I set off from Chicago on 27th October, almost a month ago, to travel across America on what is left of old Route 66. After dropping Evan off at LAX airport this morning (he is flying back home for Thanksgiving, which is this coming Thursday), I headed towards Santa Monica Beach, and the end of the cross-country journey.
I bought myself a coffee and sat at the beach thinking over the whole trip from the past month. I think before I started, in my mind the trip was about finding as much of the original road, and actually driving upon it. But on reflection, I think it became much more about the people I have met on my journey, and the experiences that has offered me along the way.
I have met some wonderful people who have been incredibly kind and hospitable to someone who was initially to them just a random internet stranger. To everyone that I have met on the route, thank you so much, it has been a fantastic journey.
I have also seen some incredible places on the way. A couple of places that particularly stand out are the Arch at St Louis, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and the Devil’s Tower.
So I ended up in somewhat murky weather at Santa Monica beach, and wandered along towards the pier, happily watching all the people cycling, skating, playing volleyball, or heading for the surf. I felt pretty happy to have arrived, and am pleased that it doesn’t really feel like the end of anything, as my travels now continue up the west coast towards winter in Canada. I am thoroughly enjoying this whole adventure, and am not ready for it to end just yet!
Afterwards, I headed down to Venice Beach, which had a great hippy-type street market, selling all sorts of arty stuff, and beads and trinkets. After a drive down to El Segundo (I just liked the name!) I headed north up Route 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, through Malibu, and up through the mountains back to Evan’s house. What a beautiful drive, as the sun had burnt through the gloomy mist by early afternoon.
I am now living in the RV on Evan’s driveway, and one of his housemates, Wade, asked if I fancied going ten-pin bowling. We went to the local bowling lanes, and I topped off a great day in LA by bowling a 170, my personal record score!
Well if you ever plan to motor west
Just take my way that’s the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66Well it winds from Chicago to L.A.
More than 2000 miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66Well it goes from St. Louis down to Missouri
Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty
You’ll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona don’t forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San BernadinoWould you get hip to this kindly tip
And go take that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66Well goes from St. Louis down to Missouri
Oklahoma city looks oh so pretty
You’ll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona don’t forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San BernadinoWould you get hip to this kindly tip
And go take that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66