you may not even be able to drive 17miles if there is wind storm

It is not uncommon to have big wind storms in Dec in the SF and Bay area.

In 2002 when we tried to take some relatives to Carmel and the 17miles drive - the wind storm had brought down lots of trees and many roads were blocked - the wind was so big that we only ventured out a few miles and decided it was too dangerous to press on, so we turned back.

To sum up, between late Nov thru at least early April, SF and up towards North, it is NOT suitable for driving trip.

Matter of fact, several sections of I-5 have just been damaged by heavy rain, in WA. Just a few days ago.