DRIVING OUR VAN TO CALIFORNIA

[@mikemanjo2458]

FYI...At Oak Island, NC (formerly Long Beach, NC), you can see both the sunrise and sunset (because of the orientation of the island). It is one of the few places in the US where this is possible. It's great for photographers! ❤

[@jharlow173]

I was going to say that! We vacationed there, well at Caswell Beach-a part of Oak Island, for over 30 years and the sunrise pictures that a friend took are fabulous! Too early for me, but I've got some beautiful sunset over the water pictures.

[@mikemanjo2458]

@@jharlow173 that's awesome! It's a special place for sure!

[@kevindturner]

I don’t know if someone’s already mentioned, but that toll thing going into California is an agricultural inspection point. I was also waiting to take a photo of the California sign, but it was so underwhelming. If you get the chance spend some time in Santa Barbara, it’s so beautiful.

[@careymeek9450]

'My heart is so full right now.' Natalie, that describes how I feel now as you and Jimmy are rekindling memories of travels with my beautiful wife who recently passed away. You two are wonderful and your videos are eagerly anticipated each week. Keep it real. Two videos a week? I would love it but make sure you carve out enough time for yourselves. Love you guys!

[@michelle14749]

California is one of my favorite states! I remember when Natalie got stuck in the salt flats, but was so impressed how she handled the whole situation.

[@rockercover]

No loss on sand-dune miss. If you had sand machines, (OHV’s) available, can be thrilling to run up and over them. Glad you relocated to warmer weather. 👍 ||| Side note: When exploring isolated spots on the coast line / beaches, keep a watch out for the high tide times. ||| Thanks for sharing more interesting and beautiful places with us.

[@cboyle707]

😄😄My thoughts, exactly!

[@gblakev]

I thought about the tides in particular when she talked about sleeping in the cave by the ocean.

[@jimbasile]

Coming into California you passed through the California Agricultural Inspection Station. They check for fruits, vegetables, plants, etc that may bring in pests from outside California.

[@chrisguthrie8402]

Jimmy, Natalie if you guys want to see Sand dunes the lakes of you’ve never seen come back to Colorado go all the way down to southern Colorado down near the San Juan mountains and you can visit the Great Sand National Monument! Which is the largest sand dunes in the continental United States. Trust me, you might even see people snowboarding downl the sand dunes

[@donnanichols6838]

Whoa that climbing portion of the video had my heart in my throat!!! Glad you got through that!!! Yikes!!! enjoy that ocean, I love the water...mighta mentioned that before? Have fun and enjoy that warmer air!!! Safe travels! Love and hugs!!! 🍃😍🤗🍃

[@kathleenhudson8429]

That station just past the border is an agriculture inspection station. It’s very important to prevent plant pests and diseases from entering the state, since agriculture is the largest business in the state.

[@barbsexton2003]

Glad you made it safely there. Hope you have a wonderful Coastal adventure.

[@varose12]

I live on the coast, currently in San Luis Obispo. If you make it here on a Thursday night, they have a massive farmers market downtown. Avila Beach is also my favorite and the central coast has so many amazing hikes. You could easily spend a week here.

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

How fun to see the California coast / sunset through someone's eyes that have never seen it before!

[@patireland3345]

Hope you enjoy your time in CA. Your experience with I80 through Utah and Nevada is what we see as well. Great place to learn how to drive an RV on Interstates. The coast is wonderful. The Redwoods to the North are a fantastic experience. Enjoy your trip. Edit - CA coast - research sneaker waves. Sunsets - research Green Flash. Tourists vehicles in SF/LA are broken into for their valuables - take care.

