Laguna Seca - Monterey, CA - Nov 2006

We wanted to visit Monterey and with so much to see and do there, we knew we'd need to stay in the area at least two weeks so I started researching RV parks in the area only to discover that they were very expensive. With all my research, I've discovered that county and city parks (if available) will usually offer less expensive alternatives and sometimes they are pretty nice accommodations as well. That was how I discovered Laguna Seca County Park. Owned and operated by Monterey County, it was a reasonably priced alternative to the private and state campgrounds in the area and since it was located only 10 miles from Monterey, it was also a convenient spot to plant while we explored the area. The park encompassed and overlooked the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway -- a 2.5 mile track used for many professional car races. During our stay there were no races, but we did get to watch as students in the Skip Barber Driving School learned the ropes.

When we arrived at the campground, we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was a pretty decent place. It was perched atop a hill, had water & electric sites, nice bathrooms and a dump station nearby. The campground was terraced and several of the sites had absolutely fabulous views of the surrounding canyon country. Since the campground was nearly empty, we had our pick of the good sites and got one with a nice patio overlooking the hills and valleys to the east (towards Salinas) as well as a peek-a-boo look through the trees at the back of our site out to the west towards Monterey.

Many mornings we awoke to clear skies up at the top of our lofty perch, but we could see a layer of fog rolling through the valley below us. Each morning was different and each one was breathtaking in it's own way. Sunrises were almost as spectacular as sunsets and it was a treat to enjoy both from such a great vantage point.

Most days, the fog would blow on by and never reach us up at the top of the hill, but some days the fog would rise up to the top of the hill and shroud us in a misty haze. It would usually only last a few minutes and then it would blow away as quickly as it arrived. One morning I was able to grab the camera and catch this golden-hazed shot of the campsite next to us.

Just an example of a lovely sunrise from the campground. The ground fog was blanketing the lower hilltops and making it look like snow.