Day 16 - The Final State
- Paul Mullan
- Oct 5, 2017
- 2 min read
No doubt Las Vegas will bounce back but we couldn't help but fell a tinge of sadness for the people of the desert city as they begin coming to terms with the events of the past 24 hours.
The almost straight run down the i15 led to a junction with old R66 and that's where we found the 1950's diner Peggy Sues.
Time for a quick look and then it was back on the road.
USA's military might is evident just across the street at the Yermo base. Further on, we move back to the i40 as another base is now positioned right over the old road.
Through Barstow we sweep away from the replacement highway and stop at a bottle store.
Not the kind you'll find a good Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc but plenty of empties... painstakingly placed on all kinds of metal stands in one of the most bizarre Route 66 'attractions' to be found!
In Victorville the California Museum was closed but a photo op outside confirms we called by before stopping for another special Californian feature, the 'In N Out Burger'.
That was lunch for Tuesday and then we drove to Big Bear Lake via the Lucerne Valley and up the winding road to this summer and winter playground.
Our friends Carol and Jerry Van Tine and their various neighbours including KC and Larry Huffman whom Robyn and Paul first met back in 2011, welcomed us in the way only real locals can.
It was a taste of ordinary America and we were privileged to be let into their space. To top it off, Carol's Peanut Brittle and Jerry's special Root Beer Floats hit the spot!
With the main road down the mountain to San Bernardino closed we descended the alternate route on the west side of the mountain through some spectacular roads and scenery to Redlands and on to our resting place at Riverside.
The Mission Inn is just off Route 66 but is a special place to visit and stay. It's a great way to celebrate the end of the road, coming up tomorrow.
