Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 1)
By Simon J. Lau
This morning, we set off on our coast-to-coast journey! Although this family photo would suggest that we’re all going, it’s just Bruno (the dog on the left) and me. Jean has to stay behind for work, and Benny, as much as I’d love to bring him, is getting older. I don’t think he could handle all the time on the road, not to mention the heat and humidity. The old guy has gotten very used to the cool weather in San Francisco.
My plan is for us to be on the road for most, if not all, of April. During the first half, I’ll primarily follow the Southern Pacific route via US 80, formerly known as the Dixie Overland Highway. This east–west highway system was the first of its kind in the United States, stretching from San Diego to Savannah. Although much of the western portion of US 80 has been replaced by other highways, I’ll generally stick close to the original route. On the return trip, I’ll take a mix of roads, including large portions of what was once Route 66. At least, that’s the plan for now.
Today I took US 101 from San Francisco down to Oxnard. I’m less familiar with the 101 than Highway 5, but I found it to be a much more enjoyable drive. It winds through cities and towns I find more interesting, like Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. I also loved the rolling hills and the greener, more varied landscape compared to Highway 5 through the Central Valley.
California has also begun renovating many of its rest stops, and the one I visited today was among the nicest I’ve seen. It had new bathrooms, four solar-powered EV charging stations, and even pet areas specifically for dogs. There were also signs warning owners to watch out for rattlesnakes. 
When I was a kid, we lived near a river, and one day a rattlesnake made its way to our home. We only realized it was there because our Golden Retriever, Bobby, wouldn’t stop barking. He ended up getting bit. Fortunately, he survived, but the rattlesnake didn’t. Animal control came and killed it. Ever since then, I’ve hated rattlesnakes.
At the same stop, I stumbled upon this fantastic spot beneath a shaded area. Before continuing, Bruno and I took the opportunity to indulge in a much-needed nap. 😴
Upon arriving in Oxnard, I had a little time before sunset to take photos along the beach and around the neighborhood.
If you look closely, you can spot the Channel Islands faintly on the horizon.
Finally, our route from San Francisco to Oxnard (363 miles or 584 km).
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