>>> Katherine Lee <katherine@DNAMEDIA.COM> 12/05 4:55 PM >>>
  For instance, I am told that there is no real coastal driving in CA, and that one should head inland to the desert.  Would anyone risk going into a place like Yosemite at this time of year (I have a 2WD)? 
>>

Katherine,

It's risky to try to go to Yosemite in Dec with anything other than a SUV!

As for coast, if you get this far down california, I recommend you take the costal route from San Francisco to Carmel on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Hyw)  If you want to go down further south, stay on Hwy 1 all the way to the San Simeon to visit the Hearst Castle.  It is one of the most scenic coastal highway in the world.  But you or any living thing you bring with you in the vanagon better not be prone to car-sickness and not be afraid of height.  You will be driving on a 2-lane windy twisting road with shear cliff on one side.. but the view of the ocean, the smell of the breeze and the whole experience is wonderful..

The other drive I recommend is the Napa Valley.. Hwy 29 up Napa to Calistoga and to Middletown.  Take turns driving and take turns sampling the fine wine of California. (A few vineyards are beginning to charge for tasting.. to just stop by the ones that are still free!)

btw if you see a cream color 87 GL with van-eye len in the rear window,  a Cal Bears Alumni license plate frame and a beautiful blond driving with 2 screaming kids .. honk..

Have a good trip.. and if you run into any problems in this area, please don't hesitate to call.. I'll be there with my Bentley in one hand and phosphate-free blue coolant in the other!! 

Yau-Man Chan
87 GL