Whenever I'm making the trek north or south, the John Chuck Erreca Rest Area is a good place for a pitstop whether it's for a quick break to the bathroom or a short, three hour nap.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/john-chuck-erreca-rest-area-no-title?select=yQKQ8Y151aNA4zcpnboerA#yzAonRRhND5gtVWAYcg7LA
Why 5 Stars for a rest area?... 'Because our tax dollars pay for it AND it would be nuts to think of all the gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores with the plethora of travelers stopping going in/out to use the restrooms or camping out to catch up on some rest. Value, priceless.
My thoughts on this are as follows:
1. Places like this are a privilege, NOT a right.
2. The state/government doesn't have to provide a roadside rest area, public park, beach, or a "place with a great view." (i.e. - Vista point)
3. I'm thankful and appreciative for these amenities.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/john-chuck-erreca-rest-area-no-title?select=yQKQ8Y151aNA4zcpnboerA#p_NYwikzCJv_l3LUhQotLA
I've made this trip so many times that without rest areas, the drives would be much more grueling... 'And if you're traveling with your four-legged companion(s) like I do with HAPA Boy, my bully-pit, even more so.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/john-chuck-erreca-rest-area-no-title?select=yQKQ8Y151aNA4zcpnboerA#8dbc8PmJKiuYCjaLla1DpA
The John Chuck Erreca Rest Area is relatively clean, well maintained, with lots of ample parking. However, the vending machines/selections are a bit sparse... They offer cold water, soda, coffee, snacks and even ice cream. It's not the greatest selection BUT will do in a pinch. After all, who comes to a rest area for an egg salad sandwich or pastrami on rye? (This is real life, NOT "Futurama..." 'Unfortunately.)
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/john-chuck-erreca-rest-area-no-title?select=yQKQ8Y151aNA4zcpnboerA#HdkxM05Nhp7_i1CwE37eqA
Also, the John Chuck Erreca Rest Area has public telephones. At first, I thought, "Why bother, just about everyone has a cell phone?... 'Even 10 year olds have 'em!" However, if your cellphone was out of juice w/no power source, lost or broken, a public payphone would come in very handy. It wouldn't be too fun to be stranded out here in the middle of the 5 FWY without any means to call someone.
There are a few covered picnic tables which can be very helpful in the 100F, summer heat... 'And it does get HOT out here, very, very HOT.
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/john-chuck-erreca-rest-area-no-title?select=yQKQ8Y151aNA4zcpnboerA#ym0xr45yRuXlIYw1Ao3Isg
'And on that note, dog owners, be mindful of the blazing hot asphalt when you're out & about with your pets. (Dog pads can get third degree burns and in severe instances, even melt off.)
One happy, "HAPA" - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/john-chuck-erreca-rest-area-no-title?select=ZnOu7WWWV0dSaaW-Tprp9A#ZnOu7WWWV0dSaaW-Tprp9A
I'm very thankful for the number of rest areas as well as the posted signs along the 5 FWY. (Rest Area 15 miles)
Having rest areas available to everyone provides a safe, convenient place for weary travelers to take a break. Based on that factor alone, solid 5 Stars.
We'll see you on the next road trip!
- Big Aloha!
Food (Vending machines): 3
Ambiance: 3
Service: 5
Value: 5 (Priceless)