[@ArtMacasinag]

I just recently discovered your channel on YT.... we used to live in Myrtle Beach, SC before moving to CA... the first video I watched was your visit to Santa Cruz and Monterey, Ca. We used to live within a few yards of Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. (sorry it was a little dreary and wet during your visit). We now live in Oceanside in SoCal near San Diego. My wife and I did an RV trip from Indiana to CA spending some time in CO, UT, AZ & NV during the pandemic. You have inspired us to get back into the RV lifestyle.....meanwhile I spent the last few days living vicariously through your exploits... Thanks for sharing your fun and wholesome adventures.😊💕👋🙏

[@Beana10]

Go to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

[@richardpalmanteer9798]

When I was a kid 9-10 years old we took a vacation from Spokane, Washington over to the Coast and Down 101 to San Fransico California on our way to Fresno where my grandparents lived. It was so fun. We went to Fisherman's Wharf in San Fransico and the World's Crookest Road. Ripley's Believe it or Not at the Wharf. Well, stay safe and glad you made it. As Always, "Enjoy The Adventure." 🤠👍✌

[@michaelcummings7246]

Think the entry point when right after enter CA is where during grow season they check if you have any fruit or vegetables that might have fruitflies etc that might cause problems. During winter months they generally don't man it.

[@joefranco5397]

While in California on the coast, if you have the time look up the towns of Pacifica,Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Hopefully you are still in California. Safe Travels

[@glennarussell4682]

Welcome to my backyard. Love from Bellflower, California. Safe travels you two.

[@r8edrv4fun65]

January 1st, 2000; we watched the sunrise at Daytona Beach FL and then drove over to Saint Pete Beach FL to watch it set. The world didn't end afterall. LoL (referring to Y2K for the younger audience)

[@piffy4094]

Yeah, I loved the hauntingly beautiful Northern NV high desert that you see driving the 80. If you are ever on the 80 passing through Elko, NV again, stop by to see the excellent Western Folklife Center. I'm a bit surprised you didn't at least drive by Lake Tahoe.

[@shannonwhiting6668]

My home state is California but I now call South Carolina home. It is amazing how different the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are; both equally beautiful but in such different ways. My favorite memories of California are of the Redwood forest...oh those majestic trees surrounded by giant ferns, just beautiful! Enjoy your journey and stay safe!

[@patireland3345]

The Avenue of the Giants, off US101, is a fantastic area to experience. The fern undergrowth has been cleaned out to reduce fire hazard, which reduces the affect, but the Redwoods to the North still have the fern ground cover. Certainly, a wonderful area to visit.

[@MelissaMalzahn]

You definitely should drive the coast line down California it has some amazing sites. Slow traveling winding roads but gorgeous. Safe travels have fun.

[@gblakev]

I bicycled the coast (when I was young). That is true slow traveling. It was gorgeous.

[@montyforster3370]

Don forget the Redwood forest with the cutest little cafe that has thier menu painted on a sheet of plywood. Laughed when asked for it on one trip and were told calmly.....oh theyre just out washing it lol. Buelton is another. The pea soup capital of Amarica. And always visit Alcatraz absolutely well worth it. Have fun guys and give some of them native palm trees a hug for me

[@nousername4me2use]

Dude! I'm so jealous. 4 years I started toward Cali in my van, but could only make it to Colorado on the budget I had. Heck, I even had to pick up some side jobs while there just to make it back to Texas. But I was able to make it to Florida and live out of my van for a year and a half while working there and go to explore almost the entire state. Waking up to the sunrise on the Atlantic coast, driving across the state and later watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico was amazing. Those ocean sunsets are truely awesome. Looking forward to even more videos from you two this month!!!

[@jonmcfarland3832]

You will not regret the winter on the CA coast. Head for the PCH and start exploring! If it hasn't snowed too much you may be able to see Yosemite but most likely you'll need to wait until Spring. Dont miss Tahoe on your way home!

[@poges]

I think you'll find if you stay on an interstate highway you don't see anything. Same on I5 in California. Google and explore off of it. I wish we'd had more time on route to arizona but it still took us 4 days on the road from Canada's Westcoast. We drive short days as it gets dark so early in winter. Good for you to workout at a gym with so much sitting time travelling. Good plan to cook your own meals too. So much more healthy and cost saving.

[@brookesgrammy]

I'll be happy to see extra videos! im a west coast native...altho ive been in AZ most my life I started life in Washington and love to visit. hubby and I are on the hunt for a motorhome to start adventuring and I cant wait!

[@leebaughn4488]

FYI when going through tolls there are some in Colorado and there's some in Nevada that take a picture of your tag and then they send you the bill for the toll in the mail. The problem is if you don't know you got the bill and it doesn't get paid in 90 days they suspend your license over it! it happened to me. It was a pain to deal with.

