Best River Town Near Merced: Waterford, Livingston, Oakdale?, Snelling?

[BeauCharles]

Originally Posted by Fiddlehead

So, I take it you are firmly recommending Merced (or Turlock). I did notice I liked Turlock a bit better in terms of appearance, but North Merced has a new Middle School (Cruickshank) and High School (El Capitan) that look pretty modern.

Any recollection of the fog pockets for commutes in that area? Would Turlock to Merced be doable?

I've seen times when the fog was so thick you literally couldn't see a car length in front of you. Very dangerous and slow. That said, the last twenty years the tule fog hasn't been that bad in the valley (if you're from Porterville you probably are familiar with it). As far as Turlock to Merced for a commute - hell no. Just not that much difference for forty miles of miserable driving. TBH, the only place I would commute from would be Mariposa (and about half that county does just that). At least once you head up the grade from Cathey's Valley you're out of the fog. When I graduated Mariposa High School I commuted by car from Midpines (seven miles from Mariposa) to Merced College for two years. It wasn't too bad of an experience. Just racked up a lot of miles on the car is all.

[Fiddlehead]

Originally Posted by BeauCharles

I've seen times when the fog was so thick you literally couldn't see a car length in front of you. Very dangerous and slow. That said, the last twenty years the tule fog hasn't been that bad in the valley (if you're from Porterville you probably are familiar with it). As far as Turlock to Merced for a commute - hell no. Just not that much difference for forty miles of miserable driving. TBH, the only place I would commute from would be Mariposa (and about half that county does just that). At least once you head up the grade from Cathey's Valley you're out of the fog. When I graduated Mariposa High School I commuted by car from Midpines (seven miles from Mariposa) to Merced College for two years. It wasn't too bad of an experience. Just racked up a lot of miles on the car is all.

Ok ,thanks.

I remember in Porterville, it was so foggy one night, I had by friend open the right hand door and look for the white borderline. Drove home at 10 mph. I also was a substitute teacher, so would drive out into the valley on many sketchy days. Yeah, I had forgotten about all that fun. We had the same pattern in Porterville area, the foothills would be out of the fog in most cases by the time you hit 1,000 or so.

I have never lived or even traveled much through the N. Valley, except blazing north or south on 99 to visit family. Seems like the north SJ Valley has more trees, so I was looking to see if there were some sweet spots along those rivers.

[Fiddlehead]

Originally Posted by Hawk J

One of our favorites for fishing & camping is Lake Camanche south shore.


Lake Camanche Recreation

We spent quite a few happy vacations there. We had most of our good luck taking the boat up the channel to the shallows. There are some bigg'uns in there....

Hawk J, you were the fishing machine! Like my Dad. I am loving learning about all the great fishing spots in that area. Woot!

[eccotecc]

Originally Posted by Fiddlehead

So, I take it you are firmly recommending Merced (or Turlock). I did notice I liked Turlock a bit better in terms of appearance, but North Merced has a new Middle School (Cruickshank) and High School (El Capitan) that look pretty modern.

Any recollection of the fog pockets for commutes in that area? Would Turlock to Merced be doable?

It would be horrible. You'd have to drive on the worst part of 99. Merced really isn't all that bad.