Who Needs Route 66?!

For many years, I have wanted to travel Route 66 throughout the United States. I have been fortunate enough to travel portions of it and it is extremely beautiful. However, today as we were leaving Banning, California on the I-10 and entered Arizona, we discovered a new highway, with a wonderful speed limit of 75 M.P.H. Before I got married and became a Burich, I always knew my initials were rather appropriate Michelle Pamela Hood (MPH). What a treat it was to press the accelerator to new limits (well at least legally). Who needs Route 66 when you have the I-10 in the Mojave Desert!

Our day started on the East side of California with a drive through some beautiful rolling hills which was home to another windmill farm. And we thought yesterday's windmill farm was large, but apparently it was more the size of a hobby farm in comparison to the orchard-like ranch we saw with row upon row of the amazing structures. The area we saw today had 1,000's of white gleaming turbines which seemed to go on forever. Suddenly there were no more windmills, and we entered the famous Mojave Desert.

The sand and sage brush took over the landscape which evolved many times with various types of vegetation. I don't think they need to worry about invasive species there Emily, as not too much of anything grows there.The cacti was extremely varied as we drove through parts of California, Arizona and into New Mexico. By the way, we drove another nine hours today and covered over 900 kilometres.

Arizona is a State that I have always wanted to see. Well, I have been here before, but only to do the OJ through the airport on a few occasions with Steve Millen while we were with ADT, but I don't think that really counts. The terrain is mostly desert, but varies in coarseness and turns to large boulders and changes colours as you travel throughout the vast region. The cacti were fabulous (about the only thing I can grow), and they take many shapes with various varieties as they dot the landscape.

Some of the geographic features that surround the desert seemed to be from out of this world in shape and size. It was also a bit strange to see to towering mountains with no snow. Things that make you go hmmm!

An interesting new aspect in engineering is also taking place across the desert. When you think of overpasses across the highway, you automatically think of the cement monstrosities we usually see. However, Arizona has started to make them into works of art; usually honouring the historic significance of the area you are passing through. They were very nice to see and we marvelled at the artistic design and dedication to detail taken with each new overpass. Sorry, we did not get any pictures of these marvels, but I was driving today.

Something that really stood out to us today was the smog that greeted us as we made our descent into the Phoenix area. The smog above the city was so thick, we thought we were back in LA.

As we continued on the I-10 just south of Phoenix, we noticed quite a few digital signs which read "879 deaths on Arizona Highways last year. Today, one death is too many." The irony however, is that many travel centres/gas stations along the highway serve beer on tap right in the convenience store. Gee, correlation with the number of deaths. It reminds me of a drive-through Daiquiri Bar I saw in New Orleans once, another area where drunk driving related deaths are high. Sometimes it just makes you wonder what people are thinking!

Along our entire journey so far, we have frequented many rest stops on the highways. The United States really know how to do this right. Today's tip is for those of you travelling with your four legged family members, or the rest of your family for that matter. Be sure to stop at these wonderfully designed rest stops and stretch your legs, and let Fido or Fluffy do their business which will make the trip more enjoyable for all; even with a flatulent Doberman...right Molly?!

The stops are kept well supplied with plastic bags to dispose of their business and the restrooms are kept very clean. Some of the new stops are including a fenced dog area where you can let the four legged family members stretch their legs and burn off some energy. You also have the opportunity to purchase water, soft drinks or snacks for the road ahead.

We have settled into our hotel room for the evening, and we are enjoying a glass of wine from the Napa Valley which seemed to find its way into our suitcases. Until tomorrow, we will return to the path to Roatan! Good night all.