[@darlenewillbrandt1628]

So proud of you. Sunset over water is amazing thanks. Learning about new places and environments is exciting. Thanks for sharing. Blessings be safe.

[@kimberlytelle8313]

I think it’s good to hear the boring travel as well as the more exciting stuff! Gives a real outlook of what to expect. Love the videos! Thank you!

[@mikemanjo2458]

Thanks for keeping it real with us...even driving days...we love to travel with y'all. 😊 The van is so pretty! I know y'all are enjoying it. The lights are so pretty. Security Guards would make me feel safer (parking by Fed Ex would have probably been a good idea, too...unless it was one of those creeper drivers😳). Interesting to have hills like that so close to the coast! Thanks for bringing us along!❤🙏Jane in SC

[@debcervone8704]

The big cities can offer some interesting sites but I would recommend spending time in the small beach towns, particularly San Diego County. Gorgeous places with little crowds and little crime. I live in Carlsbad CA and love our low key surf vibe

[@tracykrueger1096]

There is a camping world about 20 miles north east from Sacramento in a town called Rocklin can camp there. Close to a Walmart. Nat for the roads along the California coast try saltine crackers and 7-up. Always help me. Welcome to California glad to have you here.

[@jeffreygunn3530]

That thing that looked like a toll booth was an agricultural inspection station. If it had been open, they just would have asked if you had any live plants or fresh produce

[@chaosplan]

And the reason for the inspection sites is to protect California’s vital agricultural crops from bad bugs and invasive species. For example the wrong kind of fruit fly hitching a ride on oranges from grandma’s garden could cause millions in crop losses. There was an invasion on Mediterranean fruit fly in SoCal in the late 70s or early 80s. They decided to spray so on certain nights a battery of helicopters would cross cross the land spraying malathion poison to eradicate the Mediterranean fruit fly (the evil medfly). It was like seeing warplane formations, quite surreal. This was in a suburban area no less. Lots of people had backyard orange trees so the medfly spread rapidly. Most the farms had a treatment regimen so I think the choppers were because of backyard trees. You had to cover your cars on spray night.

[@smlink51]

So, I just came across y’all’s KZbin channel and when y’all were at a rest area and said that they had “put toilets” I laughed. I’ve never heard them called that. Back here in the east they’re called “out houses”. But they still have them at some rest areas in Indiana and Ohio.

[@traceyhuff2228]

You two are never boring. I love all your vids.

[@kathyjakary7269]

Welcome to California! From Laguna Niguel

[@sailingwithgeorge]

You should have dropped after Wendover into 93 South to Ely and then follow Route 50 west into Reno, also known as the "Loneliest road in America", I rode across on my motorcycle and the scenery was stunning

[@idowanna837]

Be sure to hit up Monterey and if you get down to La Jolla you can go scuba diving or kayaking. I live down in San Diego

[@melissahoffman4687]

You would also love Lake Tahoe! The Sierra Mountains are gorgeous! Slide Mountain is 9,000 feet in Washoe Valley.

[@SuperPirate100]

Another enjoyable video thank you. I enjoy following your travels for all the great scenery.

[@michaelpattison6752]

Guys, we were there earlier this year from Joshua Tree, to Sequoia, up the coast over the Golden Gate and through many places up north. Spend some time if you enjoy a greatly varied terrain in a close area. I spent a lot of time when stationed here a long time ago. It’s a beautiful place to see. All of it in my opinion. Wouldn’t want to live there, but it is a beautiful state.

[@colletteatkins9991]

I’m from Sacramento and I love my town. Visit Old Sacramento for some history and the Railroad Museum. Lots of great restaurants downtown Sacramento.

[@maggiebrattoli383]

Even though you poo pooped all over my home state NEVADA. I gave you a thumbs up. We have lake Mead. Awesome boomdocking and views. Lake Tahoe, red rock state park, Hoover dam. The list goes on and on. ❤

[@JW-jl8iq]

Arizona is also warm this time of the year. Southern California is beautiful. My aunt lives in the OC

[@corysvanlife]

This was an amazing video!!! I am so happy you guys made it to the coast!! That sunset was amazing!! I’m excited for the 2 videos a week!!!

