From Md to California, Part 1

colmbarry wrote:
Hello all,

I am planning a trip from Maryland to California that will last for several months, that is why I added Part 1 to the title, I will be seeking additional advice from you as the trip proceeds.

Due to family matters the 1st leg of my trip will be to Santa Cruz, CA where I plan to stay for around 2 weeks so my questions will revolve around this part of the trip.

1) Please suggest some places around Santa Cruz to stay. I am open to staying in various locations including state / national parks, regular campgrounds and " RV resorts ". I do not mind moving around a few times just for the change of scenery. If possible, when recommending locations, add your favorite spots in the facility.

2) I plan to stop in Arizona for a few days on the way there. I would like your recommendation on a place to stay there for about 3 days. I am thinking about a nice resort on a lake or other scenic area, just for a little peaceful R & R.

3) Last but not least, we are leaving Maryland in January so I am looking for route options. I know this is weather dependent and the default route would be to head south down I95 and head west somewhere in Georgia, either taking I10 or getting on I40. If you could recommend a different route I should consider that would knock a day or two off the travel time, that would be great.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions

Welcome to the Crew -

What are you driving - What are you Pulling?

What are you comfortable with in terms of Mile Per Day, this is BIG?

Will you be a Wal*Mart traveler or a CampGround Traveler?

Hard to make blanket recommendations without knowing a little more about You:)

I stopped driving to Cali when the Oldest graduated from College there - BUT we still drive often to Colorado (Fly often too) and have done the trip out after Christmas on I-70 & RT 36 - If you keep and Eye on the Weather and are just a little Lucky it can be easy (It can also be a Little Snowy)

As we are just down the Road (Arnold) feel free to PM me if I can be of any help - as I have probably 25+ trips to the Rockies over the Years, with a good bit of time in California too.

Get back to Us and we'll all try to help you out with more specifics.

Best of Luck,