Finally getting off the freeways

Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Barstow, California, United States
The plane trip was fine. We arrived in LA on time at 6.30 am (before we left Bundaberg - and same day!). Luggage arrived OK; found the shuttle to National car hire; and hit the road about 7.45am!

Bryan did well driving the freeways - I was a nervous wreck . It was still very misty, so not good views of the mountains - but would get an odd glimpse of the San Gabriels looming close. The river was dry. The road through the pass was interesting - great views at times, lots of roadworks. There is an horrific drought here in California. It was great to turn off the freeway into Victorville - and along the old Route 66 to our motel in Barstow. Just outside Victorville, we passed Jean's Holland Burger Cafe, home of the Brian Burger; but we were still too full from all the food on the Qantas flight to even look at food. [In fact we finished breakfast before 6am on the plane and then didn't eat a thing until after 4pm!] I'm running out of time to write this - I'll have to come back and edit it after I publish. Cos it's already the end of our second day.)

The National Old Trails Road (was also Route 66) runs parallel to the railway between Victorville and Barstow because it utilized wagon routes that were used during construction of the railroad . This 35 mile stretch of road is very much as it was in 1926. Some of the scenery is probably the same as when only the Indians inhabited the area. However, when the freeways were completed (I-15 and I -40), this once busy highway was bypassed and lots of businesses went bust.

After checking in at the motel (and having a shower), we drove out to "Calico Ghost Town", but decided we were too tired for a guided tour (saved ourselves US$8 each) and just did a drive by. Calico started in the largest silver strike in California back in the 1880s.

Back in Barstow, we parked in the Old Town and wandered around looking at the murals. What a great idea. Soaked up some history at our own pace. Amazing how close to town the desert is - "just over the back fence". Bryan spotted a pub of course - Mollies, and right next door to the California Inn. Had a beer there and listened to some great music. But it was too loud (we were a bit tired and shagged out!). So over the road to "Di Napoli's Firehouse" Italian restaurant for a delicious pizza and another beer.

Hit the hay at 5.30 and got up next morning about 6.00. We were tired.
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Comments

Greg Hills
2015-05-14

I can see we will have to do the west end of Route 66 again because we missed this stretch in 2011.

Elaine Grange
2015-05-14

Looks like you have got off to a good start - love your travel log already - enjoyxx

2025-02-17

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