[@sovereigns1grace]

Welcome to California!! Glad you got such a gorgeous sunset. Looking forward to seeing your adventures here.

[@claudialeger3208]

The whole video is full of beautiful scenes worthy of printing. Happy to see the two of you relaxed and exploring and meeting your goals.

[@janetkoball44]

I also love the beach especially on the central Oregon beach. My niece lives and works in the northern valley if Cal. And about once a month drives to the central Oregon coast where her parents live and goes to the beach...her happy place. Thanks for the video and safe and happy travels.

[@amynelson9362]

Such a beautiful sunset! Thanks for sharing your journey. We'll be interested in where you go as long as you are genuinely enjoying it.

[@RonInAVan]

If you are traveling up on 95 I stayed for a few days on the BLM Land Walker Lake and really enjoyed it. Safe travels!!

[@veeemit9719]

Ocracoke Island in NC is the one place on the East Coast where you can actually see the sunset on the water like the Pacific Coast.

[@ChristyatNepenthe]

I'm from SC. My son lives in Irvine, CA. He says the same thing about the beach in CA - nothing like SC.

[@heatherbryner5245]

Very nice trip!! We are currently in Petaluma at the KOA...maybe you passed it on your way to the coast. We're building out a promaster as well, but I am out visiting kids in Utah for the holidays. My husband is still there in a cute little Oliver trailer so if you happen to stop there, say hello:) Quite possibly passed you on the road. Thanks for the updates and seriously the first time I have ever heard anybody call Nevada beautiful...but good for you for looking for the beauty in everything.

[@stevesavell201]

Glad You made it to California. If you have a chance go to the Oregon Coast also very beautiful. The Northern California coast is a rugged beauty where Southern California Coast is for the pretty people. Have fun with the adventures.

[@carolbrockmeier3679]

California's inspection is just to make sure you don't have produce that could transport Mediterranean flies, etc.

[@chaosplan]

I remember the helicopters spraying malathion over the city at night.

[@MrFloydSaunders]

I see you plan to drive down the California coast from San Francisco. Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, Big Sur, the central coast, eat seafood at the Moro Bay waterfront area etc. the Monterey Bay Aquarium is amazing, as it the 17 mile drive to Carmel. Catch the Elephant Seal Sanctuary beach. Spend some time in Cambria. Hwy 1 turns inland at Moro Bay, and San Luis Obispo has a nice downtown area to check out. Stay on Hwy 1, rather than 101 at Ventura to catch all the beaches in the Malibu area, but after that it turns into LA and a lot of traffic, until you are south of Long Beach. Hope to drive down to San Diego, a beautiful (but over developed area). Consider turning East and drive up to Julian, east of San Diego. I grew up in California and have lived in many areas of the state. You could easily spend a month or more and not catch everything Calif. has to offer.

[@loragunning5394]

Always enjoy your videos and this one is no exception. FWIW, "Nevada" is properly pronounced "neh-VAH-da", despite how the locals say it. The name is derived from the Spanish word for "snow", "nieve" (pronounced NYAY-vay). The Sierra Nevada mountain range translates to "Snowy Mountains", sierra meaning mountain. The Spanish alphabet has a few more letters than our English one does, but that's because every sound made in Spanish has it's own letter, very much different from English. The "a" in Spanish is always pronounced as "ah".

[@mark_graham]

Where I live in NE Scotland, I am privileged to live right on the coastline; so can see absolutely stunning sunrises at all times of the year. To see a sunset on the Pacific cost would be quite surreal for me; but a dream - hopefully one day I will experience.

[@bertsadventure689]

Wow you are about to go to some of my favorite places. My brother would visit from new orleans , and would always want to take a trip up and down the coast. I have many great memories of a lot of amazing places. Too many to list. My advice - Don’t rush. Spend extra time planning. There are amazing side trips inland too. Hope you meet people that tell good stories too. One of your fans! Bert - an old guy in southern oregon.

