17th Day - Heading North

Temperature topped out at 63F today. Saw some rain during Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
It again was a beautiful drive through the Mountains. I am amazed at just how beautiful this country is. Seems every Mountain Range has something different to offer in the beauty category.
I am off to see the Sequoias tomorrow, weather permitting. I can't wait.
Night!
The Traveller

Pyramid Lake

Man made Lake located south of Hungry Valley California on Route 5. It is part of the California State Water Project.

Famous Television Setting

Kath this is for you. I am sure you can identify the TV show.

What's Up Doc

This picture taken inside Warner Brothers Studio Complex! One of my favorite cartoon characters.

16th Day - California or busts!!!

I did it, reached California today at 9:20 PCT. The total mileage to California was 4217 miles via my route. That is an average of 274 miles/day. This is based on 15 plus days. By the way speed limit in California is 70 MPH.
The temperature today was 68F. I have a feeling that temperatures will head south as I head north.
I was amazed at how little troubles I had with the traffic coming into LA. I did arrive at my destination at 2:15PM and maybe that was part of the reason. I do believe they have done there homework on traffic management though.
Hollywood Boulevard was pretty easy to get to by the Metro. Once there I had to do a lot of walking though.
Bro I wanted to add I now know where Stone Sour got its Title for the tune ZZYZX Rd which rhymes with Isaacs. I drove by this road near the town of Baker California. Doc Springer named this road. You should research this. It is kind of comical.
It is Night Night time!
The Traveller

Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame

I believe everyone remembers this guy.
Located in Hollywood California, the first 8 stars were dedicated in 1958. There are over 2000 of these stars today.

Mormons Rock in Cajon Pass

Named after the Mormon settlers who passed through this area on their way from Salt Lake City to Southern California.
I think it should have been named Sponges Rock.

San Bernardino Mountains near Cajon Pass

Cajon (ke hoon) Pass is between San Bernardino Mts. and San Gabriel Mts. in Southern California. I stopped to get gas in this area and the winds were so strong I could hardly open the door. Winds that pass through here can top 80 MPHs.

15th Day - A Bit Hectic

The temperature rose above 80 for the first time. It is really dry here and one must drink a lot of fluids. I also think that I have not quite shaken my cold as yet either.
Driving around the Hoover Dam and also on "The Strip" in Vegas was testy at times. If one likes a lot of people this is the place to be.
There certainly is a lot going on in Vegas no matter what time of day it is. I probably don't need to tell the girls that!
No new word today but there are some questions posed in the pictures I posted.
Off to LA!
The Traveller

New York New York Hotel and Casino

My Hotel!

Harley - 1939 U Flathead

This one is for papa steve. There was a Harley shop next to the casino in the hotel. The workers there really did not know much about this Harley, maybe papa steve could share some insight?

The beginning of the Colorado River

As one can see there is a lot of construction going on around the Dam. The span in the background is for the bridge that will allow traffic between the two states of Arizona and Nevada. According to one of the workers it should be completed by the end of the this year.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead was formed as a result of the Dam. Was the Dam always called Hoover? Lake Mead is now the water supply for the Colorado River.
Also can anyone tell me why the mountains around the lake are white part of the way up?

Hoover Dam

This picture was taken from the Nevada side. Bros if you look up on the bank to the right in the background, I think that is where we parked the car to walk down and see the Dam in 1971. Does that seem right?

14th Day - Busy with the Travel and Attractions

There was frost on the pumpkins this morning. The temperature did top out at 68F today, however. I have had real good weather for this time of the year.
I am now over 4000 miles for the trip. My average of 250-300 miles a day is working out so far. I just hope my back can keep it up.
Travelled the Desert View Drive of the Grand Canyon today. One travels east of the Visitor Center for this. I finally was able to see the Colorado River as a result of this drive. I then drove to the West Rim where the Skywalk is (170 or so miles). The drive to the Skywalk was something else. It is a 45 minute drive from Route 93 with a lot of the roads more suitable for cattle then cars. There is about a 8-10 mile stretch that is dirt road.
This leads us to the word today esplanade. Many of the NJ people might know this already.
If Shrak2 would identify themselves I would appreciate it. I am at a lost on who you are.
It is getting about the time.
The Traveller

Hoover Dam

This is a lot more congested when I saw it the last time.

Skywalk - Grand Canyon West Rim

This shows just how far the drop off is under the Skywalk.
Although the road there questioned my sanity, I did enjoy walking on the Skywalk. I had a picture taken by one of the photographers there as they will not allow you to take your own camera on it.

Skywalk - Grand Canyon West Rim

This one is for Carol. She would have had such a good time on this.

Sante Fe Locomotive #3759

This picture was taken in KIngman, Arizona. The locomotive was built in 1928 in Pennsylvania as a coal burning steam locomotive which ran at a top speed of 60 MPH. It was converted to oil fuel in 1941 and ran for the last time in 1953.
The locomotive was presented to City of Kingman in 1957.
Just a side note, the citizens of Kingman supposedly used ropes to pull the locomotive 30 feet to allow for the red caboose on the track in 1987.

