Figured I'd get this started nice and early-like building off of the thread I started last year...
It is almost that time again for the annual Turf & Surf which is at the Oceano Dunes SVRA (for your gps). For me this year's theme is "Turf & Surf 2017: Returning in the same vehicle I left in". Let's see if we can't muster strong B&T presence!
The event itself is free and hosted by the Central Coast Land Cruisers . Check out there site, they sell shirts and other cool schwag which helps keep the dunes open and fund stuff. Note that shirts/schwag must be purchased by 10/15/2017. Plus this year, if you get a shirt you will be reminded of me and my poor 60! What could be better! Ha! Along with wheeling, anyone can surf, fish, run, swim, dig a hole, ride a fat-tire bike, get a tan or really anything else you want to do at the beach. Here are some tid bits of planning info:
As we get closer maybe we can loosely plan some potluck grub and the likes.
Frank
It is almost that time again for the annual Turf & Surf which is at the Oceano Dunes SVRA (for your gps). For me this year's theme is "Turf & Surf 2017: Returning in the same vehicle I left in". Let's see if we can't muster strong B&T presence!
The event itself is free and hosted by the Central Coast Land Cruisers . Check out there site, they sell shirts and other cool schwag which helps keep the dunes open and fund stuff. Note that shirts/schwag must be purchased by 10/15/2017. Plus this year, if you get a shirt you will be reminded of me and my poor 60! What could be better! Ha! Along with wheeling, anyone can surf, fish, run, swim, dig a hole, ride a fat-tire bike, get a tan or really anything else you want to do at the beach. Here are some tid bits of planning info:
- Typically we have left Friday morning and returned Sunday. Some of plan to leave Thursday the 9th and stay until Monday. Staying until Monday means we can take the inland trails and attend the lunch at the Pozo Saloon. If one departs by 9AM Monday, the odds of traffic are very low where Sunday mid-day traffic through SB and LA is common. One could also depart later Sunday if you are up for it, to each his or her own.
- Without a trailer, the drive is about 5.5 hours. With a trailer it is about 6.5 and if your kids have to stop and pee a lot 7 hrs. It is best to leave by 9AM so you pass through LA and Santa Barbara by about 2PM. Any later and you will get stuck in Santa Barbara traffic which can be awful. Even later and you can add LA traffic for a wondrously long journey to the dunes. If you find yourself leaving later and can get through LA mid day, you can take I5 north and cut over on the 166 into Santa Maria to save a little time.
- Getting onto the beach: Your GPS might take you in on Grand Ave which makes it a straight shot from 101 to the beach. Mine always takes me up to 4th and then doubles back so I usually ignore it and exit on Grand. Or, it might take you south on 1 to Pier Ave. Either will work and in each case go south to pole 6. Grand is easier to find but you spend more time driving 15 MPH on the beach. I prefer the Grand Ave entrance myself.
- The fee to camp is $10/night. The number of rigs on the dunes are limited to 999 entries and last year they sold out. You can (and should) reserve an entry (no fixed sites) at Camping and tour reservation information - CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS You camp on the beach wherever you choose to stop.
- I typically air down as soon as I pass through the ranger shack. You don't have to but a heavily loaded vehicle on stockish tires can have issues once you leave the hard pack.
- Where to camp? Experiences says close to the water but above the high tide line which is identifiable by the ocean debris. Close do the dunes means loud struggling engines. Vehicles by the shore have to travel slowly and the waves drown a lot of that noise out which is nice. It is generally preferred to be just off of the main camp area so you don't have to deal with the party noise but don't have to walk a mile either to join the main festivities. We usually keep the restrooms in sight but take care not to be downwind (stinky!).
- If people are coming in at night, we have our comm channels and cell phones to help guide you in.
- This is probably my kid's favorite trip of the year. It is fun for the whole family.
- Firewood is available on the way to and on the beach, no need to bring it and typically it is better to buy locally anyway. You can also buy water and other things from beach roving vendors.
- Flags are required! I zip tie mine on to my front bumper. They can also be purchased on the beach if you forget yours or just don't have one.
- We are next to the ocean so it can be cold at night. It can sunny and calm, sunny and windy, foggy at times, so read the weather report and plan accordingly.
- Vehicles are usually used as wind breaks and so when setting up that is something to keep in your camping strategy. If we end up with a good turn out we might make a wagon circle which is nice for creating a place for the kids to play.
- The event holds a "Parade of Lights" Saturday night. If you are up for it, bring your power inverters and whatever lights you want to string about your vehicle and feel free to take part!
As we get closer maybe we can loosely plan some potluck grub and the likes.
Frank
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