[@Adam_Gray]

Wow! The infamous California Inspection Station was closed. Also, better know as the fruit snatchers, firewood or anything else they deemed a threat or invasive to their agriculture sector. I also think it's a Border Protection Station on the down-low just because of the random questions they ask to gather intel and the smog police. I think I-8, I-10, I-80, Maybe I-15 and a couple of US highways have key inspection stations. Love the west coast vibes and photography/videography Jimmy!

[@dianesisneros8811]

I live in California. You guys should stop in Lake Tahoe. It’s beautiful.

[@garymichalski5197]

You think I80 is boring. You have to take us50 across NV. As for the pit toilet it's a norther thing. Because of the cold in winter and ost of heating then in winter. You will find that a lot up north. The toll booth looking place you went through is an agricultural inspection station. Or as we call it bug check station

[@KayAndrews1950]

The sunset was stunning 😍 Thank you. 🇦🇺🐨🦘

[@cadence9055]

yeah Natalie rocked it! I've been to the salt flats in my van also but have never seen it under water! Beautiful!! 💗

[@1oldvato782]

The check point that was closed was a California Agriculture Inspection stop. So they are just checking for fruits and plants carrying invasive bugs & Insects that can destroy California's agricultural farms and forests. Enjoy your stay and welcome to California. ✌️ out

[@chaosplan]

Very few inspectors working since Covid hit.

[@kevinholland4156]

You are not supposed to drive on the Salt Flats because it wears the salt too thin and the racers can't race when it gets too thin. There are signs to keep you off the salt. Also, underneath that layer of hard salt is gooey mud that has no bottom. It's good you couldn't drive on it because the salt dust will rust out your vehicle faster than the roads in Michigan!

[@tommurray2653]

Hello Jim and Nat the pit toilets at the rest stop may be a concession to save water or a necessity because of water scarcity. Tom in Canada at the NB-NS order.

[@chaosplan]

I know that rest stop well, I visit it several times a year. It is in a desolate dry area with little or no water. It is a little weird for a rest stop not to have running water but when ya gotta go ya gotta go so I am glad that it is there.

[@TheFlutterrbye]

🦋😊🦋I'm so happy for you ❣California is my home and I love it most of the time. The only thing I can think of to warn you about besides the obvious, is wild turkeys. Last time that I was in Sacramento, I noticed a large group of turkeys. Being an animal lover I had to get close. They started chasing me, I feel if they caught me it wouldn't have ended well. But most of California is a beautiful state. Where I live, I can see snowy mountains and turn around and see the Pacific Ocean. 🦋😊🦋I'm looking forward to seeing your reactions of this beautiful state, enjoy❣🦋😊🦋😊🦋😊🦋😊🦋😊🦋

[@captainhappy]

Don't go driving to those salt flats without some pre-view of the drivable area. I don't live in USA but even to me it's clear there is bunch of videos people went driving there, and then they were surprised by salty mud below at some point of the salt fields. It can be quite a task to pull vehicle out there if even the pulling vehicle can't come closeby.

[@johnwren3976]

Check out CALAVERAS BIG TREES STATE PARK awesome. Nice camping. Magnificent Sequoias, magnificent Ponderosa Pines etc. Without the crowds of national parks.

[@wintergirl3298]

Waded in the pacific one time and the water was sticky on my skin when I came out. Would never get in again. Glad you made it safe

[@wegottafishdude]

Truly awesome guys that’s what it’s all about and time goes by fast

[@jamesorendorff2731]

Try exploring Marin county Sir Francis Drake Blvd will take you through some beautiful country all the way to the coast ( I think maybe you've possibly already done that 👍

[@brookelackey6231]

So excited to see you guys explore my beautiful state. I live in the 'South Bay' of Los Angeles - the region of Torrance, Redondo Beach, and Manhattan Beach. If you stop by,check out the Rancho Palos Verdes area. The drive is lovely.

[@anneparisi1828]

What a beautiful sunset, so pretty. Looking forward to whatever is next on the pacific coast 👍

[@Time4Xploring]

That's funny. You two were 5 miles from me in Roseville, CA. I'm 1 mile from 1-80 just west of Roseville. You could have mooched docked in my driveway next to my RV. Hit me up if you're in the Sacramento Area again.

