Supporting Member
Tom - I'm pretty sure we can get a group of Socal SOCers for a cruise on that Saturday. Since you'll be somewhere in LA we can do our usual hook up in Malibu (Topanga Ranch) and then decide on either the Rock Store route (Mulholland Drive) or up the coast to Oxnard (Rudder Room). Tom - you'll be driving my Speedy. If your son will be along he can be your right-seater. I'll follow with my cameras videotaping the event (for your Bucket list scrapbook) in whatever rental car you have.

Here we are for a gig up at Big Bear Mountain...



Tom BlankinshipTom Blankinship2010 Beck-Dearborn, MI
Hi all, I'm trying to firm up my plans now. My son and I will meet up at LAX on Monday, 8-22, and start cruising PCH heading north with no set itinerary. We are planning to go out on my friend's boat (he might be my boss someday) on Saturday in Oxnard. My son's flight home to Seattle departs LAX at 9PM on Sunday, so we thought it probably be easier to do the boat on Saturday and the cruise on Sunday. Anybody up for a group cruise? Alas, Natalie, will be home in Michigan and I will be driving an "Eclipse Spyder or similar." Beats a sharp stick in the eye, but won't be the same as cruising PCH with Natalie.
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