Route 66 - Chicago to LA

[BriarFlyer]

Is there a rule as to how many times I can apply the winner sticker to one trip report?

 

[VPS]

Is there a rule as to how many times I can apply the winner sticker to one trip report?

No

 

[clipped_wings]

We slept snug and sound as Williams dressed herself in a thin layer of fine snow. Next morning, we suffered, er......enjoyed another hearty breakfast of toxic coffee, powdered eggs and bacon-style, bacon flavoured things, before checking out. We took a huge gasp as we exited the foyer. Brrrrrrrr. My poor arthritic knees said "Are you KIDDING me?" - then promptly ceased to function. Mr Clipped and his brand new robot knees laughed as he danced and pranced down the driveway in front of me. "Laugh it up mate" I thought to myself - "Wait till you get your credit card bill - I intend to SMASH that bad boy in Vegas!"....

The bitter cold made it hard to wander Williams this time around. But we made the best of a bad situation and busied ourselves with some nice photo ops and getting to know the locals.





Buck was a real life cowboy who ran a small gift store with his wife. He spent an hour with us, deep in discussion about cowboy folklore and the origins of some choice swear words. I guess it's not a lie if you believe it. He was too funny to take seriously. His jeans almost had underarm stains on them. And he was a close talker, like the guy in Seinfeld.

Above all, he was very entertaining.



And so to Vegas we went. It was a long drive today (what day has NOT been?) and we spent many hours in heavy traffic.

Interstates and freeways in America are a lot like a dog sled team. Unless you're top dog - the view never changes. Everyone is making their mission to be in front. And nobody wants to be following some dirty, big cough RV with a sticker that proclaims "Big Dave and Julie - we sleep around!" or semi trailers towing other semi trailers - all with sleazy emissions and a 20mph top speed on the hill.

There were so many opportunities across America to take the Interstate and cop the dog sled team. But Route 66 is the complete opposite. It's winding and undulating, sure. But it's also gentle and kind, softly hugging the mountain foothills, or riding pillion along a sterile stretch of the Interstate, but with a much deeper sense of purpose. You tend to gaze more at the land as you pass through. You drive better. And safer. It's almost spiritual. I never realised how much it speaks to you, as it did along this particular stretch of road. I felt that connection at last. It had taken thousands of miles, but it finally made sense. Don't rush. Just drive.

We hit Seligman at midday. And what a difference a couple of years makes. We were last here in 2016. It was a ghost town back then. Now - it's filled with tourist buses, bikers and road trippers like us. So crowded, that we only stopped for a brief photo and a souvenir shop, before hitting the road for Hackberry General Store, some miles down the road. Hackberry is a favourite stop for us. The owner of the store is generous and very approachable, and always up for a chat. Today however, was another exercise in patience. The volume of hired Mustang convertibles and road bikes was truly excessive. I can't complain too much about the wave of popularity that Route 66 is now enjoying. It's good for business. We managed to stop for a quick photo, obligatory purchase and a restroom break, before heading up and down the hills, descending into Oatman.



Oatman is the coolest place. It's a tiny one road town somewhere in the Arizona Desert. There are impromptu "gunfights" down the main street and a host of hip, earthy stores all vying for your tourist dollar. I bought some unique Coca Cola salt&pepper shakers here in 2015. I broke one and have been waiting for the opportunity to replace it. Which I did. In Seligman. Turns out, they are everywhere. Ho hum.





Oatman is also where wild (or very well trained) burros roam free for a cuddle and a foodie handout. Those dopey donkeys stink - but they are adorable and I love feeding them. Must be the maternal instinct in me. I missed my kids for a brief minute, until common sense prevailed. I threw the food at the animals and went in search of some hand sanitizer. Same as I would at home.



We left Oatman for the last drive of the day to Vegas. Our schedule was now a day ahead and our existing booking for a 1 bedroom corner suite at The Signature Suites was not able to be amended. So we called ahead and took a Junior Suite for the night - not exactly a drop in digs.



The cross into Nevada was marked with a sigh of relief and our 4 day sabbatical in Las Vegas commenced in style.

