Back to LA

When we were in LA a few weeks ago driving California’s section of Route 66, we had a chance to visit with John, an old cruising friend. He’s still living aboard ‘Active Transport’ in Marina del Rey. During lunch, John mentioned he had two extra tickets to Gustavo Dudamel’s farewell concert with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and they were ours if we wanted them. What an opportunity! We didn’t even consult each other. Without a second of hesitation, we both said‘Yes’. We’ve never seen Dudamel conduct, never heard the LA Philharmonic orchestra play and never been inside of the Hollywood Bowl… a trifecta of firsts!

When planning our return trip to Los Angeles, I decided to check out what else we might see while ww were there. John gave us lots of suggestions. The list of freebies and budget-priced attractions was long and very appealing. I narrowed it down to about a dozen options, then sat down with David to pare down the list to a reasonable schedule. We wanted to see as much as possible without over-scheduling and getting exhausted in the process. In the end we agreed upon a couple of museums, maybe a carousel ride at the Santa Monica Pier (because it was closed last time), the concert and perhaps tickets to a  Jimmy Kimmel Live show where it’s filmed in LA.

Our Ioniq 5 EV, David and I were all charged up when we left Las Vegas early Monday morning. It’s about 5+ hour road trip and there were a couple of detours we wanted to make along the way. We stopped in Baker for a pit stop and leg stretch. The world’s largest (and tallest) thermometer was registering 99F (37.22C).

World’s Largest Thermometer in Baker, CA was registered 99F!

We charged up the EV in Barstow while having a mid-morning snack and then headed to Victorville and the Route 66 Museum. It was closed the last time we passed through. It’s small, but packed with Route 66 memorabilia. We were warmly welcomed at the door and invited to step into the Love Bug for a photo opp.

Route 66 Museum in Victorville, CA

Peace and Love on Route 66

Last time we left Victorville, we got onto I-15/US-66 and headed directly to the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, not realizing that US-66 diverts onto Cajon  Boulevard a few miles after the Cajon Summit. This time, we found Cajon Blvd and followed it into San Bernardino crossing our track on Highland Avenue from our last trip. Finally, California US-66 done and done.

This time we found Cajon Boulevard

There was no doubt we were on Route 66!

We’d made reservations at a Ramada Inn in downtown LA on Wilshire Boulevard for three nights and found it easily. Though the hotel is a bit ‘tired’, it was economical,  offered free covered parking and our room was spacious, clean and comfortable… AND daily housekeeping without asking! Haven’t seen that amenity since before the pandemic.

We’ve got three days to do some exploring with the concert scheduled for Thursday night. We’re psyched! Join us virtually to explore some new places or revisit ones you’ve been to before.