Route 66 – 2017/2018:
December 17 to December 23
This week we are in Carlsbad, CA. The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort is right on the beach in a quaint little town south of L.A. Day 1 was spent relaxing around the resort but the second day we went back and finished Route 66. That was a 12 hour day in the car. It took 5 hours to drive from the east side of LA ( San Bernardino) to the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, a distance of about 80 miles. Then, after a couple hours on the Santa Monica Pier, the traffic was insane. 5 lanes across, 70 MPH speed limit but 2 hours at 5 MPH!
On the 21st we went to Balboa Park in San Diego. There we saw one of the most beautiful rose gardens we have ever seen.
Click on the photo for each day to view that day's photos.
Day 64 - dec. 17, 2017
After two days on the road we took it easy today. Just a few shots around our home for the next week.
Carlsbad Inn, Carlsbad, CA
Day 65 - dec. 18, 2017
This was a 12 hour day in the car. We decided it was time to finish Route 66. First we drove back to San Bernardino to get back to where we left the old road. Then it took 5 hours to drive from the east side of LA ( San Bernardino) to the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, a distance of about 80 miles. Then, after a couple hours on the Santa Monica Pier, the traffic was insane. 5 lanes across, 70 MPH speed limit but 2 hours at 5 MPH!
While on the pier we rode the Ferris Wheel and got a few sunset shots from the top.
Santa Monica Pier
Day 66 - Dec. 19, 2017
Another quiet day. Just a few shots and then some fun with some after dark shots.
Carlsbad, CA
Day 67- Dec. 20, 2017
Today we decided to take a run up the coast to some of the upscale villages to the north. Dana Point marina was interesting. So many boats/yachts it is hard to believe. There were a few Sea Lions on the docks. Also a beautiful, 1953 Cadillac convertible.
Next Laguna Beach, then Newport Beach where we went out to Balboa Island. A quaint main street and multi million dollar homes. The dollar store there has a sign that reads "Everything $18 or Less"! Next up, Huntington Beach and the pier before heading back home.
Southern California Beaches
Day 68 - dec. 21, 2017
A day trip to San Diego today was quite interesting. We went to Balboa Park which was the site of an international exposition in 1915. Most of the buildings were built as temporary structures so they had to be re-constructed, which was done in the 1970's.
First stop....a rose garden. We have never seen so many roses. Or roses so large as this. Amazing!
Then a walking trip through the beautiful park and buildings. We walked up the California Tower which holds the Museum of Man.
We also watched some of the street performers, a couple of which were creating huge bubbles and the kids were having a blast chasing them and bursting them.
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Day 69 - DEc. 22, 2017
Our last day at the ocean. we just took it easy most of the day, then went to the beach for a last sunset watch. A few shore birds, a sand castle, sunset, then a last few shots at the resort.
Carlsbad Inn, Carlsbad, CA
Day 70 - dec. 23, 2017
Moving day once again. From Carlsbad to Ridgecrest, California. Not far so we arrived early and then headed out for a drive. We found a "ghost" town (Randsburg) that really isn't. An old mining town with no mine. There are people living there in really old homes but they have a great spirit and were celebrating the season. There is even an art gallery with a painter and a photographer who taught me a few tricks I will have to try one day.
Anyway, a few beautiful old cars (an incredible 1949 Olds) in Oceanside, some old buildings, some lovely countryside and an amazing sunset.
Randsburg, CA