The Road to Monterey

[Michael Dolphin]

Seems that nearly everyone headed to Monterey is on different schedules. Not so surprisingly, because events in Monterey started last Sunday and probably half of the participants and spectators started arriving and are already in Monterey.

But there have been questions from folks who are leaving later in the week and a number of folks will still be traveling on Thursday, particularly that morning. So, here are some options for those of you interested.

It’s a loose arrangement but at least it helps for some….

• From the most southerly part of our state..

Armand Gastelo, president of the Orange Coast Region, is leading a tour that begins at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 13. The group meets in the Albertson’s parking lot located near the corner of La Paz and Muirlands in Mission Viejo. The plan is to drive north on the 5 Freeway all the way to Hwy 46 and then travel westbound through Paso Robles. Armand says – “I plan on stopping at a few selected wineries in Paso Robles and stopping for lunch. Then I will drive to PCH (1) and take that north into Monterey.”

• From the Los Angeles area –

The folks at V-Trak Auto (Porsche Restorations) will provide coffee and morning pastries at their facility for those who are leaving from within the local areas and want to meet up with other Monterey-bound Porschephiles. The anticipated departure time from this site is about 9:30 a.m. with a little timing, this group could connect with the Orange County group as they enter the L.A. area along Interstate 5. Contact Armand Gastelo for planning or a cell phone number.
V-Trak Auto is located at 8701 Aviation Blvd - Inglewood, CA 90301
Note: there is no designated tour leader for this group. The principals (me included) have to be in Monterey on Thursday morning for PCA business and to prepare for your arrivals. If the group is of any significant size, then someone may step up to the plate and assume a coordinator role.

• The Santa Barbara area -

Walter Branscome of Porsche –Santa Barbara will also host a stopping/gathering spot at their dealership. Again, refreshments and light snack will also be available for your rest stop along the road to Monterey. The anticipation is that Porsche travelers will be stopping from late morning till approx. 1:00 p.m throughout the day. Porsche caravans may also regroup and pick up additional drivers here along the way.

Porsche-Santa Barbara is located at 402 South Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 immediately east of the Hope exit on the 101 Freeway.

• Wednesday at Midnight –

Lastly, there is a Wednesday night “midnight” caravan planning to drive straight-through and arrive in Monterey in the early morning hours of Thursday. I will be in that group – I have work awaiting in Monterey on Thursday morning (something to do with a Panamera).

This group is indeed planning to leave at midnight and will leave from Harry’s Family Restaurant at 920 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank. Exit the 5 freeway in Burbank at Burbank Blvd., travel east one block and turn left at San Fernando Blvd.