So, I will be out that way next week, appears to 101 is the route, any issues with fires in that area? I was thinking of maybe going to Santa Cruz and cruise the PCH, maybe north of there, how's the coast scenery in that area of the PCH? Never been there, hope to hear good news!

Mark

No fire concerns down that way. PCH is a nice ride.

Thanks! Looks like I just missed the garlic festival in Gilroy, bet there's extra beer about!

Trust me, you missed nothing.

Unless it's garlic beer, it's back to the distributors.  Oddly enough, they don't tend to give away left over beer.

It's ugly for fires in wildfire susceptible areas now, so what's clear today could be burning tonight, etc.  But the coast up or down 1 is a nice drive.  Also some of the state parks with coastal redwoods are close by.  South on 1 past Monterey might be a bit crowded.  They've finally, after 14 months of work got Highway 1 open again for through traffic all the way from Carmel to Morro Bay.  That's quite a drive and could be looped (Highway 1 one way, 101 the other) or down and back from San Jose in a day.    Southbound on 1 you are on the water/down cliff side but better views, easier to pull into ocean side parking/view spots.  Northbound on 1, the views are a little less easily seen but it can be harder to cross traffic to pull out to a view spot.  Also 101 north is faster and much less nerve wracking if cliff driving isn't a fun thing for the driver or a passenger.

Sounds good, might scoot over to 1 from SJ and down 1 to about Santa Cruz and over to Gilroy. Yosemite might be to far and crowded for a 4-5 hour round trip-all the spare Time in one day. Any decent gun shops in Gilroy area?

As beautiful as it is, I would steer clear of Yosemite right now. Big fire going on near there. If you have time, go see the aquarium in Monterey or fisherman's wharf.

yeah, you won't get anywhere near Yosemite, apparently all the westside entrances and most of the park is closed

Good to know, thank you. Appreciate the info so far.

Head over to Point Lobos State Reserve just south of Monterey for some great scenery.

Monterey is good for eating afterwards.

Yup

If you do go the Aquarium, skip the overpriced shitty food.

That look like a good time, might be the ticket!

No fresh fish?

If you're fast.

Not during lunch time. It's meh burgers, expensive soup, and random "chefs special".

Oh and the lines and especially the free for all seating. Yeah no.

They do have a really funny picture of a whale on the second floor near the balcony. Everytime I see it, I just start laughing.
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I don't know why

Whatever you do, get the BBQ in Morgan Hill at Trail Dust. Amazing

Well, not bad. Had some time to drive to Montery, did the 17 mile drive and stacked a pebble at where else but Pebble Beach! Made it to the Lobo state park but fog had set in so I just drove back to Gilroy as I had an early flight. Thanks for the tips! Oh-and Gilroy just smelled of garlic, even the air!