Quick report from the road in the form of snapshots and minimal commentary (we'll get wordy when we get back). We changed our plans slightly, opting to fly into LA and follow Route 66 to the Grand Canyon, rather than starting in San Francisco. It meant foregoing the swoop through Sonoma for a wine raid, but we'll make up for that when we hit the Finger Lakes area of New York near the end of our trip.
Starting from LAX, we spent the first few hours of our drive hopping on and off the fragments of old Route 66 wherever we could in an attempt to experience the fading and decaying remnants of the original America's Highway.
We had lunch at the delightfully kitsch Summit Inn, and played with fortune telling "answer machine" which was part of the napkin dispenser. Very like a primitive and purely mechanical version of the Magic Eight Ball, it answered any "yes" or "no" question. Fortified with more calories and grease than any human being should consume, we headed off into the desert.
We had hoped to stay at the legendary Roy's in Amboy, which according to our guidebook was still open, but alas. Roy's closed down to the public several years ago and the rooms were broken open and as dilapidated as the old sign. So we pressed on to Needles for the night. Needles, you might be interested to know is one of the warmest cities in California and it was certainly sizzling when we arrived. Our usual need for wine with dinner shrivelled in the heat, and I don't believe cold Sam Adams has ever tasted so good.
The next day we crossed the Mojave noting these Triffid-like cacti scattered about.
We also noticed this sign. We took a photo, thinking it was interesting, but certainly not expecting to actually see any wild burros.
No more than a quarter of a mile further on we found this lovely little family on the outskirts of Oatman. They may be wild but they were incredibly friendly and unconcerned. As you can see, one of them quite fancied a ride in our car and had to be physically manhandled away from the door!
After this delightful interlude we pressed on to Oatman for a glimpse at the wild west and Clark Gable and Carole Lombard's nuptial chamber. More on that later!
Well, apparently they've never seen a convertible before! :D Deserts freak me out!
Posted by: Manggy | May 19, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Oh my lord, those are the cutest damn burros I've ever seen! God they're funny, fuzzy animals! However, be very glad you have a car to rely on and not one of them, the convertibles are far easier to cajole into going where you want them to :-) Safe travels!
Posted by: ann | May 19, 2008 at 10:40 PM
OH MY GOD! those are absolutely the cutest animals i have ever seen, and i am insanely jealous that you ran into them just like that!
have fun you two!
Posted by: Sophie | May 19, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Thanks for bringing us along on your road trip!
Posted by: Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) | May 19, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Thanks for the insight into your trip so far!!
Posted by: Bellini Valli | May 20, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Fabulous shots! Have fun!
Posted by: Susan from Food Blogga | May 20, 2008 at 08:36 AM
The burros are so sweet and so sociable aren't they? We saw some in South Dakota and they had no qualms about sticking their faces into our car to say hello.
Posted by: giz | May 20, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I am so jealous........love the photos and hearing about the trip so far. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lisa | May 21, 2008 at 08:30 AM
What a great read Ann...& how preicous those cute burros are. Lucky you to have such a great experience...am envious too!!
Posted by: Deeba | May 21, 2008 at 11:42 AM
What a great read Ann...& how precious those cute burros are. Lucky you to have such a great experience...am envious too!!
Posted by: Deeba | May 21, 2008 at 11:43 AM
This is sooo awesome. Have fun! :-)
Posted by: Zenchef | May 21, 2008 at 11:51 PM
great shots!! have fun both of you and take care!!
Posted by: dhanggit | May 22, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Road Trip. How fun for you! Years ago I bought a motorhome and took a summer road trip to Alaska. Most. Fun. Ever.
Happy Trails! Love to see more road pics...
Posted by: Lori Lynn @ Taste With The Eyes | May 22, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Great pics!!! and what cute burros!
Posted by: Ruth E | May 22, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Hope you have a great time - thanks for sharing the photos!
Posted by: annechovie | May 22, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Sounds like it's going to be a wonderful summary when you get back -- in the meantime, thanks for sharing the photos -- the burros are so damn cute. It isn't often you have a live critter wanting to be a souvenier!
Posted by: Marla | May 22, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Oh my lord, those are the cutest damn burros I've ever seen! God they're funny, fuzzy animals! However, be very glad you have a car to rely on and not one of them, the convertibles are far easier to cajole into going where you want them to :-) Safe travels!
Posted by: Experience the Big Apple | September 19, 2010 at 07:30 PM