Through the Grapevine

I don't remember ever driving the Grapevine, but that's probably because I wanted to forget it. What an experience! A few days ago we came south on Interstate 5, through California, and along with dozens of big rig trucks and hundreds of cars, we made it up and then down the Grapevine. I grew up in So Cal and Rick says we've been on it before, but I guess it's different in a 36' motorhome.

If you're going to drive Interstate 5, be prepared for a rough and bumpy trip. Especially if in a motorhome. From Sacramento south the road is good in a few small sections, but the rest of the 8 hour trip was horrible and California should be embarrassed by the condition of what is probably their main interstate highway. Oh I'm sure we'll find other highways in need of repair, we just haven't gotten into other state's potholes yet. Other RVers advised to take 99 and avoid I5, but we figured it couldn't be that bad! Wrong! And right! It is!

It's a quick north/south route, but be ready. Be prepared. Don't start up the Grapevine needing to stop for a potty break. The last rest area we were going to stop at was closed, and so we went on up the mountain. And up, and up. I kept thinking we had to be near the summit. There is a rest area at the top of the mountain, thank goodness! One of the great conveniences of having a motorhome! Having your own bathroom as long as you have a place to pull over.

The Grapevine is 4 or 5 lanes of traffic, with only the 2 right lanes for trucks and vehicles towing. At one point I had enough speed to pass the 2 really slow, practically stopped, right lanes, but Rick said I shouldn't, couldn't go into the left lanes. So we backed off and travelled slow up the hill. And used the exhaust brake going down the other side to keep our speed at or below 55. I love that exhaust brake and use it often, in the hills and heavy traffic. Love it!