Day 6, May 8, 2009

This was my first time in Los Angeles, and cause for celebration. What better place to celebrate than ____________. Well, where do you think I went?






Disneyland has been on my list of places to visit for a long, long time and I can't believe I finally went.






I speant the entire day there and even stayed late for the West Coast version of Wishes which was incredible.

I tried to ride everything at least twice, and I was having a blast comparing Disneyland to Disney World. Some differences were subtle, some where very noticable. For example:





Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland has two drops and added scenes. Also, It's A Small World in DL added Disney characters into the different scenes, plus the boats are loaded outside on the open air (aaah, sunny California).






The Haunted Mansion is different, there are many rides in Disneyland you can't find at Disney World: Pinocchio, Alice In Wonderland, oh, and an old favorite of mine that used to be in DW, Mr. Toads Wild Ride!






It was such a great day!






... But all good things must come to an end. It was another long day as I tried to fit as much stuff into two days as I could. I was worn out when I got to where I was staying. I crashed pretty early because who knew what tomorrow would bring.

-- Post From My iPhone

Day 5, May 7th, 2009

I was a little screwed up on the time this morning. My iPhone automatically syncs for the time zone, and had already done so. Arizona btw spends part of the year in Mountain and the other part in Pacific time zones. Since I had no signal, I guess my iphone reverted back to Mountain Time. Therefore, I was waiting for the shower facility, which opens at 6:00, at 5:05a. I didn't realize this until I did the math off my watch at 5:30. So I cruised over to Mather Point and watched the sun rise.









I'm so glad I was screwed up on the time. It was spectacular.








See that ledge? I walked out to it. There are all sorts of small rough trails where you can drop down and walk along the rim. What? Don't believe me?








I walked to the first break in the rock and that was as far as I could go. Didn't want to have my phone in my hand as I looked over the edge. I want to go back and spend more time there and really explore the "off the path" paths like this one:








After an 8 minute shower that cost me $2 dollars, I was off to Vegas via the Hoover Damn. I hit 2000 miles at this road sign in Arizona.








Remember how I was saying that Arizona didn't have the view that New Mexico did? It more than made up for it as I approached the Lake Mead area.









Once again, please excuse the buggies on my windshield... I've washed it 3 times.








This is on 93 in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There's a lot of road construction where they are putting the new bridge in over the damn, but that's ok. I was able to drive slow, take pictures, and piss off the people in the car behind me.









I didn't have time to take the Damn tour, but I did take some Damn pictures, and Damn video which is coming later.








Here's a pic of the new bridge being built (It's not finished yet, Scott)






And here's the other side of the damn.






I don't think the parking lot lady thought it was all that funny when I asked her how damn far it was to Vegas, but she politely said, "30 minutes." It didn't seem like 30 minutes at all though. And the view of Lake Mead as you drove up 93 was spectacular. Of course it was behind me, but I pulled off to take some pics.





Then it was on to Vegas.






This was my first time in Vegas. I'm going to go back when I have more time (and money).




After a quick meeting in Las Vegas, I jumped on the 15 for LA. After a short four hour (give or take) drive, I arrived in LA. "I'm in LA trick..." Actually, the songs I heard the most were "Boom Boom Pow" by the Black Eyed Peas, followed by Jamie Fox and T-Pain "Blame It On The Aah-Aah-Aah-Aah-Alcohol" This is based on the stations I listened to across the country.

It was surreal to drive into LA, and it wasnt all that scary to drive there. I thought it might be. I got in late and went straight to bed. It had been a long day.

-- Post From My iPhone

Day 4, May 6, 2009 Part 2

I have to say that the first part of Arizona was not up to par with New Mexico as far as the view, but it makes up for it on Day 5... I'm getting ahead of myself though. There are some really nice stops in AZ. I passed up the Petrified Forest, but couldn't resist pulling off here:





Meteor Crater rocks! It's hard to believe that a 150 foot space turd blew a hole in the earth big enough for 20 football games to be played simultaneously (I learned that during the 10 minute movie). Of course they didn't call it a "turd," it had a more scientific name... I fell asleep during that part.




You probably can't see the mountain in the distance well, but those are the San Francisco Peaks. It was hazy that day and they snuck on me in the truck, but I watched them for miles and even got a closer look when I turned onto 89 at Flagstaff and took the long way to the Grand Canyon.




A closer look at The San Francisco Peaks. I was very impressed... Until I saw this for the first time.




The Grand Canyon was mind blowing. I was short of breath and it wasn't just the elevation... Ok, I'm a little out of shape. How the sun would hit the rock from the different points where I stopped was wild.




You could even go to the same area at different times and get two different pictures of the same shot.




I camped at Mather Campground on the South Rim. I has no hook ups (no water or electrical) and no signal. So it was an early bedtime for me at my little campsite.