Grand Canyon South Rim - Lipan Point

One can see the meandering Colorado River. Center Left in picture!

13th Day - Simple Awesome

Stayed in Tusayan for the night. It is only 6 miles from the Park. It prevented me from travelling back and forth on Route 64. I can only describe this Park as the best ever. I am blown away. It was 63F when I woke up this AM but quickly dropped to 47F on the road to Flagstaff Route 17.
I am feeling a bit better in part to the wonder of Grand Canyon.
I am back to the Canyon to the AM tomorrow as I will head East on Route 64.
Signing off!
The Traveller

Grand Canyon - South Rim betwen Mather and Yavapai Point

I will just let one enjoy the scenery!

Grand Canyon - South Rim near Mather Point

I still have not taken in all the beauty of this place. It is amazing that a river could do all this. Simply amazing!

Sante Fe Caboose

This picture was taken in Williams Arizona. I believe this is part of a group of Cabooses and Pullman cars that where built in the 1920s. They are being used as a Bed and Breakfasts now.

Wild Deer outside Grand Canyon Visitor Center on South Rim

They don't seem so wild though!

San Francisco Peaks

This picture was taken from Route 17 heading North to Flagstaff. Now those are some big mountains!

12th Day - Real trying day

I had a pretty rough day today. Cold does not seem to be getting any better. It is not going to dampen my spirits though as the Grand Canyon is next on my agenda as Vern did not want for me to see him with my cold and all. I am camped out between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Temperature in Phoenix made 75F today but the wind was gusting though.
I had to give up my Camry as it needed an oil change. I now am driving a smaller vehicle. Could barely put all my stuff in it.
I am going to try and give everyone a new word for the day. The word for today is rhyolite and bro give others a chance, ha ha!
I am going to bed as I need extra sleep.
The Traveller

Chiricahua National Monument

Massai Point. This one is for Bec.

Chiricahua National Monument

Organ Pipe Formation. Chiricahua (cheer-a-cow-uh) is obviously an Indian name. I believe some Apaches camped out here.

11th Day - Made it to Arizona barely.

While driving through New Mexico noticed many Police and Border Patrol people. I am doing very well with the speed limit though. New Mexico and Arizona speed limit is 75 MPH which makes it easier to obey. I also wanted to add that the Octane of regular gasoline is 86 not 87 like at home. I am thinking that is why gasoline is less expensive down here. The lowest price so far on my trip is 2.59 a gallon. Route 10 between Lordsburg and the Arizona border is like driving over an old washboard. Seems it is built over a gypsum lake bed which makes the base soft and with the heat and trucks cause the washboard effect.
Temperature topped out at 72F today. It again was sunny. I have had mostly good weather on the trip. I am not a big fan of 90 as you well know.
There are roadside signs that warn of Dust storms in certain areas. I did witness one off the side of the road in New Mexico. It looked like a very small tornado.
I am off to see Vern tomorrow.
Mike let me know when map is ready.
Signing off!
The Traveller

Steins Peak on New Mexico/Arizona border

I know I am posting a lot of Mountain pictures but they are very inspiring to me. This mountain and the town was named after an Army Captain Stein. The town was once a thriving railroad station town. There is so much history, I can't take it all in.

Warning sign at Rest Stop Area

Elizabeth this one is for you. Let me know what this means?

La Mesilla Village in Las Cruces

This was a quaint little village. These are a couple of the adobe buildings that surround La Mesilla Plaza. Bro any historical importance happen in La Mesilla Plaza?

Plateau

Kudos for Debbie!

10th Day - Travel, Travel, and more travel

I met my goal on getting to New Mexico. Over 3000 miles and still no California.
I want to thank all those who have made comments. I feel like all of you are with me when comments are made so keep them coming.
The time difference is now 2 hours. I keep adding hours but not sure that is such a good thing though.
The temperature did a u-turn today. It did get to 70F early in the day but dropped to 63 quickly when the elevation rose.
I am going to do some resting up tomorrow, at least in the morning.
Signing off!
The Traveller

White Sands National Monument off Route 70 in New Mexico

One drives their car on a paved road for about 5 miles until the road becomes all white sand. The white sand road continues for about another 3 miles. The road has areas on the side of the road where you can park the car and go exploring.
The white sand is actually gypsum left behind when the surrounding water bodies evaporate. Don't tell anyone but someones might get surprised when their papa returns.

Suburbia El Paso

By the way this was taken from Scenic Drive that winds around North Franklin Mountains. North Franklin Mountains are the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains of which I hope to see more of later in my trip.

Davis Mountains near Kent, Texas

One can see that it was hazy today but they were beautiful just the same. I think the highest peak rises to over 8000 feet.

Western Texas on Route 10 near Sheffield

Anyone know what this is called?

9th Day - Texas is one Big State

It was another beautiful day. Temperature did not quite make the 80F mark as predicted but 79F isn't bad. Bro has not mentioned the temperature at home the last few days.
I am loving the 80 MPH speed limit in Western Texas. This will add to my plan on reaching New Mexico tomorrow. Not sure why the highway alternates between tar and stone and then concrete but there sure is a lot of rubber from blown tires along and in the road though.
Am enjoying the trip and the log keeps be busy in the evening. I have Mike to thank for that. I know there is still along way to go but there are still many things to see and do.
Two time zones by the next entry.
Night everyone!
The Traveller

Mountains of Limestone near Junction, Texas

Western Texas along Route 10 is really pretty.

