Request tips on flying from Arkansas to Oakland, CA in December

On 5 Dec 2004 16:26:22 -0800, Bert G. wrote:
I hope to fly from Arkansas to Oakland, CA later this month in my
Cessna 172RG. I have never flown in CA or the west before. Can
anyone offer advice on the appropriate route and stops? I understand
there is a good southern route into CA.


That portion of my route when I flew back from North Carolina was:

Little Rock, AR
Oaklahoma City, OK
Amarillo, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Winslow, AZ
Lake Havasu, AZ
Chino, CA
San Jose, CA

The Lake Havasu to Chino leg avoids all of the restricted areas
in southern Nevada and California.

Happy landings,
Ross

"Ross Oliver" wrote in message
...
On 5 Dec 2004 16:26:22 -0800, Bert G. wrote:
I hope to fly from Arkansas to Oakland, CA later this month in my
Cessna 172RG. I have never flown in CA or the west before. Can
anyone offer advice on the appropriate route and stops? I understand
there is a good southern route into CA.


That portion of my route when I flew back from North Carolina was:

Little Rock, AR
Oaklahoma City, OK
Amarillo, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Winslow, AZ
Lake Havasu, AZ
Chino, CA
San Jose, CA

The Lake Havasu to Chino leg avoids all of the restricted areas
in southern Nevada and California.

I think I'd save some time and gas and go from Winslow to:

Needles(KEED)
HEC(tor) VOR (waypoint)
Fox Field(KWJF) (waypoint)
Bakersfield(KBFL) (waypoint or fuel)

....and then up the San Joaquin Valley. That route takes me through a big
wide corridor between the restricted areas. And by the way, it avoids some
really heavy traffic around Ontario, Burbank, and John Wayne class Cs, Los
Angeles class B and another 15 or 18 busy, busy airports.