Oh wait, I did ride around and explore for the two hours of sunlight that I had left. I went back out to the Yavapai Observation Station and Mather Point. I found where they keep the mules for the tours.




I even saw some wild deer that probably look like lawn ornaments in this picture.






I found my way to the Market Place and then made my way back to my tent. I think I fell asleep about 8:00, and then woke up at 10:45p freeeeeeezing! I was shivering. The air had gotten so damn cold. I put my shoes on, ran to the truck to get my jacket and long underwear. I slept in both under my heavy sleeping bag.


-- Post From My iPhone

Day 4, May 6, 2009

I had no idea it got so chilly in Albuquerque over nights... Oh and thanks for NOT telling me Dave Matthews was in town last. Who's in charge of checking each city's events for me, huh? Huh? Oh wait, I'm supposed to check. I wouldn't have made it through the concert anyway. I was exhausted from the long drive from Dallas.

I woke early to catch the sunrise over the "$40 off each tire" billboard.



Then I whipped up some bacon and egg beaters on the Coleman Max (I love this grill).



After breakfast, it only took me a few minutes to get my camp packed up. I took a quick shower, then I was back on I-40 West towards Flagstaff, AZ where I would make the turn north to the Grand Canyon.

Just outside of Albuquerque I found where I should have stayed last night!








... But had I stayed at the Route 66 Hotel and Casino (knowing my luck and lack of gambling knowledge) I probably would have lost all of my gas money and been stuck in the city with the highest elevation in the country (according to Joel... Thanks Joel!).

I really love seeing all there is to see along Route 66 as it weaves and parallels I-40.




This is the Rio Peurco bridge built in 1933.

The further west I drove, the more beautiful New Mexico became. The landscape was amazing!








You'll have to excuse the bugs on my windshield, but I couldn't pass some of the pics up.



As I drove and watched the billboards, I was able to resist the temptation of several of the wacky tacky stores... Until I got to the Continental Divide.








I really wanted to get Keely and Emma some moccasins. Shhhhhhh. It's a surprise. Of course once you go into one wacky tacky joint, ya have to hit 'em all... At least the ones with the most billboards. So I had no choice but to hit this one below when I crossed the border into Arizona.








Can you see all the fake animals on the rock shelf above the horses? This little gem is at the New Mexico/Arizona line. There's also a rest area there with some great rock formations.




I wonder if this could have been where the Disney Imagineers came up with the look of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

Having some technical issues. Will be starting a new entry in a while.

Post From My iPhone

Day 3, May 5, 2009

Happy Cinco de Mayo btw! Wow! What a day it was today! This was supposed to be the longest stretch of the trip, but as you will recall, I kept driving Sunday when I got to Vicksburg and went on to Dallas. That took 12 hours give or take so that would be the longest. Today seemed to drag though for the first part.

After a nice breakfast with Kenny The Pirate... Thanks btw Kenny. I enjoyed it!... I hit the confusing interstates of Dallas and headed north west toward Amarillo. I had a difficult time leaving Texas:




... But I eventually found my way, even with a lack of 3G, Edge...uh, anything really... I even found a store with cute Texas stuff.




All the small farm towns looked the same along 287. I can't remember which town I saw the first one, but somewhere along the way, the billboards start for The Big Texan! "Home of the 72oz. Steak Dinner!" Free if you can finish in one hour.




This place was tacky cool! I loved it!... And I just had a light salad, just a small side chef's salad...That's all... Uh huh...




The huge rocking chair would have been funny had I been sitting in it. Maybe I can get a good pic on the way back.

When I pulled up to the Big Texan, I stumbled across something very cool. Being a fan of "The Canonball Run," I was floored to discover that I had just pulled up to a check point for the Gum Ball 3000.



You can read the details on the poster, but it's a coast to coast run from LA to Miami in 8 days in some wild rides.






I heard some people talking in the parking lot and, "over 200 mph" may or may not have been mentioned... I'm just sayin'

This stop really rejuvinated me for the four or so hours from Amarillo to Albuquerque. And what beautiful country it was! I was amazed and caught off guard when the landscape changed.





The transition from the Texas pan handle to New Mexico was outstanding.





I'm as excited as a kid at Christmas because I'm seeing this all for the first time. The further I go, the more amazed I am of the beauty of our country. Sure I've seen pictures and movies, but the real thing is breath taking.

I arrived in Albuquerque, NM around 6:00p Mountain Time. Guess which way I turned off the exit? C'mon, guess? It only took a few minutes to set up my campsite even though I was having a fight with the strong desert winds.






I even have a small shelter with an outlet and light if I need it. It's where I put my camp stove. I just made a rockin' Bubba Burger.






I can't wait to see the sun come up over the mountain in the morning. The view here is great. KOA! Gotta love it!



So that was my day today! I wonder what tomorrow will bring? I'll be up early to cook breakfast while the sun comes up, and then it's on to the Grand Canyon.

Post From My iPhone