California/Nevada Trip

Mike and I just got back from a quick road trip that let us spend a couple of days in Nevada, and a few more in California. The main goal was to see Death Valley -which is indescribably beautiful and simply stunning- but as a lover of topography, almost every turn in the road provided me with some new feature to look at as we wound our way through the wide open spaces of the high desert.

 Of course, I took many pictures and am posting a few of them now. I shot this photo of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam from the walkway on the new bridge. We later learned that the water level was down 150 ft. after a scorching summer, as evidenced by the waterline.

The Kelso Dunes in California were lovely, nestled among rugged hills in the Mojave National Preserve. We had the dunes to ourselves, to enjoy with a hot sun, the slightest ruffle of a breeze and the soothing sound of silence


A few brave lizards were to be seen scooting about, but most wildlife knew to stay cool in the many burrows we saw dug into the sand.   

California's Red Rock Canyon was breathtaking, the scale and colour of them a delight to investigate.

Oddly enough, I feel more relaxed in the desert than I do here at home.

 There is endless space to breath in these wide open spaces, not always an easy thing to find in our busy lives.

Again, I can't find the words to describe Death Valley. It is huge, untamed, colourful and endlessly fascinating. Mike and I tend to cover as much ground in a day as we can when away, and we didn't leave enough time to enjoy every stop in the park.  Guess that means we'll have to do it again....

The picture above is Zabriskie Point. I'm going to look up the movie of the same name from years ago and see if the scenery plays a significant part in it.

Artist's Palette is one stop no-one seems to neglect. We spent a lovely hour watching the sun go down and the shadows weaving their evening magic. 

A huge arroyo had carved it's way into  the hills where we stood, and we could imagine how thunderous the water would sound roaring through it in a rain storm.

As daylight neared it's end, we found ourselves in Badwater Basin, a salt flat that covers 200 square miles. It is also the lowest point in the USA at 282 feet below sea level.

I have neglected my blog shamefully, but will return with more trip pics soon. Thanks for stopping by...

Signs, Signs: Route 66

When visiting the American Southwest, we always make sure to fit in another stretch of historic Route 66. It is a treat like no other driving down these old roads that so many before us have taken in search of a better life for their families.

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Springfield, Missouri is recognized as the birthplace of U.S. Route 66, given its name there in 1926. Following the old trails laid out by the early explorers and railroads, this new highway quickly became a popular route for trucks because of its flat, open stretches.  It eventually reached across the country from the coast of California, up to the windy shores of Lake Michigan.

This was a road that offered hope. The Dust Storms of the 1930s forced many families from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas to head west to California in search of agricultural jobs.

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 After World War II, Route 66 came to define a generation looking for adventure and freedom on the open road…businesses flourished along the roadside, eager to profit from this new tourist trade.

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As progress escalated, faster highways began to replace the old roads. Route 66 was deemed irrelevant, and in 1985, was replaced by the new Interstate Highway System

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Many changes were made to the route over the years, with sections altered, discontinued and rerouted; yet it remains today one of the best scenic drives to be found anywhere.

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The stretches that survive

are a wonderful slice

of history.

Diners and gas stations

line the route, reminders

of a time when

 life seemed simpler

and the

future resonated

with hope.

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Time slows down on this gentle

 route, and I never tire of it.

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We’ve covered less than half of the route so far, from California, through Arizona to New Mexico, but eagerly anticipate completing the rest.

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Amarillo, Texas to

Chicago, Illinois

 sounds like a heck

of a road trip,

 don’t you think?

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For more signs from all over the world, drop in to visit Lesley at the link below....

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http://signs2.blogspot.com/

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