 

[cjd600]

Loved Oatman....42degC, our black Dodge Charger rental, 1.5yr and 3.5yr daughters, lotsa dust, and burros to feed, 2012.
Really enjoying some memories on this trip down Rt66

 

[drron]

Lots of memories.It is amazing how much there is to see and do.You can always find something worthwhile to do that you didn't know existed.
Not completely with you on the Interstates.They can be very useful when you need to get from Dallas to LAX in your rental car.On I-10 I had the car on cruise control a little/lot above the speed limit.All traffic was basically doing the same speed.So on the flat single file in the left lane.At every hill the cars pulled up and passed as many trucks as had slowed down then downhill everyone back into single file.
But that was many years ago and they are not quite as polite these days.

 

[JohnM]

Awesome TR. Absolutely love your writing style. Keep it coming .

PS. Can I borrow you to go with me to a few of my off-the-grid places to do the writing? You would turn my mundane into the magnificent . (AK47 experience not required ).

 

[clipped_wings]

Awesome TR. Absolutely love your writing style. Keep it coming .

PS. Can I borrow you to go with me to a few of my off-the-grid places to do the writing? You would turn my mundane into the magnificent . (AK47 experience not required ).

You had Mr Clipped at AK47

I do owe my mum a bunch of flowers for my style. She was a 1960's secretary to the CEO of a large firm. Her motto was: "Why use one syllable, when you can use three?"

To everyone here who is enjoying my report, "thank you". My literary bub is now in its third trimester. After Vegas, we cut across the Mojave Desert and manoeuvre those glorious San Bernardino mountains into LA - where we'll have a few days to reflect (which includes smashing out a VIP day at Universal Studios).

I'm hoping my documentary of the last few days are a fitting finale - the 2000 odd photos I am currently sifting through, would certainly indicate LA was an epic Route 66 conclusion.

Stay tuned!

 

[craven morehead]

Jumping on board ....... love a good TR

 

[JohnM]

You had Mr Clipped at AK47

Maybe I neglected to mention that the mandatory, (Chinese) certified AK47 training is on-the-job? You will get a certificate (in Chinese) - if you get out alive - but appropriate DFAT 'reconsider your need to travel' (which is to everywhere ) insurance will at least ensure that your beneficiaries each receive a (rough) photocopy to prove that you undertook the trivial challenge.

PS. - Looking professional is optional - but bring your own duct tape if you want to look truly professional with two AK47 magazines taped together back-to-back . Just think - you could be on CNN - momentarily: one moment alive, shooting randomly into the sky - then dead as you were run over by a bus because you were looking at the sky .

If you want to be able to shoot from the hip - like me - tick the 'folding stock' option box - but get in early as they are in about as high demand and as rare as a QF whY-F UPG for a NB SYD-DFW . I believe they open 353 days ahead - but make sure you fix that on UTC . I hope you have status .

How's that for a job offer?! Have I got you as my writer yet? Pffft- who needs a head-hunter?

 

[cove]

Not sure if you are seeing smoke from the fires in California.. We received an email from the Cove in Marina del Rey telling us to keep our windows closed.
We get to be near the finish line around November 30th and head down to Long Beach for a trade show.
Have enjoyed your TR. Yes a lovely writing style and you have almost convinced me to start doing a photo or two
We did a huge trek across the US in 1984 in a unlimited mileage Hertz rental car which was a Toyota Corolla Seca. That was 12,200 Miles in 30 days and it was a ton of fun.

 

[clipped_wings]

Maybe I neglected to mention that the mandatory, (Chinese) certified AK47 training is on-the-job? You will get a certificate (in Chinese) - if you get out alive - but appropriate DFAT 'reconsider your need to travel' (which is to everywhere ) insurance will at least ensure that your beneficiaries each receive a (rough) photocopy to prove that you undertook the trivial challenge.

PS. - Looking professional is optional - but bring your own duct tape if you want to look truly professional with two AK47 magazines taped together back-to-back . Just think - you could be on CNN - momentarily: one moment alive, shooting randomly into the sky - then dead as you were run over by a bus because you were looking at the sky .

If you want to be able to shoot from the hip - like me - tick the 'folding stock' option box - but get in early as they are in about as high demand and as rare as a QF whY-F UPG for a NB SYD-DFW . I believe they open 353 days ahead - but make sure you fix that on UTC . I hope you have status .

How's that for a job offer?! Have I got you as my writer yet? Pffft- who needs a head-hunter?

Ok, you lost me at "Maybe I neglected to mention....."

 

[tgh]

I agree with everyone else, you write sorta classy like…… keep up the good work

 

[trentusjuventus]

Amazing trip report, couldn't stop reading. Thanks so much for putting in the time to share is such great detail.

