The sign read, “Not for vehicles over 30 feet in length.”  I knew then the warnings I’d been given about highway one were not to be taken lightly.  The drive from San Francisco toward highway one had been beautiful with green mountains, deep valleys, pumpkin covered patches, and fields of produce growing richly in the black soil.  On a solo trek to discover a fantastic RV campground, Marina RV park and Marina Dune Resort, I temporarily forgot about my phobias of heights, enjoying the views around me, until I reached the portion of highway one where mountainside curves snake their way along the undulating flanks of the mountains and incidental boulders rise up out of the blue pacific while waves crash violently against their jagged sides.  With a mere balance beam width of a shoulder usually uneven and rough without railing protection (from what I might add), I zipped along at a snail’s pace of 25mph.  Occasionally braving the elements, for it had started to rain, I pulled over on one of the numerous view points along highway one and took photos of breathtaking views.  Only twice did I have people behind me pass around to speed ahead.  Thankfully on a longer stretch of straight highway, and once I hugged the double yellow line too close leaving the on comer nothing else to do but give me a proper honk!

Here’s the clincher:  I drove a small vehicle.  With my nerves of spaghetti, no way could I have managed an RV on highway one.  Most RV drivers will say, “Ah, I could no problem.”  Well my windshield wipers are raised to you!  The main goal was accomplished.  I saw highway one, and experienced Marina Dunes RV Park!  You’ll love it too!  Just drive the interstate route highway 101 to Marina, California in Monterey County, pull a toad if you have to and take the toad on highway one!  Marina Dunes RV park on Monterey Bay is located at 3330 Dunes Drive, Marina, California.  For reservations call them at (831) 384-6914 or email at info@marinadunesrv.com.  The website to view the facilities is www.marinadunesrv.com.  This RV park is considered a five-star park.  With resurfaced and leveled sites, private patios on each site, BBQ grills, and fire places at selected sites.  New laundry facilities with a redecorated and accessible club room including fireplace, kitchen, TV, pool table, and arcade games!  The gift shop is conveniently located and full of snacks as well as grocery and sundry type items one might need while on the road.  Sixty sites are equipped with full hook-ups.

What can the RV enthusiast do while camping at Marina Dunes RV park?  More than you’ll have time for!  While there, I was thrilled by the hour to watch wind surfers and hang gliders sailing through the azure sky casting shadows across the sand dunes!  With beach access close by, you may find yourself chasing the waves as they bring in the assortment of shells with each pulsation of the seas heartbeat!  Special events coming up in the winter months include the Pebble Beach Pro-AM golf tournament, First Night Monterey a New Year’s Eve party.  Spring seasons announce the arrival of Sea Otter marathon, annual Dixieland Monterey, annual Wine Festivals, Big Sur International marathons, Laguna Seca Nascar races.  Should you want to be more Monterenian, take a bike ride to Monterey and enjoy walking around Fisherman’s Wharf and the Aquarium, where at this time they continue to have a great white shark in captivity!  The old Cannery row once a powerhouse filled with workers and the smell of fish is now full of quaint shops and markets any shopping diva would love!

Here’s a word of caution and advice.  California’s gasoline prices were higher than any other state I’d been in, running around $2.79 at the time of my trip.  Along highway one, after leaving behind the last largest commercial chain type convenience store with gasoline sales, I found that at least two small community operators with private stores and gasoline sales were taking major advantage of the increased prices.  Gasoline prices at these two places were $3.39.  If you failed to have a full tank when reaching this stretch of mountainside, you might find yourself stranded before reaching reasonable gas prices again!

As always, all good things must come to an end.  Upon arrival back home, I proudly told my family about the awesome sights of highway one, the thrill of finally being able to forge ahead on my own along sharp winding mountain roads with narrow drop off edges knowing below giant boulders and angry waves pounded the coastline.  I described golden glowing sunsets, bent trees, elephant seals lounging in the waves, gulls crying as they glided by – I could see all the sights with my eyes half closed in a dreamlike state as I mentally replayed my solo expedition down highway one.  Then clearing his voice and bringing me back to reality my husband said, “Yes, but let’s get this straight, how many people really honked at you because you were hugging the yellow line?”  I sheepishly held up five fingers.  Does anyone have a cure for a girl used to driving on flat land? 

Happy Traveling!