With apologies to John Steinbeck, I’m calling this post Travels with Crazy. I’d like to say I’m not the crazy one, but yeah, it’s me.
Narrow mountain roads terrify me. Well, all mountain roads terrify me. Maybe all roads.
I think it’s a control thing, because I’m way less terrified if I am driving. My husband, Dale, prefers to drive as we scoot about California in our retirement travels. He is not a bad driver, but I’m constantly worried he’s going to do the big dumb thing, and we’re both going to fly off the edge and die.
I don’t like edges.
He does not appreciate my feedback, even the unspoken suggestions such as the air brake – when I, the passenger, mimic squeezing the brake with my right foot because, well, it feels like we’re going too fast.
Then there’s the passive-aggressive, “Are you OK?” Yes, damn it, he’s fine. Quit asking.
All this as an introduction to one of our upcoming adventures. Dale has a hankering to visit Death Valley in the summer. He thinks that’s when you’re going to see it and feel it as it is meant to be experienced, and I just figure I’ll be that much closer to death.
I booked us for a couple of nights in July at The Inn at Death Valley, which looks stunning. I have no problems hanging out there. Possibly with a cocktail by the pool. Ah, but then there’s the road trip.
Google maps suggests the quickest route from our home is via 395 through the Sierras. And that’s at nearly eight hours. Oh, and 395 has been described as one of the most dangerous highways in California. Beautiful but dangerous, just like some of the women I used to work with.
We have driven part of 395 before, and I was pretty scared, especially when you’re blinded by the sun. Then there’s all the twisty turns, and I just have to close my eyes.
Dale’s like, oh, cool, look over there!
No, no, I cry. Keep your eyes on the road!
Alternatives include I-5 to Bakersfield at about 10 hours or Route 99 through Fresno at just over nine. That’s if you believe Google maps, and there’s no construction, traffic or accidents.
At first I thought we could take 395, and I would pre-medicate. But then if something horrible happens, I would not be able to save us. I think it’s prudent for both parties to be cognizant and ready to drive at all times. Right? Or is that the crazy talking?
Then I thought, perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if we broke it up. Maybe spend the night in Mammoth, which I understand can be quite trafficky. That also assumes you add the day at each end of the trip. Dale said maybe on the way there, but he’s ready to make a run for it and get home in one day. Mostly to see the cat, but that’s another issue.
The alternative routes are longer, but they seem safer and less stressful to me. I don’t think the suns shines on the freeway like it does in the mountains. And we could spend a night in Bakersfield. Dale gave me the stink eye on that one, but hey, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens … it was good enough for them.
Then I’m thinking, I don’t know, do cars hold up in the heat? How much extra water would be have to carry in case we get stuck somewhere and wait days or weeks to be rescued? Should we update our wills?
Aside from the logistics, we’d both like to go. We’ve been discussing the trip, and Dale has been quite understanding. The man knows crazy when he sees it. While he’s not riddled with irrational fear, he’s not enthusiastic about a marathon drive, either. So, he has his own doubts.
That’s where we are. Still time to commit, still time to cancel. Call me crazy, but it seems like we’ve been here before.
Go with 395 all the way. More people die on I-5 and 99, and those roads are boring! 395 from Tahoe to Lee Vining can be a bit curvy but not a lot of traffic and wide open. South of Lee Vining there are beautiful vistas and it is one of my favorite roads, better than Highway 1 and Big Sur.
Be sure to see the Internment Camp in Manzanar. The exhibit is well done.
I think you’re right. If we go at all, that’s the route we should probably take. We would both like to see the internment camp.
My significant Nancy does all the same things while I’m driving…her technique is to play scrabble the whole time.
I saw that Inn many years ago but it still looks like a great place to stay….and to stay out of 115 degree heat!! When I was there, they told us only the Japanese and the Germans come in the summer. They go in buses, get out and take pictures and get back into the air conditioned bus. Maybe go by bus?!
If there’s something worse than stink eye, that’s what I would get if I suggested the bus to Dale. Still, a good suggestions.
Hmm, it seems like your two alternatives are to die quickly going over a cliff, or slowly dehydrating while your tongue swells in 120 degree heat. I would chose No. 1.
We have been to Death Valley several times, but never in the summer. What possessed him to want to do that?
Now that you mention it, maybe he’s the crazy one. I don’t like #1 or #2.
Omg, you’re describing me! I’ve never been to Death Valley but we drove to Leadville , Colorado once. Gorgeous place but thought maybe I was going to have to stay there. Colorado has something against guardrails. I really like them. Hubby said there’s no space to put them. You drive right on the edge of 1-mile drops. Oh yeah, fun! I heavily medicated to get out. Hubby couldn’t stand the screaming. I was terrified. Enjoyed being there but not the trip in and out. I truly sympathize. Good luck!
I’ve heard that drive to Leadville is awful. Too funny about maybe staying there and being heavily medicated to get home. Yep, we have the same affliction.
Hi Donna, I think you should do the tent camp out instead. Even if it’s just in your backyard. You still have a chance to change your mind about Death Valley. 🥺
The tent is sounding better all the time!
Hah! I’ve been to a couple of conferences in Bakersfield (before I retired). Spent most of the time indoors at the hotel so didn’t see much of it and our tour days took us out into the surrounding farm country. Not the most spectacular part of California, but then your state sets a pretty high bar.
I have been a passenger in the car driving through the Sierras, so I get it. Except I was the one trying to keep my late husband calm as he navigated the twists and turns as we descended. I would’ve driven but he needed to be in control even though it was freaking him out. Sigh…
Good luck with your travel plans!
Deb
Yeah, Bakersfield is not one of the most beautiful parts of the state. We are still discussing. I’ve mentioned I’m less fearful when I’m driving. It’s nothing against him. Just a control thing, I assume. Like your late husband.
You sound perfectly normal to me, or maybe I am also crazy. Highway 99 makes my blood pressure go up and I need a big paper bag for any winding mountain road….and my husband is an excellent driver. But like you, what if something happened to him? We are flying on our next trip to Southern California.
You had me howling at the paper bag on 99. Flying — there’s a concept!
I totally “get” it. I have practically worn the brake out on the passenger’s side of the car. I just wish the thing worked! Have a fun trip and safe travels!
Yes, indeed. If only it worked!!
Ha ha! That’s me, especially with my ex who was a rubbish driver! We had quite a few terrifying experiences in Italy, on winding roads with no barriers on the edge, and crazy (properly crazy) Italian drivers.
Fortunately Himself is an excellent driver. However, he is not as confident in my driving as I am in his. Although he insists he’s not lacking in confidence, perhaps he just has a touch of what you have – the need to be in control.
I happily let him drive… so that works out for us. But, yeah, good luck.