We weren't completely sorry to say goodbye to Las Vegas, but it was good to be on the road again, although when we did stop for gas or to get a map out the trunk, the heat in the desert was pretty torrid. Thankfully the trip was relatively quick and easy, although we did stop at the California Route 66 Museum at Victorville, which was kind of ok, but not a patch on the Oklahoma version back in Clinton.
Into the Los Angeles area we sensed the end of the journey across country, and the start of our holiday in California. What we failed to realise is that Los Angeles is the size of Wales, and therefore we still had around 100 miles of driving to do before we got to the pier in Santa Monica, the traditional arrival destination for those using Route 66. On we ploughed..... into traffic. Lots of people on the way had warned us about this occuring in LA, but to be honest, the amount of cars on the road was not the problem. After all, we've driven into London in rush hour - now that's traffic!! However, the road behaviour of drivers in this city is, well.... scary. The speed in which people change lanes and directions is quite frightening at times, and there is the occasional sense that despite knowing that you are driving safely, others will simply ram their cars into yours for the hell of it.
Despite this, we carried on past the downtown skyline and toward the coastline we'd been waiting to see for the best part of three weeks. And there it was, coming off Santa Monica Blvd. The pier.... and the Pacific Ocean. Parking the car up in a nearby parking zone, we walked down toward the surf, knowing what we'd achieved, but not really realising how big this challenge had been. We checked into the Cadillac Hotel just along the way in Venice, and headed out for a celebratory meal. "Where?" I hear you ask. Why we did the very British thing of heading to a pub and grill called the Library Alehouse where they serve, among other things, IPA, and english stout. A very British way to celebrate the conquering of America. Adam would have preferred a nice cup of tea, but that still hasn't materialised. Ah well, there's always this trip along the coast of California. My bet is on San Francisco offering the best cuppa!
----------------
Now playing: Led Zeppelin - Going to California
via FoxyTunes
5 comments:
Well done guys, CONGRATULATIONS. A hug and a kiss from me xxx
Well done! I can't believe how much driving you have done! Hope you continue to have such a great time adn thanks for all the updates.
Liz
x
Well done guys. Do not leave LA without driving on Mulholland drive in the middle of the night. Do it really late so there is no traffic and you can tear around it like your James Dean. Look out for deer though. I can also highly recommend the homes of the stars tour that you can get from Graumann's Chinese theatre. If you do ask for Pete as your guide, you'll have a ball. I want to see a photo of the two of you under the Beverly Hills sign too.
Well done you two!
Thought you'd have been used to that sort of driving after all those years of your Dad's Joel!!
Have a really relaxing time now.
Just spare a thought for Barb and I slogging it round Haywards Heath in the dark on Saturday in our babygros!!(Don't ask!)
Much love
Mum
xx
You've made it - hope it feels great. Now for a bit of relaxation (?) and then one of my favourite cities - San Francisco! Get ready for 'waiting in line' for the tram and let someone else do the driving up and down those hills. Have a fab time.
Carol xx
Post a Comment