 

[clipped_wings]

Not sure if you are seeing smoke from the fires in California.. We received an email from the Cove in Marina del Rey telling us to keep our windows closed.
We get to be near the finish line around November 30th and head down to Long Beach for a trade show.
Have enjoyed your TR. Yes a lovely writing style and you have almost convinced me to start doing a photo or two
We did a huge trek across the US in 1984 in a unlimited mileage Hertz rental car which was a Toyota Corolla Seca. That was 12,200 Miles in 30 days and it was a ton of fun.

Very kind of you to worry. But we are already back in Oz, the fires started in the last week of October, which was when we departed. Oddly enough - there were massive fires at the same last last year when we were in Anaheim. NOT SUSPICIOUS AT ALL.

Anyhoo, my report is still under construction, there are a few more posts and photos still to come. She has been a little delayed because work had the gall to take priority over my waking moments. But I type away each evening, in between devouring the latest Christmas cough mail that is stuffed in my letterbox. I must be the only person who has a JUNK MAIL PLEASE sticker on my mailbox...

 

[BriarFlyer]

Nope, not suspicious at all.

 

[clipped_wings]

Las Vegas
/lotsa party/
noun
plural noun: lasvegas
1. Disneyland for grownups.

---------------------------------------------------------

Ahhh Vegas! Land of the All Day Buffet and Celine Dion. Home to photo-ops with pretty young things in angels wings and gold bikinis, teetering on impossibly high stilettos and gravity defying bosoms (trying desperately to escape their metallic lurex confinement). Soon-to-be home of Britney Spears (meh).

Where else can you walk the streets with a yard glass margarita - and refill it along the way? Or play a round of gold amongst rattlesnakes? (real snakes, not co-players).

I adore Las Vegas. For many reasons (none of which are listed above, so don't go rolling your eyes).

I love driving in to town at dusk and seeing the latest ginormous billboards along the highway - advertising a divorce lawyer, or a plastic surgeon. Or a divorce lawyer who is also a plastic surgeon. I love the familiarity of our hotel - and knowing our way around when we want to wander the streets, sober OR drunk.
Most of all, I love the vibe. It's that low, energetic hum when you open the triple glazed sliding glass doors 33 stories up - and the wave of heat that rises as you gaze out over the Strip. There's an X factor to Vegas that just cannot be quantified. You either love it. Or you loathe it. Luckily for us, there is always a sign convention of some sort going on. So our holiday becomes a junket and we write off the trip as a tax deduction. Am I right? Or am I right?

We pulled into town late afternoon and decided to grab a new suitcase for our ever-growing collection of tacky souvenirs. So we stopped at DD's Discounts in a local shopping centre and bought what we thought was a fairly decent grade large luggage roller bag for AUD$70. The we went "home" - which is the Signature Suites on Harmon, just off the Strip near MGM. Collectively, we've spent around 30 nights in Vegas over the years. So we know our way around well. The Signature ticks all the boxes for our tastes. Non-gaming (don't laugh) non-smoking and very few kids. Private and secure - it sits among landscaped gardens in a gated community of three golden towers that overlook the Strip - or the Valley. We always opt for a Strip view for obvious reasons - tonight's room would be a Junior Suite in Tower 3.



Checking in to the Signature is less manic than most establishments. You arrive off Harmon Ave and sidle up to the elegant security gates - where a friendly chap welcomes you. He confirms your name and advises which tower you are checking in to, before opening the wrought iron welcome mat. Drive a few metres and you are outside your tower and greeted by efficient Valets. There is a reception and concierge in each tower, so you stroll up to the desk almost immediately. One glaring omission is the lack of recognition that you are a returning guest. In comparison, the Intercontinental almost gushes with gratitude, but the Signature - although courteous and professional, will simply process your booking and smile graciously as they outline the floorplan and features of the Hotel. I've left a few reviews under my Tripadvisor alias, but for the purpose of this years stay, I have flown under the radar and not bothered to review it. One might almost assume, that I have failed to recognize it as a returning stay?

So up to the 19th floor for tonight's hospitality. We settled in and figured we'd better pack the myriad of coughpy souvenirs we'd acquired so far. We've always bought from DD's, but was dismayed to see the suitcase handle break the moment we opened it. Too tired to return and refund - we filled it, locked it - then went in search of a cool drink and a hot snack.

