It seems my new fall tradition is to take a solo road trip and remind myself what it’s like to drive a car! Last fall I explored New Mexico, and this October I found myself winding my way through California’s curviest roads as I traveled Highway 1 from SF to SLO, Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, King’s Canyon Scenic Byway in King’s Canyon National Park and General’s Highway in Sequoia National Park.

I took turns between being terrified of plunging to my death, in awe of my beautiful natural surroundings, and slightly dizzy/queasy.

Here’s how it went down.