John,
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...dium/Day_1.jpg
That's a very funny image -- the still-wrapped coffee cups!
Mark
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John,
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...dium/Day_1.jpg
That's a very funny image -- the still-wrapped coffee cups!
Mark
We were dying for a coffee after booking into the motel.I started making it and realised I had left the cups in the bags.
It didnt taste too bad as I wasnt going to tip it out. I think I ended up with both.
John
Day 2 - Saturday 11th May 2013 - Los Angeles to Newberry Springs. 243 Miles
It was excitement all round for our first day on the road. A good breakfast and a taxi over to escapercampers on West Century Boulevarde to pick up or home for the next 50 odd days.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...ium/camper.jpg
We chose a more modern and new camper than the Chevvy Astro we had last time. This time it was a 2010 Dodge Caravan that had just been painted and fitted out.
So we had the honor of the maiden voyage. It looked a bit small for my long body to stretch out in, but was soon to realise it was fine.Just had to get used to getting dressed laying down.
Afte the mandatory paperwork and guided tour of the camper we were handed the keys and ready to roll after we packed in all our luggage.
We were told the fuel was nearly empty so we could return it with the same amount of fuel. Thats fine we said as we headed off out the gate.
Our plan was to start the trip at Santa Monica Pier where Route 66 ends then lunch at Bubba Gumps before taking a few photos and hitting the Mother Road.
The fuel light came on within minutes of leaving the yard but we managed to find a gas station after lunch at Santa Monica.
Fifty dollars in the little camper over there I said to the attendant. He smiled and took my money and I walked out to the van. No gas coming out.
Went back in and he looked and said. I thought you meant that car, where a woman was pumping my gas at a different pump.
After a few minutes of shuffling money with the woman and the attendant we were on our way. But not the last time to experience fuel mishaps.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...ium/bubbas.jpg
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...antamonica.jpg
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...um/traffic.jpg
After a beautiful pre trip seafood lunch, a van full of fuel we hit the road.
Armed with our GPS, Route 66 book and a Road atlas and of course my co pilot. The Saturday afternoon traffic was heavy as usual but we still managed to find parts of 66.
We found out later that is was much easier finding the Road when heading from Chicago to LA.
After a few hours I decided to top the van up of fuel. Prepaid for the fuel and halfway through pumping everything shuts down. Power outage. Back inside and after a while I get my money back, only to be confronted by an unhappy guy who had parked in behind me with a great boat on and couldnt get around me. I was wondering why he didnt back out. Surely he has to reverse to launch the boat.
He kept yelling I gotta go, I gotta go.I felt like telling him where to go but just moved out of the way. I think the Californians need to chill out a bit.Very highly strung,well some of them anyway.
We followed 66 as far as Barstow before losing our direction but found our way again and on to Newberry Springs where after buying dinner and fuel we were allowed to camp around the back with the trucks. It ended up being a long day and dark by the time we got to bed.
It was a system that seemed to work for us when looking for a free camp.Spend some money first, then ask the question. Plus the fact that they all loved our Australian Acent.
John
Photos and text are great.
Keep 'em coming!
Thanks Mark.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist
I have so much to catch up with at home and work but I will keep on it. Its great doing a field trip report as I get to relive the trip for a few more months.
John
Day 3 -Sunday 12th May 2013 - Newberry Springs, CA - Needles - Oatman - Kingman,AZ - Las Vegas NV - 360 miles
Today was our 34th Wedding Anniversary and also Mothers Day, so I had to behave myself. We were up early and out on Route 66 before we realised we were going the wrong way. A quick U turn fixed that.
We followed as much of 66 as we could to Needles before following 66 to Oatman. I pulled over along the way and enquired about fuel and told we could top up in Oatman. It was getting a bit low so we just plugged along steadly.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo.../medium/66.jpg
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...ium/desert.jpg
A bit of a surprise to find that there hadnt been gas sales in Oatman for many years. Anyway we decided to check ot the town before heading off. An interesting town and lots of character.
Oatman
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...ium/oatman.jpg
Dont Feed Me
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...dium/burro.jpg
We decided to head to Kingman for fuel so it was a much slower trip with the gauge on empty and me feathering the gas pedal. With sweaty palms and horrid thoughts of being out of fuel in the desert on such a special day.What a relief to put that nozzle in the gas tank.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...dium/vegas.jpg
After Kingman it was a nice run into Vegas and book into the Bellagio Hotel for the night. My wifes choice for our anniversary.
We didnt venture far from the window of our room and just sat watching the water fountains below.
Another great day in the USA.
View from our room.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...um/belagio.jpg
A flower show in the foyer of the Belagio. I knew I took my macro lens for a reason.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...ium/tulips.jpg
Hopefully I can get more posted soon.
John
Wonderful report again John and great Pics, I love the one of the Fountains, great capture !
Most travelling sales reps will tell you the secret in getting another 100 miles out of a tank [when you think you are about to run out] is just to bite your bottom lip a lot and tense your buttocks ! They swear they do this a lot and have never not got there. ;-0Quote:
With sweaty palms and horrid thoughts of being out of fuel in the desert on such special days. What a relief to put that nozzle in the gas tank.
It must have worked for me this time.I was so relieved to get to the gas station. From then on it was regular stops at half a tank. But I still managed to have a couple of other close calls further on down.Quote:
Originally Posted by Southwest Dave
Thanks Southwest Dave.fountains were beautiful. I spent ages taking photos. Got some great ones still to edit. Just grabbing random photos for the report. Hopefully get some up on my website one day.
The best thing about the photography is that my wife got the bug and got hold of my spare SLR and used it for the trip. She captured some great shots as well. Eventually got a good telephoto lens for her in Tulsa.
John
Day 4 - Monday 13th May 2013 - Las Vegas -14 miles
I jumped out of bed at what I thought was early. I set my camera up on the tripod before going to bed so I could capture the sunrise over Las Vegas. My wife had shut the curtains as well.What a shock it was to be hit with the mid morning Nevada sun.
Missed the sunrise by about five hours.That ended that photography session.
With no real plans we just packed our bags and wandered around the motel before taking the short drive over to Old Vegas where we had booked into the Golden Nugget for the night. We were quiet surpised how different it was.But a difference we liked also.
Spent the afternoon wandering around Fremont Street before resting up for the afternoon before venturing out again in the evening.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...fremontday.jpg
What adifference a few hours made and what a wonderful experience as well.They certainly know how to put on a good show.
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/photo...emontnight.jpg
John,
One of these days you will have to return and capture the famous "Vegas Blue." Just before dawn the sky takes on a magical color that locals call "Vegas Blue."
I've been fortunate to see it a few times -- Usually about 90 minutes prior to sunrise....
Yes, morning breaks with severe brightness here. If you're seeking raking light at dawn, you need to be up and up by 4 am in the summer months.
Mark