Wow, four hours of total commuting time! Gotta love that California living! But honestly, the sheer beauty of your state makes up for the inconveniences. My husband and I took a one-week 25th anniversary trip in 2001 in a Mustang convertible, from San Jose to the Hearst Castle, then all the way up the coast to the end of the Avenue of the Giants, then back to San Jose via Napa Valley. Absolutely gorgeous!

Sounds like you've put together a great route. I agree about keeping the lights with you. I have a rack and a trunk bag and I keep all my stuff in there -- lights, extra batteries, repair/tool kit, pump, first aid kit, rain clothes, etc. I've always been an over-packer but on the one day I decide to travel light, that's when I don't have something that I need.

By the way, I have shoulder-length hair that is plastered to my head by the time I get to work and no shower. I just wipe it down with a wet washcloth and I now have a compact hair dryer at work, though I haven't used it yet. But it dries as if I just washed it.

Have fun on your commute and thanks for the report!