Big Sur in July!
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Camping Adventures
Forum Discription: Post your camping adventures here for all to share
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4306
Printed Date: 08 May 2025 at 6:12pm
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Topic: Big Sur in July!
Posted By: fwunder
Subject: Big Sur in July!
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2014 at 3:17pm
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We just confirmed reservations in July at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570 - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with friends and family. We're super excited. Looking for any reviews and advice about the park. We will be traveling with another couple in a Roadtrek and it looks like this site is unique in allowing us to share a single site w/3 vehicles. The trip should be interesting. We'll be leaving from New Jersey and hope to get out there in four or five days. We are on a schedule for a CA wedding. Then, a couple or three or four weeks coming back. No particular schedule. http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm - Mt. Rainier looks interesting. This will be a great adventure for us and Henry (the cat)! Our seasoned Roadtrek friends recommend reservations in advance for "destination" stops. Otherwise, don't worry while traveling highways in between. We're rookies now. I suspect we won't be by the end of the summer! Are you a cross-county Podder? -fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 8:50am
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We did 3 1/2 weeks across the southern states this past summer, from MD as far west as Albuquerque, NM. This coming summer will be another 3 1/2 weeks in the mid-west, in the CO, UT, AZ area. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 10:23am
Doug, I'd call that some experience! Being a tool and parts guy, I always tend to pack way more than I really need. Besides the obvious roll of duct tape, sae and metric sockets and open ends, various needle nose, vice-grips, channel locks, pipe wrench, hammers, hatchet, allen sets, punches, wire stripper/crimper, Leatherman, DMM, 18v and 9v drills and screw chasers, bits, various screw drivers, and wheel hub assembly, what do you carry?  But seriously, what do you think was the most important items in terms of tools and spares you pack for an extended trip. What do you wish you would have packed? -fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 10:49am
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You should add a jack and spare bulbs and fuses. I have not yet checked to see what types of fasteners are used on our 178's, but if torque-headed ones are used anywhere, you might want to add torque wrenches to your arsenal. We took a 6000 mile trip out west in May-June. I carried way too many tools and spares, using only wire cutters (strippers) and duct tape. But, you never know what situation might develop. Back in the 60's, other than a small tool kit, all I carried was a roll of baling wire and tape. I have not had to use wire for years, but still carry a short length of clothes line wire. I also carry a small roll of 12 gauge wire electrical wire, but this is also something I have never had to use. How about adding a jack and a multimeter to your list? Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 12:01pm
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Congratulations. Big Sur is a fabulous area. Having lived in L.A. for almost 40 years, we and our sons have camped in Big Sur many times. The giant redwoods are something you can only see in that part of the country. You will see travel groups from all over the world, who come to see that area. Don't forget Monterey and Carmel. Carmel has a 20 mile drive that is amazing, however, the last time we were there, the city now charges to drive thru public roads. Another must see is a restaurant, bar called Nepenthe. Has been there for many years but you must have a drink on the outside patio, while the sun is setting. Truly awesome. You should consider yourselves quite fortunate in getting reservations, as Calif. opens up a year in advance and Big Sur is one of the most popular campgrounds. Also the Monterey Aquarium is a "must see." Probably one of the finest if not the finest aquariums in the world. As it gets very busy in the summer, I would recommend getting tickets now. Check on line. Your in for a fantastic treat. Last but certainly not least, a trip down Highway 1 to Hearsts Castle. Also get tickets in advance. Lots to see and do in that area. Have a fabulous trip, and post some pictures, if you can. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 1:23pm
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I was last there in the early 50's. My Mother's cousin owned a resort in the area where the movie "One-Eyed Jacks" was filmed. I imagine the area has been updated considerably and is probably even more magnificent than it was back then.
------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 2:15pm
I always carry jumper cables, oil, a tire plug kit, pliers, and 12 volt air pump in every vehicle. I've only had one tire over the years that I couldn't fix while it was still in-place. The generator I carry on big trips has a 12 volt charger built-in if I had to recharge either 12 volt battery.
The generator - mounted in a home-made box, on a cargo tray, to a 2" receiver on the front of my truck - was useful for the nights we just wanted to pull into a truck stop or Wal-mart for the night. Nice for the multi-day long-hauls where paying for a campground would have been a waste.
