Day 15: Home again

Well, our journey has come full circle. Fifteen days and 4,200 miles later, we’re back where we started, in the beautiful state of Kansas. Yes, Kansas, has a beauty as awesome as any other. As we drove northeast through the Gypsum Hills and Flinthills, we all agreed that those who choose to “flyover” rather than drive through our state are missing a portion of natural beauty unlike any other in the U.S.

When we set out on the road together each of us had something she hoped to gain: one was searching for inspiration, another wanted to find herself, and another of us just wanted to have fun. I think in the end, we accomplished all three. As with any worthwhile journey, though, looking back will continue to reveal what we’ve learned and how we’ve changed.

Day 14: Take It Easy

Having reached the end of the Mother Road, we’re now working our way back home as all good Kansas girls are wont to do. However, clicking our heels together wasn’t an option for us as we have a rental car that needs to be returned in Lawrence, KS. And so, our adventure continues.

 Last night we lodged at La Posada Hotel, Winslow, Arizona.

This charming, historic hotel, originally a Harvey House, was visited in the 1930’s by Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John Wayne, and Betty Grable among other celebrities. To read more about the history of this fascinating hotel, go to laposada.org.   

Of course, a visit to Winslow isn’t complete unless you stand on the corner. 
What’s this? Oh my Lord, there was a flatbed Ford...

As we drove out of town with the Eagles’ signature song blaring on our car radio, we decided that Glenn Frey was probably right: “We may lose and we may win, but we [may] never be here again,”so we will just take it easy on our way back to Kansas. 

      

Day 12: Kicking back in California

We travelled halfway across the U.S. in ten days, getting our kicks along the way. Now, in California we’re kicking back and enjoying the easy rhythm of life on the west coast. Here’s a view of the ocean from the patio at the lovely Redondo Beach home where we’re staying. We sat out here and sipped coffee in the morning as we journaled, blogged, and chatted with our hosts.

Yesterday, I drove down to Laguna Beach to meet Judi Gigliotti Schoolcraft for lunch, a friend I hadn’t seen for 42 years. Yes, we had a lot of catching up to do. Here we are after a delightful lunch at The Deck in Laguna Beach.

 It was on another road trip in 1977 when I last saw Judi. Five friends and I had rented a Winnebago and drove from St. Louis to San Diego to see Judi and her then seven-year-old son, Shawn.

 Meanwhile, Cathay and Cheryl walked down to Redondo Beach just minutes away from the our rental where they spent a leisurely afternoon in the sun.

Shane has been escort, photographer, and entertainer for the three of us during our time in LA. He drove us through Hollywood, took our pictures under the “Hollywood” sign, and introduced us to two wonderful restaurants, El Compadre’s and Pikey’s. Last night we ended our evening back at his house where he picked out a couple of tunes on his guitar and sang for us.

Day 12 End of the road

Yes 😄😁😀, we made it!  Most people taking pictures at the famous landmark had not been on Route 66.  We were the true troopers!  Actually, the original ending for 66 in 1926 was at 7th and Broadway in downtown LA.  In 1936, the ending was moved to the intersection of Olympic and Lincoln Boulevards to accommodate a movie.  Finally, in 2009 the Route 66 Association decided this intersection was anticlimactic for travelers on the road and mounted the "End of the Trail" sign at Santa Monica Pier.

We are thinking on the way back Destiny may need a little help at De Soto's Salon in Ash Fork, Arizona.

Day 12 Another way to get your "kicks"

One of the most fascinating "kicks" on Route 66 has been the murals found in almost every town along the way.  At first we were very intent on finding them, shouting loudly "Oh there's another mural pull over."  That eventually became "Oh there's another mural, anyone want to stop?"  Which eventually became "Oh please not another mural!"  Anyway, here are a few of my favorites:

Day 11: Eating on the road

Eating on the road can be tricky, anywhere from interestingly bad to enticingly delicious. We find ourselves wondering "Now why was this place recommended?" or "Wow, this place is truly a hidden treasure."  When it's the former, things can go from bad to worse if you know what I mean😀.   Although one of us did have an after dinner extravaganza with the incredible ice cream baked potato treat at the Cowgirl Bar B Que in Santa Fe.
Here are a few pics just to give you a taste!

Day 11: The Great Escape

As expected one of us broke a few of the rules but fortunately made a run for it before the others could catch her!