RoadTrip America

Routes, Planning, & Inspiration for Your North American Road Trip

The Phoenix One Journals      Stories from the dawn of RoadTrip America

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Daily Log 12.13.96 - Milepost 78,279
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Nine huge floats have already arrived at the Rose Bowl, where they are waiting inside Brookside Pavilion, a 300-foot-long tent for final decoration with hundreds of varieties of fresh flowers. From our vantage point, we'll be able to watch the entire amazing process that will result in the Rose Parade on New Year's Day.

Daily Log 12.14.96 - Milepost 78,312
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
At Brookside Pavilion, designers and volunteers are already hard at work decorating floats for the parade. Every inch of surface must be covered with natural organic material -- no dye allowed. Today they're beginning to apply seeds and dried flowers.

Daily Log 12.15.96 - Milepost 78,312
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Fifty children from local elementary schools came to visit a float honoring Jackie Robinson, and designers continued to work on the nine floats currently in residence at the Rose Bowl. Tonight at midnight, Thailand's 110-foot float will arrive.

Daily Log 12.16.96 - Milepost 78,360
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Thailand's spectacular 110-foot float arrived at the Rose Bowl in the early hours this morning after a slow but smooth fifteen-mile journey from its float barn in Duarte. It was accompanied by three motorcycle policemen and five other escort vehicles. We headed to Paul's Auto Service in Pasadena early this morning where the Phoenix received some much-needed maintenance, and now we're back at the Rose Bowl.

Daily Log 12.17.96 - Milepost 78,360
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Work continued today at the Rose Bowl's Brookside Pavilion. The weather couldn't be better: sunny and seventy. This must be why people decide to move to California!

Daily Log 12.18.96 - Milepost 78,360
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Today we attended the dedication of Thailand's Rose Parade float, which is a floral replica of the Subanahongsa Royal Barge. Six Buddhist monks performed a ceremony of blessing, which was followed by singing, dancing, and a wonderful feast.

Daily Log 12.19.96 - Milepost 78,360
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
In the shadow of L.A.'s tallest skyscrapers stands one of the city's most beloved landmarks, the Original Pantry restaurant. We were treated to a memorable breakfast there this morning by Ray and Judy La Madeleine. Perfect weather continues to shine down upon Pasadena, and the level of activity is picking up-- more floats will arrive today!

--Mark, Megan & Marvin
12/96

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