San Antonio Riverwalk

This was a very refreshing walk along the San Antonio River.

The Long Barracks

I believe this wall is middle center of the model just to the left of Chapel. This is where the soldiers and rifles were housed.

Chapel

This is the building that is located in the upper right of the model. The building was used for housing and some ammunition.

Model of the Alamo prior to the Battle in 1836

Up direction = EAST

Left/right <--NORTH SOUTH-->

Dn direction = WEST

The only part of the Alamo that exists today is in the East. See the next picture that shows what is left.

Natural Bridge Caverns near Schertz, Texas

Does anyone remember which ones are stalactites and which ones are stalagmites?
The cavern went down under the ground 180 feet. It is always 70F and close to 100% humidity.
Other than being a little slippery in spots, the journey down was quite easy. I can't say it was easy for me on the way up (pant pant), however.

8th Day - Austin and warmest to date 77F

I can bet that today the temperature here was warmer than back home. It was just beautiful.
Bro you stole some of my thunder when you mentioned that Sam Houston voted not to secede from the Union prior to the Civil War. The guide mentioned it during the tour.
He was Governor of Texas at the time and had to resign. That is true conviction.
Cavern and the Alamo tomorrow.
Night everyone!
The Traveller

Texas Capitol Dome - Interior

I was standing on the star in the middle of the room when I took this picture. Notice that it is centered and spells out the state of Texas.

Studio 6A ACL Tapings

Bro this one is for you. We have Lauren (I hope this is the correct spelling) to thank for this. She truly is a sweetheart.
I had a chance to buy some ACL T-shirts and was in such a hurry to get back to the car (2 hour limit). I remembered this after an hour on the road. Darn!

The University of Texas Tower

The Tower is located in the center of the campus. There are tours but they take place on the weekends only. I need better timing.
The Tower also has historical significance. May it never happen again.

Texas Capitol

I went on the tour of the Texas Capitol Building. As one can see it is based on the Capitol Building in DC in design. The tour guide said it is taller (by 14 feet) than the DC Capitol. This goes along with Texas motto "Everything is bigger in Texas".
Limestone was used for the basement and foundation, the remaining construction used pink granite.

7th Day - Lone Star State Day

It was 41F and very windy this morning. By the end of the day it warmed up to 63F and the sun did show itself.
As I was travelling on Route 10 near Port Arthur I saw a mileage sign that says 897 miles to El Paso. I am going to be in the Lone Star State awhile. I am over 2100 miles for the trip.
Went to Johnson Space Center Museum and the Beach where I added shells to the collection.
It was good talking with everyone today.
Signing off now!
The Traveller

Colorado River in Smithville, Texas

Hopefully I will be taken more pictures of this river later in the trip.
I want to add that Smithville is where the Movie "Hope Floats" was filmed.

Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry

I took this picture from the Ferry that went from Port Bolivar to Galveston. This Ferry runs 24 hours a day/7 days a week at approximately 20 minute intervals. The guard told me it can carry up to 60 cars.

Crenshaw Elementary and Middle School in Port Bolivar, Texas

This school was opened in 2005 and now educates students Kindergarten through 9th grade. This school is right on the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston and because of threats of Hurricanes must be built off the ground.

Can anyone guess what state I am in from the picture?

6th Day - Good Weather, Good Food, Good Everything in NOLA

I apologize for all the pictures posted but I wanted everyone to see how impressive the French Quarter (Vieux Carre) of New Orleans was. I saw it both day and night with day winning out. I might add that there was very little water in this area after Katrina. This is part of New Orleans that is actually above sea level as the Mississippi flows to its South.
Weather temperature topped out at 70F today! Had a great meal! Just Another great day!
I am heading for Texas tomorrow. Go Longhorns!

Royal Street in NOLA French Quarters

This photo just shows how narrow the streets are. Basically enough room for one auto
and sidewalks on each side.

Antoine's Restaurant in NOLA French Quarters

The food was marvelous at Antoine's. I had Shrimp soup and Shrimp Creole and Chocolate Mousse for dessert. The restaurant was opened in 1840 but not at this location, just one block from here. It is like eating with the ghosts of the rich and famous. Pope John II, FDR, JFK, General Patton, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and many actors and actresses.
The best part of course is the meal but they also give you an autographed menu from the Chef and other odds and ends. It is a very classy place.

Jazz Band in Jackson Square NOLA French Quarters

They really sounded good! I find it astounding the way their face contorts when playing these brass instruments.

St Louis Cathedral in NOLA French Quarters

Weddings are held here but only the weekends. There was a wedding going on when I tried to get inside. They post guards at the door so that no one can enter during the proceedings. It really is a beautiful Cathedral.

Toe and Heel Tapping in NOLA

Maybe this is where Toe Tapping got its start? Notice the Taps on their shoes.