[@roseanneberrios7174]

You have got to come to San Francisco, golden Gate bridge, Fishermans wharf. Lots to see and do in SF. Weather is not the greastest right now, but it will get better I hope.

[@roseanneberrios7174]

@pojo 10 no not really. Just go with the flow. The only thing bad is the traffic. Places to see,lots( Fishermans Wharf, The Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge. Some of the best museums in the world. Golden Gate Park and Zoo. Etc.

[@chaosplan]

The wharf and SF In general is very touristy and kind of dumpy. It’s a cool city, beautiful views like nowhere else and an amazing food city but it doesn’t seem nomad friendly. I’d be afraid to park my house there.

[@darrenheaps9272]

Great vlog guys!! 2 a week!!!! I'm excited!!

[@cboyle707]

Now you're talkin' my language. Grew up in Nor Cal. It's fantastic. Just so many more people and cars since I grew up. ENJOY...!

[@paulshannon4576]

Funny but two years ago I was in the campground at Organ Pipe NM and a guy had taken a FedEx box truck and made it into a camper but other than the window it still looked like a FedEx truck.

[@SaYeager]

Winnemucca has Brothels! That was a fruit and vegy inspection station. Did you go over Donner pass? Keep an eye on fuel prices a lot of the counties have their own fuel tax and even some cities do to.

[@janebaugh5591]

Go over to the coast at sanfrancisco. Drive down HY 1. Go the Drive threw the Red Wood trees. Fun to drive over the San Francisco Bridge.

[@ebreevephoto]

Here in Cali we have fruit checks for incoming vehicles, because of our agriculture. Welcome to Cali!

[@jbandy9287]

I live in S.C. for 10 years Seneca isn't the coast but it's what I've got. You'll seem to be enjoying yourselves .

[@americannomad5905]

I hope you can show the redwoods.

[@thefilersjourney]

As a native Nevadan I have to admit, when people from outside Nevada pronounce Nevada it's like nails on a chalkboard. It's hard to fight the urge to yell Nev A Duh, not Nev O duh! LOL!

[@ericfinch8887]

Very cool! It looks like you two are having an amazing time!

[@kymberleyanne]

Congratulations for making it to California!! I hope one of the things you do while in California is go to where they have the Stars on the Hollywood walk of fame! It would be something to you both to remember. Also, you should get a simply safe for your van, this way you know your van is secure while your away from it. you have a better lock on the Skoolie lol. Think about getting one for the van I know that Trent and Allie used one in their van as well and it worked well !! Can't be too careful with traveling and your computers and camera gear. Just a thought.

[@OurNotSoSeriousLife]

I recommend San Pedro. Check out the Korean bell The Fish Market and Busy Bee Market. I used to live there and it’s pretty dope.

[@michaelmorgan5303]

If you have time you should go see the big redwood trees. There amazing to see

[@carmenmoyet1222]

Be safe and enjoy your travels. Have an amazing time.

[@rakereldridge6210]

I love California beaches. I don't like the ocean. It is just too cold. I kept looking for sea lions. I saw dozens when I was there, but that was in May.

[@justifiedbyHisblood]

I just left Reno Nevada 2 months ago, snow birding in Arizona.

[@herise6484]

Yeah im in the Central Coast area your travel to California will be adventurous, be safe in all your travel.

[@markbajek2541]

Stay safe, you do get some good sunrises and sunsets on the inland oceans of the Great lakes as well. If you take 80 back to salt lake, try to visit the area around Truckee, Reno, Carson city, Tahoe.

[@JJ-ol5wz]

I've wanted to go Turquoise hunting if I went to Nevada. I really enjoy your videos and it seems like you do enjoy history and museums. I thought you might enjoy fossil and mineral hunting - I'd love to see it if you do decide to do some of that! Keep having adventures and sharing them with us!

[@WoodlandCompanies]

I always find PF to be a great place to camp, open all night, free wifi, and a spa and shower to use in the morning.

[@AmputeeAdventureChannel]

Those inspections are agriculture inspection areas. They also check commodities to make sure they are free from exotic invasive species that may be hitchhiking with them.