We found both in the hotel lobby sports bar. A wall, dedicated to 3 flat screens, all showing a different sport, a bucket of Coronas and some chilli cheese fries. All we needed was a massage function on the leather armchairs and we were set. No such luck. We managed to catch some baseball (Dodgers were in the World Series) before sleep beckoned and we hit the sack.

Next morning we awoke and were greeted by a friendly phone call that advised we could now change rooms. We ducked down to the Miracle Mile for a traditional eggs/bacon breakfast sitting on the "outside" of the inside. (All cafes are inside this mall, but have pretend outdoor seating under a fake blue sky. Totally kitsch and totally fab). Breakfast under our belt, we jogged (wandered slowly) back to the Signature.

For the last few years, we've booked a 1 bedroom corner suite. We were lucky today - they upgraded us to a penthouse on the 33rd floor. My ears popped as we rose in the elevator.
At over 950 square feet - it boasts a massive living area, huge master bedroom, 2 bathrooms, balcony, hot tub, full kitchen (as if I'm going to cook) and 3 TV's - one in the bathroom (laugh now). One of those TV's rises from the desk in the master on command - pretty impressive a few years back, but now more of a lame inclusion. But the master bathroom is heavenly. I could do laps in the spa tub. And I have my own private vanity with a luxurious little pouffe stool and a very strong mirror for old eyes like mine. The spa was filled with a deliciously scented bubble bath concoction. It was just what I needed for a break from the crusty Toyota and Route 66, which were both a distant memory as I sank beneath the sudsy depths.

images 1 and 2 courtesy of the internet - my photo wasn't nearly as nice.












image courtesy of the internet - despite the heat, we never went swimming!


Our first 2 nights in Vegas were incredible. We strolled through so many shops, hotels and totally immersed ourselves in the atmosphere. The days were mild and the nights were clear. I noticed how many families and fiftysomething couples there were this year. All happy and sociable - and instead of ducking drunks and schoolies, we were weaving through a maze of prams and "Just Married" lovebirds wearing very common sense sneakers and toting a takeaway chardy. In direct contrast to previous visits - there was also a distinct lack of hard core salespeople trying to lure us into some seedy show.

The Strip may need to change its name - the well dressed oldies and their sensible sandals are moving in. And there is scarcely a hint of flesh to be seen.

Which, at our age - is a good thing.

 

[kookaburra75]

Ah Vegas - no where does Vegas, like Vegas. When people ask me about comparisons, I say they are none, it's just Vegas. The glitz, shopping, shows, that gorgeous tackiness, ahhh.

But what it also does really well is the service culture. When I took Mrs K there for a couple of nights on a trip a few years ago to the US, we stayed at Paris and had a couple of drinks at the bar while waiting for the room to be ready and chatted to the barman, Noor. The next night when we went down for another drink I said that if he was there he would remember us and what we had to drink - rubbish said Mrs K, he would have served hundreds. As we sat down, Noor came up and just said, same again J & M?

 

[jastel]

Nice report...done half of 66 from LA to Amarillo...bought back memories.

Can I ask why you got a Toyota 4wd rather than a Mustang etc...didn't notice any off roading?

 

[clipped_wings]

Nice report...done half of 66 from LA to Amarillo...bought back memories.

Can I ask why you got a Toyota 4wd rather than a Mustang etc...didn't notice any off roading?

An excellent observation @jastel - and one that deserves an excellent answer. Sadly, I don't have one. Truth of the matter is this: we hired a Mustang convertible in 2015 and drove halfway around America in it, rather uncomfortable for 2 aging groovers. By the time we dropped it off in Vegas, we couldn't stand up straight. Plus, I am on the short side of tall. Actually, I am on the short side of short. So I looked like Dicky Knee in the passenger seat next to my 6'2" husband. I couldn't see over the dashboard - and he looked like he was talking to a hat as we drove along.

"Nuff said.

 

[jastel]

OK...you've done the Mustang thing before...
your husband being a car guy and route 66 thing most people want a Mustang or Corvette for the dream trip.

I had a Mustang (only a V6) for LAX-SFO-LAS part while I had a mate with me.
When he left I got the cheapest thing they had...a Nissan Tiida for $1 a day to drive across to Houston.
Talk about a downsize!

We had dreams of cruising Vegas and the Pacific Coast Highway in the convertible with the top down...reality was it was too cold and a Mustang is exactly at muffler level for all the F Trucks on the freeways...the top went down for a few poser pix around the Grand Canyon then straight back up again.