Well we are back from our trip and it was a great success.
The downhill at first is a bit daunting, especially as this was really our first attempt at anything remotely resembling an off road "experience." We navigated some nice ruts and bumps and made it down perfectly. The views once you get to the next, flatter part of the trail were amazing. The entire valley to your right and the pacific ocean with views of all the northern Channel Islands to your left. We were more than pleased.
Then we found a puddle. As this was my first time even really using 4WD (The trail was doable in 2WD but was also dry), I was hesitant to charge into a puddle so I got out and promptly slid in myself trying to measure the depth. I convinced myself all was well and it would all be great and backed up for a run, just in time to hear whooping and hollering behind me. I got out of the way and a lifted Tundra with three people in the bed came flying down the hill and hit the mud much faster than I would have. Right behind that more than capable truck came a stock dodge something SUV and they succeeded so I went for it. Totally worth it! Lots of mud and the X EASILY made it through the puddle. I took advice from the Tundra and Dodge and reading here and hit it with some speed.
The rest of the trail was basically navigating ruts and we ended up finishing the trail just as the sun started to go down, offering stunning views of the ridge and the sunset. Thank you again retrograde, next time we are up there I want to try the other direction. As a side note, this trail may be considered "easy" by some, and in fact our friend in her 4WD Rav4 also made it, but she did end up with a nice dent in her exhaust. The X made it just fine stock.
Our next adventure was Pismo beach. Although not challenging at all, it was fun to cruise the beach and check out the ridiculous rigs that people brought. I could not believe the size of the campers and trucks, and that more did not get stuck. We did laugh as we watched a Versa plunge down the hill and strait into the softest sand they could find, promptly sinking.
Our third and final road was the Old Coast Highway that ducks off Highway 1 in Big Sur, heads up and over farmland hills and down through redwood valleys. Simply amazing views and vistas. A great detour, much wider and easier than the Camino Cielo.
So anyway, some pictures from our adventure and thank you all for your advice. We look forward to more trips soon!
