Meet Metallica – the newest vessel in our fleet. She is built by James’ dear friend EJ of Johnson Custom Van Solutions.
She has everything we need for our land adventures – two refrigerators, induction stove top, sink, shower hose with warm water, two pull-out beds, swivel front seats, two round tables, solar panels. The woodwork is gorgeous, custom built by the talented EJ.
My favorite feature is the top rack, our deck for evening sunsets and sleeping outdoors in warmer weather. She’s a beauty!
We picked her up last Wednesday from EJ’s compound in Jamul, just east of San Diego, then the next day headed north to Dana Point. The weather was so spectacular – low 70s with a light breeze. Perfect for riding our bikes along the beach trails along the glorious San Clemente coast. James grew up in San Clemente, so we got to pedal around and explore his childhood stomping grounds.
Our next stop was Cachuma Lake, about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara. We took a short ride on a single track that hugged the shoreline offering spectacular views of the lake.
Next we headed up the coast along Highway 1 and stopped in Avila Beach for the night. We parked along the road near the Pier with the doors open so we could hear the music of the coastline – foghorns on buoys, elephant seals, sea birds and small waves lapping on the shore. It was a lovely night.
The next day we continued north along the coast stopping in the charming coastal town of Cambria for an AMAZING breakfast at Soto’s True Earth Market and Kitchen. You MUST stop there if you travel through Cambria. I had the breakfast bagel with grilled onions and peppers added, and James had the potato breakfast burrito with eggs added. Yum!
We stopped just north of Big Sur for a mountain bike ride along Coast Road near Andrew Molera State Park with sweeping vistas of the coastline and a gorgeous stretch in the redwoods along the Little Sur river. Lots of climbing – about 1600 feet – but the beauty made the hill climbs well worth it.
Our final stop was in Carmel where we let the dogs romp on the beach and watched the Monday Night Football game.
Our maiden voyage was so glorious that I didn’t want it to end! I can’t wait for our next trip north to visit Mariah and Drew in Portland next week – we’ll arrive a few days before Thanksgiving.
Cocktail Kate 
Nice!!!
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Sweet ride.🙂
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Wow Kate it looks great! Sounds like you’re doing well, awesome. We’re great too, in NZ now.
Did Mariah move up to Portland? Xx Esther
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Yes mariah is there for a month and they are deciding where they want to live. they love it up there so far. her boss is there and she can work remotely so it works out well. they are very happy. She a d Drew brought Callie up with them.
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I love it! And I love the green ladders / deck! So happy for your joy!
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That is so cool!!!!! Love Metallica!
From: Cocktail Kate Reply-To: Cocktail Kate Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 2:36 PM To: Wendi Burkhardt Subject: [New post] The Land Yacht
Kate Purmal posted: ” Meet Metallica – the newest vessel in our fleet. She is built by James’ dear friend EJ of Johnson Custom Van Solutions. She has everything we need for our land adventures – two refrigerators, induction stove top, sink, shower hose with warm w”
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Awesome!!! We have 2 friends who have similar vans. They love them! They also bought electric bikes and say they’re a must! They are both sailors too! Hit Jalama next time you head back down to SC! Awesome surfing and great beach combing! Looking forward to seeing where you guys go! Enjoy!
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Oh wow – we almost hit Jalama this time but didn’t know if we could get a camp spot as it was a holiday weekend. Next time for sure!!
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This reminds me of the trips Cindy and I took in my ’71 Westie. Good Times! I owned that van for 34 years and drove it well over 400,000 miles, lots of memories. I hope you two get as much joy out of “Metalica” We didn’t have a “sun deck” but we did have a “pop top”. We even had an “ice box” very civilized at the time.
Thanks for the update. I’m so happy that you are so happy.
Love;
Tim
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I remember your ’71 Westie well! In fact when we see them on the road I always say to James Hey, My uncle Tim had one of those. Good times indeed. xoxo
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