mamestra
Campbell River, B.C. Canada
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Joined: 04/22/2004
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While watching the storms hit California we are looking at a way to get back to I5 once we get on 101. I initially looked at taking 20 from Redwood Valley to Williams, but after looking at the Mountain Directory this sounds like a road I would rather avoid. So I would love so information on 128 from Geyserville, through Calistoga to Napa then 12 to Lodi where we have a reservation. My other choice is 12 from San Rosa to Napa continuing to Lodi. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Michael
2007 Dodge 3500 Quad 6.7 L Cummins
2006 SunnyBrook 32BKWS
wife Diane and 110lb German Shepherd "Tye"
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Campnfuls
Hilt, CA
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Joined: 10/18/2007
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Actually Hwy 20 is a very good highway with little to worry about. It is meandering but I don't consider it a real windy (curvy) road and certainly not real steep grades to worry about. It would be my choice simply as a way to avoid the traffic that you will endure in the Napa/Vallejo area and on I-80 in the Fairfield/Vacaville area. You may even get a glimpse of Tule Elk along Hwy 20. Certainly stay away from the San Rafael Bridge or Golden Gate Bridge routes.
I want to leave this earth quietly in my sleep like my grandfather and not like the hysterical, screaming passengers riding in granddad's RV just before the big crash.
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mamestra
Campbell River, B.C. Canada
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Joined: 04/22/2004
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Thanks Campnfuls Just for your information this is a direct quote from Mountain Directory West. "We have not driven highway 20 but a reader tells us that between Redwood Valley and Williams there are 5-7% grades that can be up to 4 miles in length. This road also includes short sections that can be as steeps as 10%. It is said to be a narrow, winding, treacherous road for large vechicles. This may also be true between Smartville and I-80 east of Yuba. There are climbs and descents that may be 5-7% for 8 miles." You can see why I was not interested in this road.
Michael
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othertonka
Stockton, CA
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Joined: 11/15/2003
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You will have no problem on Hwy 20 from 101 to I 5 at Williams. It goes around Clear Lake and then some grades and gentle curves but nothing that should give you any problems. It is no worse than 101 that you will be coming down from Oregon and it avoids the traffic around Santa Rosa where there is ongoing construction. I would NOT recommend 128, it is narrow and winding and slow. A Pretty drive in a car but not in a motorhome or 5er in my opinion. If you don't take Hwy 20, then I would recommend that you continue on 101 to Hwy 37 at Novato. Take Hwy 37 to Vallejo, connect with Hwy 80 and go east toward Sacramento for a few miles and connect with Hwy 12 near Fairfield and then on to Lodi. You are probably staying at Flag City RV park, which is just past I 5 and turn right at the traffic light. It seems like this route, Hwy 37, would be further, but going this way it is faster and hardly any stop signs/traffic lights than taking Hwy 128 or Hwy 12 from Santa Rosa to Napa. I do both Hwy 20 and Hwy 37 and I like Hwy 20 better. There is also a Flying J at Flag city.
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
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mamestra
Campbell River, B.C. Canada
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Joined: 04/22/2004
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Thanks Othertonka
It's difficult to make decisions when all you have is what you can read, it's really nice to have the opinion of someone who has actually driven the road. I think that I will take Hwy 20 as I orginally planned.
Michael
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Campnfuls
Hilt, CA
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Joined: 10/18/2007
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Mamestra,
Good choice. You won't be sorry. I disagree with the hwy description and review in that book and you will too once you have driven it. Enjoy your travels and stay safe.
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ReallyBigMax
Lodi, CA
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Joined: 12/10/2004
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Just want to add another reassurance that your choice to use Hiway 20 is a good one. This is a friendly route, I can assure you from personal experience. Travel safe, and wave when you are in Lodi.
Alpenlite 29RK,
Chevy 2500HD 4x4 DuraMax 'n Allison  ,
Taylor Wings Tank 'n Toolbox, Line-X Liner,
Valley 16K Dual Pivot Underbed Hitch,
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mamestra
Campbell River, B.C. Canada
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Thanks all
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ratherBcampin
The nice one from Nice, Ca 95464
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Hwy 20 is a piece of cake!
Proud supporter of
Operation Tango Mike
If you can't stand behind our troops.....Then stand in FRONT of them!
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Dshultz50
Oregon
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Joined: 06/23/2006
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We just came over 20 from I5 to 101 2 days ago. It IS curvy, but no more so than some other roads. The winds would come up from the gullys and slam the MH....it was scary for me....because I was looking at the canyon on the other side!!!! BUT, that said -- it's the ONLY one we'd take this time of year. BTW - we stayed in Willits night before last and drove up to Brookings......we ran into snow and landslides. One landslide caused us to wait 1/2 hour for them to clear it up....so BEWARE!
Dee & Bob
1990 Fleetwood Fifth Wheel
2 cats - Donner and Dasher
kids are grown and on their own
12 grandkids
life is good!!!!
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