Here in California there are two main routes to get from the northern part of state to the southern tip. There’s the straight and boring Interstate 5 which is generally filled with semis and cars driving much too fast and there’s the 101 that meanders through the Salinas Valley and then along the coast. The coastal route is, of course, the slower way to go but we generally make it a two day drive. Stop along the coast and then hit LA midday to avoid the traffic.
However this has been an amazing year for the Central Valley. There has been so much snow in the Southern Sierra and rain in the valley that a lake not seen for decades has reappeared.
The artist Wayne Thiebaud painted many pictures of the Central Valley.
I must admit that I’ve never seen that much color in the valley but we’ll see. Generally the only thing that breaks the monotony of mile after mile of flat, dry farmland is the feed lot at Harris Ranch. Cows in holding pens waiting for the slaughterhouse. Thousands of cows mooing pathetically. Ugh.
And then there’s the 405 across LA. There are parts of Los Angeles that are beautiful. Perhaps even heavenly but this is generally the view you get. For two hours on a good day.
Anyway – I’m hoping to see what Thiebaud saw on our drive tomorrow but we’ll see!
Saying nothing in particular 
Hi Jan, I am sorry about Gaston. I hope your trip will live up to expectations. Travel safely.
Thanks Robbie. Hopefully I’ll be able to take a lot of pictures.
I hope so.
Best wishes for a good drive–not so much traffic and great scenery. Some years ago I flew to LA to visit my then-unmarried daughter. We went straight from LAX to the PCH on our way to a few nights in a Napa B&B, staying overnight in Carmel. What glorious views and such a good time! On the way back we needed to make time so the boring 5 it was. Everything was brown and awful.
The next year I believe it was, we went to Yosemite in March, when many of the roads were closed (but had a great time) and of course took the 5. It was SO green that year that we must have exclaimed at least a hundred times on the trip up and back “It’s SO green!!!” What a stark contrast from the previous year and trip!
So thankful for all the rain and snow in the West and California in particular this year, although they did bring their share of problems. Safe and enjoyable travels.
janet
Thanks Janet. That’s quite a drive! But everyone should do it at least once.
What a beautiful boy. I’m sure he will be missed… 😰
As for the drive, those views are definitely not what I envision when I think California.
The views along I 5 are definitely not reflective of California but it’s a long straight road and we’ll save at least 4 hours, probably more. Luckily the place we’re going is right on the ocean and very peaceful. Once there we expect to walk most places. Yes, Gaston was such a love. When he was young he would run up to our house and make himself at home! We loved it but I don’t think our neighbors wanted to share!
The days when non-human animals ruled the world is just about over. Every time an animal with big eyes dies and I am there, I feel incredible bad. Dying people have a different effect upon me. I guess because I am a person too and I can identify, but with an animal, I am thrown into a murky past where the cells have evolved in a bad way and the large eyes are beyond forlorn. Dying animals and dying babies are the same for me. Good luck on the 5. Love. Duke
Thanks Duke. We have a lot of dogs in the neighborhood but Gaston was in a different class altogether. Some dogs are just like that. We plan to take lots of stops and hopefully see the same sights that inspired Thiebaud. Love Jan
I hope the lake won’t disappear again.
We had a cool spring and so the snow is just starting to thaw. I imagine it looks like a giant puddle but hey – it’s something!
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy.
So sorry about Gaston he looks beautiful.
Oh! And those poor cows it breaks my heart.
💜💜
Wayne Thiebaud’s work is beautiful. Those colors resonate with me. Gaston looks like he was a very good boy.
So sorry about your neighbor dog, that is so hard. Sigh.
I hate driving 5 to LA, it’s so long and boring. But because it’s so much faster, we never take 1. In September we’re going to go to San Louis Obispo, which will be my first time. Should be pretty!
We’ve driven to LA on 5 a couple of times, and the other way to Portland more times, since I have family there. Usually flying is easier, but driving is cheaper if it’s all 3 of us.
Oh dear – I don’t know whether taking the 5 north to Portland is any better than taking the 5 south! San Luis Obispo in September can be kind of toasty! But it’s an easy drive to the coast – either Morro Bay or Pismo Beach. I’m. sure you’ll enjoy it there!
Beautiful Valley! Thanks for sharing your experience! 👍