SoCal to Central Cali run first time

Truck traffic is BIG over the grapevine. CHP has an office past the rest areas on top. So, lots of black and whites on the road. Plus the scales on the S.B. side before you ascend. If time permits and you are going both ways between S.Ca and N.Ca, take the 5 one way and the 99 coming back, so you know which one you like better. I remember when they built the 5 between Bakersfield and Tracy and it opened all at the same time on the same day (around 1972) there were no gas stations, there was nothing at any off ramps. People running out of gas. AAA was having a fit answering calls. Every so often there will be a dust storm and I'm talking a blackout. Have fun !