In the pod I carry a Phillips, flathead, adjustable wrench, duct tape, and a torque wrench for the pod's lugs (which I could use to replace a tire if necessary). I use the torque wrench before most trips, although they've stayed seated lately so I haven't bothered as much. The last trip I could have used wire snips and some wire, which I have bushels of at home. My voltmeter is now on my list to take on trips.
If I take the generator on a trip I also take a gallon of lacquer thinner. If I get gas on my hands a shot of that alters the gas so then regular soap and water completely removes it. I hate the lingering smell of gas on my hands and this solves the problem.
We removed a lot of extra stuff we normally take on trips - EZ-ups, tables, dome, grill, propane stove, most fans. We did keep our chairs, one fan, and one cube heater. I remember snow in Yellowstone on July 4 in '86.
I was glad I took a backup cooler. We had problems with the fridge not staying cold after the first day and ended up keeping milk on ice the rest of the time.
We always keep a dish pan in the pod and we used that to catch the large amounts of condensation that kept dripping back into the pod from the A/C. I think I've solved this problem but I won't know for sure until it gets 100 degrees warmer than it will be tonight (2 F currently forecast). ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Kokopod
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 3:03pm
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In September and October we traveled from Wyoming to Niagra Falls, Vermont, Maine and then down the east coast as far as South Carolina before heading back up through North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee Illinois, to St. Louis, MO and back to Wyoming (8,500 miles). We were gone 7 weeks. We always carry tools, camp chairs, stand-alone table, R-dome. We also have a 12-V Igloo cooler and an adapter (it was a great addition for carrying beverages in the car). Took way too many clothes (weren't sure about season changes along the way). We feel too much extra "stuff" is a real burden unless you plan remote camping. Consider staying a couple of nights at a Cracker Barrel parking lot, just for the novelty of it. They will welcome you with open arms. Have a great trip. We envy you! ------------- 2017 Jayco Melbourne 24k 2013 Premier 19FBPR Formerly-2013 R-pod 177HRE 2011 Dodge Durango Love a good road trip |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 6:33pm
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Wow! All great input. I think I'll put together a Google spreadsheet/survey that we all might be able to use as a reference. Can't believe no one mentioned the crock pot? Oh, that's a different list. Planning is a really big part of the fun for me. Here is a very preliminary westward push itinerary (link does not work well on iPhone or IE8,7 - Google knows and wants you to buy Android or use Chrome): http://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zdqWA7KlVR48.kTYGaOstbd30 - https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zdqWA7KlVR48.kTYGaOstbd30 Yeah, it's aggressive. But, considering the http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/31/us/new-york-los-angeles-cannonball-speed-record/ - Cannon Ball Run was recently completed in 28 hours and 50 minutes, I feel pretty confident we can do it.  Thanks folks! -fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2014 at 7:20am
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We keep a smaller Crock Pot in the pod all the time, but we mostly stuck with microwavable meals or sandwiches on the big trip, when we weren't sampling the local cuisine. Our favorite food story this time around was we stopped into a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaraunt in the center of Texas, which my wife found had good reviews on one of her food apps. Three of us ordered everything Mex on the menu. My youngest daughter ordered spaghetti and meatballs, which she gets just about everwhere we go. Why they had it on their menu I don't know, but she swears it was the best she had the whole trip! I agree about the planning; the road trip itself is also part of the adventure.
