Loooong day of driving today – at least 355 miles. Across desert (the Mojave). And not much else. But I had psyched myself for it and took as many stops as I needed so it was all good. But boy was I glad to get out of the car!
Here are some random photos from the trip today:
One of several rest stops I stopped at. The landscape during the drive was absolutely stunning and I wish I could’ve taken photos while I was driving. But, this will have to do …
Arrived at the Hampton Inn. Unlike the Doubletree, I was recognized as being a Hilton Diamond Member (thanks to my cousin Beanie) and was able to choose my free snacks (could I choose more than one? Sure, what would you like?) So I got pistachios, Lorna Doones and some water. The Hampton here in Barstow is right next to a Tanger Outlet so I thought it would be ‘safe.’ There are a lot of restaurants around here too so I got an impossible burger and some onion rings from The Habit Burger place. Both really good, although admittedly not particularly healthy.
Filled up the gas tank at a price of (ouch) 6.90-ish (I use 89, not regular unleaded). I should have filled up in AZ! BUT – at one point I was getting almost 50 MPG. Ended up around 43 but that’s still pretty darn good!
I splurged on a King Suite because it was only $20 more than a regular room but something happened with the processing of my credit card so as a token of good will the girl at the front desk gave me the room for half off. Bonus!
I also said my room didn’t have an ice bucket so, she gave me a pitcher! LOL
And here’s my view:
It’s dusty and windy here, and oddly the desert smells ‘different.’ I guess it smells like sand and dirt. Kind of a sweet smell that I haven’t smelled in a long time.
Very grateful that I drove here today as opposed to yesterday because when I got to Flagstaff yesterday I was checking out Route 40 (which is what I took) and there were several road closures due to accidents. And that also made me decide to leave earlier rather than later this morning, especially because I had a time change from Albuquerque to Flagstaff so I woke up extra early. So, all worked out okay.
Tomorrow will be a shorter drive to Santa Barbara and I’ll be having dinner at a friend’s house so that will be nice. And then, finally, Carmel!
Talk soon!