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California Stops Questionnaire

tgertzen

tgertzen

New member
Supporting Member
Kamloops, BC
Aircraft Year
1978
Aircraft Type
114
Reg Number
C-GTRX
Serial Number
14368
Hello,

I am looking at doing a trip from BC down to the California Coast in February. I was hoping to pick the minds of the California based members as to what would be a good destination along the coast - ideally south of San Jose. The location of choice would be near the ocean or within a short drive with a rental car and it would really be a jackpot if there was an option to camp (hotel or cabin is fine too though) with shower houses and amenities (grocery store) within 5 miles or so. Just seeing what airports you guys would recommend to access a destination as described above.

Thanks!

Tyler
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Hello Tyler,

Off subject, I'm running Sn 14365 just a few sn's from yours.
Out of curiosity? How much total time is on your plane now?
How is she performing? TAS @ 5000 =

Hey, best of luck with your Cal trip, I'm envious.
John
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Although not as far south as you'd like, it's on the way.

K0Q5
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

John,

It just turned over 4000 hours this past year. I don't usually cruise at that low of an altitude but at around 7000' I typically get 140 kts TAS give or take running 2400 rpm LOP.

No need to be envious living in AL, you have everything a guy could want down there in that great state. I spent a lot of time down there, especially around Dothan, the past few months for work. Other than July and August I would love to live down there ;)
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Half Moon Bay (KHAF) isn't too far North of San Jose, so you should consider it. Camping, campfire, lodging, food, coast, all there. Plus, it has a GPS approach.

Much further south, there is Oceano (L52) with similar ammenities without the approach. San Luis Obispo (KSBP) is not too far if Oceano is fogged in.

Between those two, you are looking at Monterey (KMRY), which is expensive but very nice, Watsonville (KWVI) and Marina (KOAR). I don't think these have quite the same setup as the first two.

More options are further south.

Jeff
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Thanks Jeff.

That is exactly the kind of suggestions I was looking for! Much appreciated.

Brad, Shelter Cove looks like a very cool stop! Thank you sir.
 
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Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Santa Maria (SMX) is a pretty cool experience, though not right on the coast they have a Radisson hotel on the airport. Land, park on the Radisson ramp and enter the hotel through the pilots lounge. Not many airports with a hotel like this right on the ramp.
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Tyler,

Enjoy your trip! I remember one year long ago when we flew down with the intent to camp at L52, but all nearby airports were fogged in. We diverted to Santa Inez (KIZA). Although there wasn't officially camping on the field, we pitched our tent on the grass by the FBO and were able to use our dutch oven on the ramp. This was with two small kids. A little odd for them to find us there in the morning, but it worked out okay. I'm sure you'd find similar possibilities at a lot of places if you had to divert.

Not sure how far south you are going, but Santa Barbara (KSBA) is another airport right on the coast, but it is similar to KMRY in terms of big fancy airport with more expensive ammenities.
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

With all the wildfires in California, I would expect a "burn ban" to be in effect, so if you were planning to cook over an open fire...
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Tyler,

I am not from Cali - but visited several places and have a suggestion if you like wine. KHES is in Healdsburg, which is in an interesting and different region for wines. There if you like zinfandels, Mazzocco literally is alongside the airport. It might be a unique overnight stop - I can't speak to the affordability - but - I did travel that area last Thanksgiving via car and enjoyed it a lot.

Dean
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Tyler,

I would recommend San Luis Obispo. Nice controlled field with limited commercial air service, cheaper gas on the other side and short cab ride from the little town of SLO. If you can show up on a Thursday they have an evening "farmers market" which is more like a 5 or 6 block street festival. Great places to eat and drink, friendly natives...

If your a little more of an adventurist, rent a car and visit Pismo Beach (less then 10 miles) for some good seafood, take highway 1 north to Cambria and visit Hearst Castle. There are also numerous wineries in this area, although you might want to book a wine tour to keep the DWI's down to a minimum...

Enjoy California - Clark
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Tyler
Oceano (L52) should definitely be on your list. They have camping (on-airport) hotels, restaurant and ocean all within walking distance. Also there are free bicycles to use in the storage shed. The Pismo Beach sand dunes are there so you can rent ATVs to explore. If fogged in I recommend Santa Ynez KIZA as the best alternative. Short cab or Uber ride to the quaint Scandinavian village with many local wineries and restaurants to explore. Santa Barbara KSBS is another good option, just more expensive. Santa Maria or San Luis Obispo although bigger and towered, are not as good for alternates in my opinion because they're too far from interesting things to see and do. I think someone also mentioned Hearst Castle if you get a rental car at Oceano or any of the others that would be a good excursion. Farther North any of the Napa or Sonoma area airports are great for wine tasting or spa treatments. I prefer the town of Calistoga accessed by Charles Schultz Sonoma County Airport KSTS or Angwin-Parrett Field (203) which is run by Pacific Union College a 7th Day Adventist school so the airport is closed on Saturdays. You will need a rental car at either. In So. Cal. I recommend Catalina Island KAVX which is 21 miles off the coast near Long Beach/Los Angeles. There is a $25 landing fee there. Be careful of the winds and the cliff if landing RWY 22. You would need to catch the free shuttle into Avalon which is a great little town that brings you back to the 1930's Hollywood feel. Everyone has golf carts and there are several hotels, restaurants and camping is available. Have a great trip and if you want to email me with any questions I would be happy to help. barrett2@cox.net
 
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Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Brett, thank you!! That is a great bit of info to take in for sure :)
 
Re: California Stops Questionnaire

Tyler,

I would consider Brett's advice re: Catalina Island. You won't be disappointed.
 
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