 I usually don't have a problem with Google Maps on IE at work, but I can't get your link to load... ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Kokopod
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2014 at 11:05am
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While you're on your trip, I may be biased, but Utah and Wyoming have some of the most beautiful camping areas I've ever seen (and we've been camping for 44 years now all over the country). If you truly want a beautiful camping experience along the way back from California, choose the Uinta Mountains near Manila, UT. If you get off of I-80 in Green River, Wyoming, head south on U.S. 191 past Flaming Gorge Reservoir. About 1 1/2 hours off the interstate, after the prettiest drive you can imagine on really good secondary roads, turn left at the forest service building in Manila, UT and head up the mountain toward Vernal, Utah. There are remote camping areas all along the way for 50 miles. You'll want to stay a week! You never knew there were so many stars in the sky. Yellowstone, the Tetons, Jackson, Bryce, Zion -- fabulous, as everyone knows -- but backcountry in Wyoming and Utah, you won't be disappointed. ------------- 2017 Jayco Melbourne 24k 2013 Premier 19FBPR Formerly-2013 R-pod 177HRE 2011 Dodge Durango Love a good road trip |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2014 at 10:12am
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Hey West Coasters! Were are preparing to make reservations (today) at http://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/Cougar-Rock - Cougar Rock Campground - Mt. Ranier, WA. We're planning on two day drive from Big Sur, CA. It's about 950 miles. In between is http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm - Crater Lake National Park . Current itinerary really doesn't give us any sight seeing time @ Crater Lake. Should we bypass it? Is their any recommendations for smaller convenient campground along the coast? BTW, I can't tell you how helpful having this group and traveling with very seasoned campers is! I had no idea we need to make reservations for these places TODAY! Setup my http://www.recreation.gov - Recreation.Gov account this morning. I tried to get Monterey Aquarium to pay for the trip. Even offered to dress the Pod as a jellyfish or turtle or otter with the slogan, "We're On Our Way to Monterey!" but, alas, they would't go for it...  Thanks for any and all input! -fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2014 at 7:10am
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Wow, they fill up fast! Mades reservations at the following Campgrounds. I felt like a Kmart shopper on Black Friday! Beverly Beach State Park http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=164 - http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=164 Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park Campground http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413 - http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413 Kalaloch Campground http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-kalaloch-and-ruby-beach.htm - http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-kalaloch-and-ruby-beach.htm "We're on our way to Monterey!" fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: bodie55
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2014 at 2:03am
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I've learned in our short podding life that plans for state parks in CA must be made well in advance! It's my backyard and I never knew how popular the campgrounds were. We spend most of our free summer time in Tahoe. We did enjoy the Central Coast over winter break. You should definitely bring layers for the coast in summer, though. Foggy and cool (why we escape SF every summer) but you'll enjoy the scenery as long as you're warm:) Oh, and having driven from KY back to S F last summer, I think you will need those 5 days. Nevada seems endless and it's windy quite often, so it might slow you down or at least kill your gas mileage. And the weather in the plains can be challenging if you hit thunderstorms and hail. Have a good weather radar app available. ------------- Bay Area Crew 2013 178 Beach Pod F-150 SuperCrew ...sempre in viaggio sul mare... |
Posted By: jj
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 10:02pm
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Visiting Big Sur, take time to vist: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, waterfall flows from cliff right onto beach. park on highway 1 West side across from park entrance, walk South and take stairs down to viewing area. Pfeiffer Beach, Huge rock with key hole, and beach sand has purple layer, do not tow rpod to beach small road.Point Lobos State Park, beautiful, lots of wildlife, do not tow rpod limited parking. Carmel Mission not to miss either. All these location are in close proximity of Big Sur. |
Posted By: rimshot
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2014 at 10:26pm
| I guess you could say the California coast north of San Francisco is our stomping grounds. I see on your itinerary that you will go from Monterey to Jed Smith Redwoods, which I'll add is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. That's a long haul for one day. I would recommend stopping on the way for the night. There are great places on the way. Here's a few. Bodega Dunes Campground. You can have some killer cioppino soup at the restaurant that was filmed in the movie The Birds. Still Water Cove Campground. No stores and kind of small but real quiet and a very nice beach. Gualala Point Park, or Anchor Bay Campground right up the road. One on the river right up from the beach, the other smack dap on the(private)beach. MacKerricher State Park near Fort Bragg. The bridge you cross to go into town was used in Murder She Wrote I was told. From Fort Bragg you have to go inland a bit for a while but there are many very cool campgrounds in the redwoods. You'll pass through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park too but you'll be getting close to Jed Smith there. Stop and check out the elk herd though. One last tip. I haven't been there in about five years but you should stop and eat at the Samoa Cookhouse just north of Eureka but make sure you're REAL hungry. Forgot to mention, these places are if you choose to get off of 101 and go up 1. If you stay on 101 once you hit the redwoods I spoke of there are lots of neat places. Richardson Grove State Park, Benbow Lake State Recreation Area, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and drive the Avenue Of The Giants. It's the old hiway... Happy trails....Bill |
Posted By: Thinkcooper
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2014 at 5:03pm
| We just wrapped up our first outing in the Rpod 177 this weekend in Big Sur, about 70 miles south of home. Camped two nights at Fernwood, and had a great tim. We drove south and hiked in Limekiln - easy yet gorgeous trails, and then decided we'd return next month, but perhaps do Kirk Creek south of Limekiln and Big Sur to try something a little more remote. |